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Patient and Family Guide
Units 7-Northeast, 7-Southeast, and 8-Northeast at
University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC)
Welcome
Welcome to UWMC’s cancer care units, located on 7-Northeast, 7-Southeast, and 8-Northeast. Our primary goal is to provide you with exceptionally safe and compassionate care. There are many people who are part of your health care team who will provide your care while you are at UWMC. Your care team is made up of medical, nursing, allied health professional, and other support staff. You and your family are also important partners on your health care team. You will be able to identify care providers because they will be wearing a nametag. Please feel free to ask staff members who they are and what role they have in your care.
Your Health Care Team
This Guide is written
for you by the Patient
and Family Advisors
on UWMC’s Inpatient
Oncology Advisory
Council. It is for you to
keep as a reference to
improve the comfort of
your care experience
at UWMC.
This Guide identifies the
services and facilities
that patients and
families may use while
at University of
Washington Medical
Center. It will also help
you learn some new
terms that you may hear
during your stay. Your
health care team is
always happy to answer
any other questions you
may have.
Patients and Families
The partnership between you, your family, and the rest of your care team is important for your well-being and comfort. We encourage you to introduce yourself to your team members and let them know your concerns and needs, so they can make your stay as comfortable as possible. Please feel free to ask questions of any member of your team. No question is too simple or too complex.
Medical Staff
A team of doctors and nurses will work together to provide you with the full care and support you need while you are at UWMC. These are the care providers you will meet while you are in the hospital.
Attending Physician/Surgeon Your attending physician or surgeon is a faculty member at University of Washington Medical School and an experienced clinician. This doctor directs your care, works closely with all of the team members, and supervises the training of residents.
Fellow A fellow is a doctor who has finished his or her training and is now working on further studies or research, or is developing specialty skills.
Resident A resident is a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is in training in a special medical or surgical area. An R1 is an intern or resident in the first year of training. There is a range of four to six years of residency (R2, R3, R4, etc.). The highest level for each specialty is known as the “chief resident.”
Medical Student A medical student works closely with a resident to learn about caring for patients in the hospital.
Physician Assistant A physician assistant is a faculty member who partners with a group of attending physicians to help provide continuity of care during your stay in the hospital.
Nursing Staff
To provide 24-hour care, our nurses work in three 8-hour or two 12-hour shifts. Shift changes are typically at 7 to 7:30 a.m., 3 to 3:30 p.m., and 11 to 11:30 p.m. for 8-hour shifts. Nurses on 12-hour shifts change at 7 to 7:30 a.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Nurse Manager The nurse manager oversees the nurses and the overall operations of your inpatient unit.
Charge Nurse There is a charge nurse 24 hours a day who helps oversee your care, and is in charge of keeping the many services within your inpatient unit running smoothly.
Primary Nurse/Staff Nurse Some patients have a primary nurse who provides bedside care and coordinates all aspects of daily care with other teams and services. A staff nurse provides day-to-day nursing care under the direction of a doctor. All nurses at UWMC and SCCA are Registered Nurses (RNs), and most have a bachelor’s or an advanced degree in nursing.
Hospital Assistant A hospital assistant performs patient care as directed by an RN. A hospital assistant may also be called a nurse’s aide or orderly.
Allied Health Professionals
Pharmacist A pharmacist gives information to medical and nursing staff about the uses, dosage, and effects of medicines. Clinical pharmacists at UWMC and SCCA have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Pharmacists also teach patients about the medicines they will use after they leave the hospital.
Dietitian A dietitian is an expert in food and nutrition. Your dietitian will assess your needs and advise your care team about the best diet for you. Dietitians also teach patients how to follow any special diets when they return home.
About the Cancer Care Units
Each inpatient care unit has 28 to 30 rooms laid out in the shape of a triangle, with the unit front desk and main services in the center. The maps below show where you and your family can find other services such as lounges, the tub room, library, quiet rooms, nourishment rooms, restrooms, and public phones.
7-Northeast and 7-Southeast floor plans.
8-Northeast floor plan, also showing Cancer Library and 8-Southeast Infusion Room.
Telephone Each room has a telephone. You can call other numbers within the hospital beginning with the prefix 8, or make local calls outside the hospital by dialing “9” before the number. Please be aware that a call will disconnect if the handset is put down on the bed or table. For long-distance calls, you may buy a calling card at the Gift Shop. Collect calls may be made by dialing “9,” then “0,” and talking with an outside operator.
