For Patients

The Medical Staff
The physician who admits you directs your care while you are a patient in the hospital. If your doctor does not admit patients to this facility or prefers to use the services of a “hospitalist” physician, we will assign a physician to direct your care. You should consult your physician, as the coordinator for your treatment program, if you have questions about your medical care.

The Nursing Staff
A team of professional registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants provide your in-hospital nursing care, 24-hours a day. A nurse manager directs and coordinates nursing care on each unit. Please speak to your nurse or the nurse manager if you have questions or concerns. 

Protecting Your Privacy
Any personal information about your diagnosis and treatment must come from your physician; and this information is only available to members of your immediate family or others whom you designate to receive it. [For more information see: Privacy Statement

What to bring to the hospital
  Gown or pajamas
  Robe
  Bedroom slippers
  Toilet items
  Eyeglasses
  Container for dentures
  Reading material
  Health insurance card or insurance information, including supplemental insurance coverage information
  List of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re currently taking
  Co-payments or deductibles, as required by your insurance
  Medicare identification card, if applicable
  Advance Medical Directives

What NOT to bring from home
Valuables: The hospital cannot be responsible for loss or damage of any valuable that you bring to the hospital. Please do not bring jewelry or excess cash to the hospital.
Electrical Appliances: No hair dryers, electric fans, radios, televisions or similar electrical appliances are allowed in the hospital since they may interfere with sensitive medical equipment.

Cards, Flowers and Mail
These items are delivered to your hospital room. Any items that arrive after you leave will be forwarded to your home. Due to patient safety concerns, flowers and balloons are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

For Visitors and Patients

Visiting Hours
General visiting hours:
     Daily, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
We suggest limiting visitors to two per patient. Children are allowed to visit at the discretion of the nursing staff.

No Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in any Riverside facility or on any Riverside Campus.

Cell Phones and Public Phones
Each hospital bed has a telephone for patient use. A courtesy phone is located in the Emergency Department Registration Area for your convenience.  

Meals and Snacks
Vending Machines are located in the Cafertia seating area

Blossom Cafe/Cafeteria Hours: 
  Continental Breakfast: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
   Lunch: Daily, 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. 
   Dinner: Monday – Friday, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Gift Shop
Patients and guests may purchase magazines, cards, personal items and gifts at our on-site gift shop, The Daffodil. Hospital volunteers operate The Daffodil and use proceeds to benefit programs of the hospital. This is just one of the many ways you can put your talents to work in your community as a volunteer.
Hours:
  Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m.- 7:30p.m.
  Saturday, 9:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Overnight Accommodations
On occasion, family members may stay overnight with hospitalized patients. For out of town family or visitors, we recommend the Comfort Inn at (804) 695-1900 for lodging.

Saying “Thank You” to Our Staff
Sometimes patients, family members or visitors want to show appreciation to our employees by giving them gifts or other items. While we appreciate the thoughtful, giving gesture, we direct you instead to consider a donation to the Riverside Health System Foundation-RWRH Make A Difference Fund. You can designate that it be used for a specific unit or program at our hospital. 

Compliments, Comments and Complaints 
Your opinion is valued by the hospital, so we have established various mechanisms for you to communicate your experience at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital. If you have concerns while you are a patient in the hospital, we encourage you to speak to your nurse or nursing manager right away.

Caught in the Act Program - Our Caught in the Act program is devoted entirely to your compliments and comments. When a staff member deserves special recognition, please let us know. Or if you’re dissatisfied in any way with your hospital stay please give us a chance to correct the situation. Forms are available in patient rooms. 

The Caring Connection - A special RWRH service telephone number called the Caring Connection, which is devoted entirely to your compliments, comments, questions, requests and complaints can be accessed by dialing ext. 345 from a patient’s room. 

Patient Satisfaction Surveys – If you're a patient in the Emergency Department or on the inpatient units, please take a few minutes to complete the patient satisfaction survey that you’ll receive.