Wilkes Medical Center has compiled this information as a resource for you during your stay with us.
Being Admitted
Admitting Office
Wilkes Medical Center's admitting office is located at the main entrance just beyond the lobby. Patients who visit us, even those here on an outpatient basis, will need to go through our admitting office before any procedure or service. Doctor’s orders and insurance cards are a must for pre-admission and outpatient registrations.
Hours
Mon - Fri: 5:30 am - 6 pm
After hour and holiday admissions are handled through the Emergency Department on the first floor.
Your Medication List
A complete list of ALL your medications is very important for proper medical care. The information is vital to all health care professionals providing care for you. This list should also include vitamins, herbs, over the counter medications and any other type of supplements. Please keep this list up to date and bring it with you each time you visit your health care provider, emergency room visit, or are admitted to the hospital.
The Vial of Life can be used to store a list of your current medications and other important medical information. This information can be useful at doctor's visits and in case of a medical emergency. We supply Vial of Life information through our hospital pharmacy. To receive information for your own Vial of Life, or for help completing your medication list, contact our pharmacy at 336-651-8575.
Financial Counseling
Financial counseling is available for persons who may need help paying co-pays or deductibles on any type of procedure.
Financial Assistance
As of September 1, 2018, Wake Forest Baptist Health has updated how we handle financial assistance. We recognize the financial burden that medical bills may cause, so if you are having difficulties paying your bill, please let us know. It is part of our mission at Wake Forest Baptist to help the communities we serve. We aim to provide emergent and critical care to those in need, regardless of one’s ability to pay, and we can assist in providing financial assistance for those who have limited financial resources and do not qualify for outside assistance or have insurance or additional funding. Learn more.
Interpreters
To ensure effective communication regarding patient care, Wilkes Medical Center has interpreters available for those whose first language may not be English. Your nurse can assist you in obtaining the services of an interpreter if needed.
Confidentiality
Your stay at Wilkes Medical Center is treated with great confidentiality. Therefore, confidential information about you will not be released to others. If relatives or friends call the hospital, only a general condition report can be given. Please tell your friends and relatives they should contact a member of your immediate family to ask about your progress. Any condition report about your diagnosis and treatment must come from your physician. This information is available only to you and to designated members of your family.
Patients with Special Needs
We strive to meet all the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements so that our patients and visitors can be accommodated. We offer the following services upon request for patients with special needs:
- Closed-captioned television
- Telephones equipped with volume amplifiers
- Language translation service
- Sign language interpreter
- TDD telephone adapters
- Communication boards
- Pocket talkers
- Assistance with daily activities
- Resource information and referrals for patients with specialized need after discharge
Room Assignment
Your room assignment is based upon your admitting diagnosis and the bed availability on the day of your admission. Private and semi-private rooms are available. Medical insurance usually does not cover the full cost of a private room. While we will try to give you the room of your choice, that will not always be possible.
Your Hospital Room
Hospital Beds
All of our beds are electrically operated, and our nursing staff will show you how to operate your bed properly. Be aware that your hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home. Bedside rails are for your protection. They may be raised when you are resting, recovering from surgery or taking certain medications.
Calling Your Nurse
An intercom system is in place with a bedside button for calling your nurse. Should you need care, please press the button and a nurse will return your call as promptly as possible.
Patient Meals
The Nutritional Services department will deliver meals to your floor as follows: breakfast between 7:30 am and 8:30 am; lunch between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm; and dinner between 4:45 pm and 5:45 pm. If at any time between meals you need something to drink, speak with your nurse. If your diet permits, juice, soda, and milk are available.
Patient Room Telephone
Your telephone number here at Wilkes Medical Center is 336-651-8(room number). While a patient, yourself or visitors may only call local and 1-800 numbers. Just dial "9" and then the number. Long distance and toll calls may be made from patient rooms using a calling card or credit card. Dial "9", then follow the directions for the specific type of calling card you carry. Long distance charges may not be charged to your room. Your family and friends may call you directly without assistance from hospital switchboard personnel.
Television Guide
Premium channels are available free of charge for your enjoyment. The various channels offer news, weather, sports, movies, music and entertainment programs 24 hours a day. Closed caption for the hearing impaired is available upon request.
While You're Here
Smoking Policy
Wilkes Medical Center is a smoke-free facility. Smoking has been proven to cause serious health problems and therefore is not allowed in the building. For smoking cessation assistance, please consult with your physician. We appreciate your cooperation.
To learn more about smoking cessation options and alternatives for those ready to quit the use of tobacco products, go to http://www.quitnownc.org/ or call this toll-free national quit line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Cellular Phones
Cellular telephones are not allowed and must be turned completely off inside the hospital building. Cell phones can interfere with our highly sensitive medical equipment, including those used in surgery and in the Intensive Care Unit.
Mail and Flowers
Volunteers deliver letters, flowers and packages for patients daily. Letters and parcels that arrive after you have been discharged will be forwarded to the address provided to us when you were admitted.
Wilkes Medical Center has a NO LATEX BALLOON policy. Latex balloons will not be accepted for delivery. Mylar balloons are acceptable.
Newspapers
Newspapers may be purchased at the main entrance.
Visitor Information
During your stay, family members and friends are welcome and encouraged to visit. However, patient care is our primary concern at Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center. In order to enhance the quality of care, specific visiting hours and regulations have been established. Find more information for visitors.