Patients and Visitors
We’re here to help you feel comfortable, confident and safe
A hospital stay isn’t exactly high on anyone’s to-do list. When you or a loved one find yourself needing care, you can have peace of mind knowing that our team at VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital is here to make that stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Do you have a question that’s not answered below? Please give us a call at (804) 443-3311.
Visiting a loved one
Visitors bring joy and may aid in the recovery process. We have taken steps to ensure safety for everyone.
To help prevent the transmission and spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, VCU Health continues to take precautionary measures to protect our patients, family members and staff.
Inpatient:
- Two adult visitors per patient, per day, during the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Both adults can visit at the same time.
Emergency Department:
- One adult visitor permitted with patient once the patient is roomed.
End of Life:
- Visitation exceptions are determined by patient care team.
Ambulatory clinics:
- Adult patient: One visitor (pediatric or adult) permitted per patient.
- Pediatric patient: Two adults permitted per patient.
Surgical Services:
- One visitor (pediatric or adult) permitted per patient.
For more information on how we are keeping you and your family safe, visit our COVID-19 resource center.
Share encouragement with Patient Greeting Cards
Stay connected with your loved ones, even when you can't see them in person. We offer patient greeting cards so you can share your support even when you're not by their bedside. The Customer Service Department will print and deliver your message to the patient the next business morning, Monday through Friday. Confidential and sensitive information should not be sent.
You will need the patient’s full name and room number to send a greeting. This information can be obtained by calling (804) 443-3311.
Patient information
The information below will answer many of your questions and help you feel at home in this new and different environment. Should you have additional questions, comments or suggestions during your stay, please direct them to the head nurse, the nursing administration office or to any one of us personally.
Personal items, including: gown or pajamas, robe, bedroom slippers, toilet items, maybe reading material.
Insurance information, including: Insurance card or hospitalization insurance policies, Medicare identification card, and supplemental insurance information.
- Medications. While you are with us, your physician will order all medications - even those you routinely take at home. Your nurse will administer all medications. Please leave your own drugs at 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 with you.
- Electrical appliances. No hair dryers, fans, radios, televisions or similar electrical appliances are allowed in the hospital since they may interfere with sensitive medical equipment.
In 1990, Congress passed the Patient Self-Determination Act. It requires health care institutions to tell patients and the people in their communities about their rights under Virginia law to make decisions about their medical care. These rights include the right to accept or refuse care and the right to make advance directives about their care.
As a patient at our hospital, you are subject to certain rights and responsibilities. Please be sure you understand the information you are presented upon admission regarding your rights and responsibilities. If you have questions or concerns during your hospitalization about your rights, feel free to call the Caring Connection Hotline 24 hours a day at extension 6111.
For more details, visit the following rights and privacy statements, including:
At the time of admission, you'll be asked for preference of food items. Your doctor will specify any restrictions on your diet. If you have questions about your diet please notify your nurse.
When you receive mail and flowers, they will be brought to your room. We will forward to you any items that are delivered to the hospital after you leave.
- Local calls may be made at any time from the room by dialing 9 and the number. To make a long distance call, dial 0, and the hospital operator will assist you. You can receive calls directly to your room. Your specific phone number is posted on the Patient Care Board located in your room.
- You may call the hospital operator by dialing 0 at any time for assistance. Frequently called numbers:
- Hospital Main Number: (804) 443-3311
- Administration: (804) 443-6169
- Admitting: (804) 443-6162
- Billing Information: 1-800-675-6368
- Lost & Found: (804) 443-6153
Your opinion is valued by the hospital so we have established a special Caring Connection devoted entirely to your compliments, comments and complaints. When a staff member deserves special recognition, give us a call. Or if you're dissatisfied in any way with your hospital stay please give us a chance to correct the situation.
During your inpatient stay at Tappahannock Hospital, your care will be managed by one of the members of our hospitalist team.
A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for patients during an inpatient hospital stay and addressing their unique condition. Each patient is cared for by a hospitalist. The hospitalist provides on-site 24 hour inpatient care at Tappahannock Hospital.
When admitted to the hospital, the hospitalist assumes responsibility of your care until you are discharged. The hospitalist team will update your primary care physician on your progress throughout your inpatient stay. During your stay, your care will be managed by the hospitalist physicians and nurse practitioners. Our multidisciplinary care team meets daily to discuss your individual plan of care and discharge planning needs. This team may include: your nurse, physician, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, pharmacist, dietitian, respiratory therapist, home health coordinator, discharge planner, hospice nurse, and the nursing supervisor.
At discharge, the hospitalist will coordinate your care with your primary care doctor to ensure a seamless transition back to outpatient care. Should you require the services of a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility, our discharge planning team will work with the hospitalists to arrange a smooth transfer of care. Often adjustments in your medication regimen may occur due to your acute illness. You will be given a short term prescription for any new medications or changes in dose of existing medications. These changes will be communicated to your primary care physician in the discharge summary as well as the electronic medical record. Additionally, you will be given a detailed list of your medications for you and your primary care doctor.
Hospitalists work only in the hospital and are generally available, on-site, 24 hours a day. Hospitalists are able to closely monitor you during your hospitalization and are more easily accessible. During emergencies and when concerns arise. Because hospitalists are present in the hospital all day, they are able to ensure fast turnaround of tests and treatments, allowing for timely adjustments to your treatment plan.
When your physician has determined that you are able to leave Tappahannock Hospital, your nurse will coordinate your discharge. Since the last day of your hospitalization involves no room charges, please make arrangements to leave by the discharge time. Be sure to double-check your room for personal belongings. You must stop by the Admitting Office before leaving to pick up your final discharge paperwork and verify billing information. The Admitting Office is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Shortly after you return home, you'll receive a questionnaire in the mail. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions. This valuable information helps guide the hospital in providing services that most benefit you - the patient.