Even with stringent visitor restrictions in place for the safety of the patients and the community, Indiana University Health is continuing to nurture our patients’ desire to stay connected with their loved ones during their stay. Though that connectedness may look different right now, it holds the same importance as it always has.
“The experience a patient has, continues to be central to the care we provide,” said Marilyn Riley, Chief Nursing Officer at IU Health Frankfort “and has become more essential during this time of anxiety and uncertainty as we know part of a patient’s healing comes from staying connected to their loved ones and the outside world while they are in the hospital.”
To help ensure communication and provide peace of mind, our nursing team will call a family member to be a part of the admission process with the patient’s permission.
How to Connect with Patients
Telephone – Each patient room is equipped with a bedside landline phone that is available for personal use. The phone can be called directly by using the number posted on the whiteboard in the patient’s room, or by calling 765.448.8000 and asking to be connected to the patient’s room.
Smart Device – If the patient has a cell phone, tablet or computer with them during their stay, they are strongly encouraged to utilize virtual video resources such as FaceTime, Skype or Zoom on their personal devices. The hospital is equipped with a guest Wi-Fi network that can be used at any time. If a charger is needed for a personal device, patients can ask their nurse if one is available.
Additionally, if the patient does not own a device that can be used to make virtual video calls, IU Health Frankfort has a limited supply of laptops and iPads that can be lent to the patient for about an hour at a time. These devices are cleaned and sanitized before entering and exiting the patient room to aide infection prevention measures.
Team Member Visits – If none of the above measures are available to you and you want to make sure that your loved one is not lonely during their stay, our team members will happily visit with them, while honoring the social distance policy as well as using personal protection precautions when necessary. Please let your loved one’s nurse or unit charge know if a visit is requested.
Soothing Website – The C.A.R.E. Channel (24/7 programming that reduces anxiety and stress with calming scenery and sounds) can be streamed on personal devices by visiting https://stream.carechannel.net and enter the code: care3838. This service is also providing a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 at http://www.healinghealth.com/covid-resources/ with resources and mini-meditations for you and your loved ones.
Chaplains – IU Health Frankfort chaplains are available around the clock for spiritual needs. Loved ones may reach out on behalf of a patient by calling 765.448.8000 and a team member will connect you with one of our chaplains.
Spiritual Support Line – A line for families and patients is available by calling 317.962.8612. No medical information or updates will be provided, but a chaplain will be available to listen and offer support and care.
Deliveries – We are unable to accept deliveries of gifts such as flowers due to concerns of further spreading COVID-19.
Mail – Team members will gladly deliver a card to a patient. Personal cards may be dropped off at the Welcome Desk or mailed directly to patients.
IU Health Frankfort Hospital’s mailing address is as follows:
Attention to: Patient Name and room number
IU Health Frankfort Hospital
1300 S. Jackson Street
Frankfort, Indiana 46041