The phone in your room has a voice mail feature. It will record messages from callers when you are not available to answer the phone. Ask your nurse for the handout Voice Mail in Your Room for more details. All phones in the medical center are equipped with a T-coil that can be used by persons who wear hearing aids. Ask your nurse for help, if needed.
Important: Cell phones cause problems with equipment that is used to monitor patients. Cell phones cannot be used in patient rooms, but can be used in the elevator lobby area on the 7th and 8th floors.
Entertainment Your room has a TV and VCR mounted on the wall. Your call button unit has a TV channel changer and volume control. The TV also has a separate remote control unit. You can ask for a special program guide for closed-circuit TV programs at the front desk on the unit. Entertainment videos are available in the Family Lounge, Room 8105.
Rounds
Your health care team will visit you each morning. These daily visits are known as “making rounds” or “rounding.” Rounding is a traditional part of inpatient medical care. The purpose of rounding is to check on your progress, to update you and your entire health care team on your condition and events of the previous day, and to plan treatment for the present day. During rounds, you may talk about how you feel and express any concerns you may have about your medical or social condition and treatment. Rounds may be a good opportunity for the patient, caregiver, or family member to ask questions.
Members of your health care team who may visit include your attending physician and primary providers. A primary provider may be a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, oncology fellow, visiting doctor, or medical resident. The team also includes your nurse, charge nurse, pharmacists, dietitians, and social workers. Please ask team members to introduce themselves and describe their role.
Families often like to be present for rounds, but the timing of rounds on each patient may vary. You may find this uncertain aspect of rounding frustrating at times. Check with your nurse if you want to estimate the timing of rounds for a certain day. If you and your family feel a special meeting with the attending physician would be helpful, please ask any member of your health care team.
Patient Feedback and Comment Cards
If you have a suggestion to help improve services, a compliment for our staff, or a concern, you may:
- Fill out a comment card, found at the front desk of your unit.
- Call Patient Relations at 206-598-8382.
- E-mail patfeedback@u.washington.edu.
Your Medical Records
Your medical records contain information about the type of services provided to you at UWMC and SCCA. For more information about your medical records and patient rights, contact Health Information Management at 206-598-4344. Health Information Management is in Room BB306 on the main floor of UWMC, and in Room E178 on the main floor of Roosevelt Clinic. Ask your nurse where you can call for information about your outpatient or clinic-based medical records.
Meals
While you are in the hospital, Food and Nutrition Services will provide meals and snacks to meet your dietary needs. You will receive a menu from which you may order your meals. The menu you receive is designed to meet your medical needs. Many items on the menu were suggested by patients and family members. Patient Room Service allows you to order the items that you want when you want them. You decide when and if you eat. To place an order, call 206-598-FOOD (3663) from 6:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. If you’d like, a family member can place the order for you. Or, ask the food and nutrition ambassador on your unit or your nurse to place an order for you. Food safety is important, so it is preferred that your food and drinks be served from the hospital kitchen. Before eating food purchased or made outside the hospital, check with your nurse. There are a variety of food options available for family members and visitors. We ask that family members not eat from the patient’s tray. As a part of your care, your health care team may be keeping a record of your food and fluid intake.
Nourishment Room There is a small kitchen on each of the units, called the Nourishment Room, which is available for storing snacks and drinks for patients. The food in the Nourishment Room is stocked by Food and Nutrition Services. For infection control reasons, patients and families must ask a staff member to get items from or put items in the Nourishment Room.
Storing Food from Home If you wish to store food in the refrigerator in the Nourishment Room or patient refrigerator, please inform a staff member, such as your hospital assistant or nurse. All foods must be labeled with your name and the date you place it in the refrigerator. Food left too long will be thrown away. Please ask any staff member for assistance with getting items from or putting items in the Nourishment Room.
Snack Cart A nighttime snack cart for family, patients, and staff travels between units. Sandwiches and snack foods may be purchased from the cart. The schedule is posted on most floors and is also at the Concierge Desk on the 8th floor. The nighttime snack cart is on the 7th and 8th floors in the Cascade Tower at these times:
- 7-Northeast/7-Southeast Visitors’ Lounge.......... from 1:10 to 1:40 a.m.
- 8-Northeast/8-Southeast Hallway........................ from 1:45 to 2:15 a.m.
Family Lounge The Family Lounge on 8-Northeast has a microwave, oven, refrigerator, coffee maker, telephone, TV, shower, and baby-changing table. This room is intended for use by family members of patients on 7-Southeast, 7-Northeast, and 8-Northeast. All who use the Family Lounge are asked to help keep it clean.
Laundry A washer and dryer are available for family members to use in the 8-Northeast Family Lounge. Patients may not enter the Family Lounge. A staff member can help them if they do not have a family member to help with laundry. Ask your nurse or other care team member about using the laundry facility.
Quiet Rooms 7-Southeast has a Quiet Room that is available for use by patients and visitors. 7-Northeast and 8-Northeast each have Quiet Rooms available for use by visitors.
Smoking Smoking is not allowed inside the hospital. An outdoor patient smoking area is located behind the Gift Shop on the 3rd floor. Patients must sign out at the front desk before leaving the unit. Please tell your nurse if you would like to use the smoking area.
Tub Room The Tub Room on 7-Southeast was created to be a relaxing peaceful place for enjoying a bath.
Classes
A variety of classes including support groups, Caregiver Retreats, Gentle Yoga, art, and knitting are available. They are held either in or close to 7-Southeast, 7-Northeast, and 8-Northeast. A schedule with dates and locations is posted in the waiting rooms in the Cascade Tower. The schedule is also at the Concierge Desk on the 8th floor of the Cascade Tower.
Patient, Family, and Visitor Facilities
We are aware that not all patients will be able to use these facilities. We offer this information in hopes that you and/or your visitors might benefit from their use during your hospital stay.
Maps and Directories
Copies of UWMC maps and directories are at the Concierge Desk on the 8th floor, the Cancer Library on the 8th floor, and the Information Desk in the 3rd floor main lobby.
Staff at the Information Desk can also help you call a taxi, find your way in the hospital, and with maps of the surrounding area.
Food, Beverages, and Gifts
Cafeteria The Plaza Café is on the 1st floor near the Pacific elevators. Take the Cascade elevators to the 1st floor and follow the signs to the Plaza Café. It is open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Specific mealtimes are:
- Breakfast.................6:30 to 10 a.m.
- Lunch...................11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Dinner............................4 to 7 p.m.
Weekly menus for the public are at the Concierge Desk on the 8th floor and the Information Desk on the 3rd floor.
Gift Shop The Gift Shop on the 3rd floor sells newspapers, magazines, candy, snack foods, greeting cards, gifts, soft drinks, and drip coffee. Take the Cascade Tower elevators to the main lobby. The Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. During weekends, it is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Holiday hours are as posted.
Espresso Stands There are three espresso stands in the hospital. One is near the Gift Shop on the 3rd floor. Another stand is in the Plaza Café on the 1st floor, near the street entrance on the south side of the café. A third is located in the Surgery Pavilion on the 1st floor. The Medical Center Espresso Bar hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Holiday hours are as posted. A few snack items are also sold at these stands.
The Tea Room The Tea Room is located on the bridge between the Surgical Pavilion and the medical center. It is a lovely place to sit and enjoy tea or snacks, or to purchase small gifts. The Tea Room is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on weekends and holidays.
Haircuts and Styling A hairstylist is available to come to patient rooms on Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 206-459-9596. Please shampoo your hair before the appointment. Payment may be by cash or check.
Other UWMC Resources and Services
Healing Garden The Healing Garden is a peaceful setting where you may relax and enjoy nature, or sit quietly in one of the meditation spaces. The garden is located at the rear of the building on the southern side of the hospital, on the 3rd floor. Patients must check with their doctor or nurse before visiting this area. Sacred Texts There are sacred texts available for patient and family use while you are in the hospital. Copies of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Koran, and items from a variety of religious traditions are located in these rooms:
- 7-Southeast – Room 7344
- 7-Northeast – Room 7244
- 8-Northeast – Room 8101
Burke-Gilman Trail UWMC is close to the Burke-Gilman Trail, a paved walking and bike path. The trail parallels N.E. Pacific Street north of the hospital. Copies of the UWMC map showing the location of the trail and how to access the trail from the hospital are at the Concierge Desk on the 8th floor, the Cancer Library on the 8th floor, and the Information Desk in the 3rd floor main lobby. Patients must check with their doctor or nurse before leaving the hospital. Cancer Library The Cancer Library at UWMC is a self-service resource that has many useful books and references on cancer and related topics. It also has two computers, both with Internet connection and one with a printer. The library is on the 8th floor, and may be used while the 8-Southeast clinic is open. Hours vary, but are usually Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cash Machines There are four Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in the medical center. The ATMs are open 24 hours a day and are located:
- On the 1st floor of the medical center, near the vending machines and restrooms behind the Plaza Café (Bank of America).
- On the 1st floor of the medical center, east of the Pacific Elevators (Washington State School Employees Credit Union).
- On the 3rd floor of the medical center, near the Cashier’s Desk (Bank of America).
- Across the street from the rear of the hospital, inside the South Campus Center building (U.S. Bank).
Mail Volunteers deliver patient mail daily to the inpatient areas. An outgoing mailbox is at the front desk of your inpatient unit. A U.S. mailbox is on Pacific Street on the north side of the medical center. The mailbox is near the bus stop, just outside the front entrance. Mail is picked up at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no mail pick-up on Saturday or Sunday. For other mailing options, ask a staff member. You may purchase stamps in the Gift Shop on the 3rd floor of the medical center.
Shuttle Bus Services Shuttle bus services are available to help you travel between UWMC and other facilities. A shuttle bus schedule is at the Concierge Desk on the 8th floor, at the Information Desk on the 3rd floor, and on the SCCA Web site, www.fhcrc.org/admin/facilities/transportation/sccaschedules.htm. Many shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
- The Health Sciences Express Service provides shuttle service to Roosevelt Clinic and Harborview Medical Center. Call 206-685-3146.
- The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Shuttle provides shuttle service to SCCA and Seattle Children’s. Call 206-667-5099.
- The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Shuttle Service provides service to FHCRC Public Health Science Building and Pete Gross House. Call 206-667-5099.
Parking A brochure called Parking Information for Patients has more information and answers common questions about our parking services. You can get a copy of this brochure at the Concierge Desk on the 8th floor, or the Information Desk on the 3rd floor. Disability parking spaces are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. A patient who has a Washington State disability sticker must go to a parking kiosk and get a University Disability Permit for the day.
Parking Garages
There are two primary places where patients, family members, and visitors can park when coming to UWMC: the Triangle Parking Garage and the Surgery Pavilion Parking Garage. Be sure to bring your parking stub with you to the medical center. You may qualify for a validation sticker that will result in a discounted parking rate.
Triangle Parking Garage The Triangle Parking Garage is on N.E. Pacific Place, across the street from the front of the hospital. This is an underground garage for patients and visitors. A pedestrian tunnel connects the garage to the hospital’s main entrance. Parking in the Triangle Garage can be validated with a sticker to reduce your cost. You can get a validation sticker at the front desk of your inpatient unit.
Surgery Pavilion Parking Garage The Surgery Pavilion Parking Garage is accessed off N.E. Pacific Street alongside the entrance to the Emergency Department. Patients and your visitors can receive a patient discount validation from the unit front desk or from your clinic of service, reducing your parking cost.
Valet Parking Services
All patients, families, and visitors may use the valet parking services. The valet service receives cars outside the main entrance to the hospital on N.E. Pacific Street. On football and commencement days, valet services also operate in the lower level of the Triangle Garage. For retrieving your keys after hours, please see the attendant in the Triangle Garage.
The valet services staff does not provide lifting, medical help, or escort services into the medical center. Wheelchairs are available for patients with disability or mobility parking needs. Escorts are available upon request by calling 206-598-4457 between 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. A valet service is also located inside the Surgery Pavilion garage on level P1 as a complimentary service. The Surgery Pavilion valet service hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This service is a separate service from the valet service located at the main entrance.
Transport
If you need a wheelchair, escort, or other transport services, please ask your nurse or other care team member to call the Dispatch phone. UWMC volunteers and staff are trained in wheelchair safety. They are here to assist with your safe transport while you are at the medical center. If you or a family member wishes to use your own wheelchair at the hospital, it must have functioning brakes, foot rests, and leg rests. UWMC volunteers and staff cannot assist you by pushing an unsafe wheelchair. If your wheelchair is found to be unsafe, you will be offered the use of a UWMC wheelchair.
Telephone Numbers
Your questions are important. Call your doctor or health care provider if you have questions or concerns. UWMC staff are also available to help at any time.
Here is a list of the telephone numbers that may be helpful. Space is provided for you to add other important numbers. You may wish to save this page for reference after you leave the hospital.
7-Northeast Main Desk ...................................................................... 206-598- 7-Southeast Main Desk ...................................................................... 206-598- 8-Northeast Main Desk ...................................................................... 206-598- Cancer Library.................................................................................... 206-598- Escort Desk......................................................................................... 206-598- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Shuttle Service ................ 206-667- Health Information Management ....................................................... 206-598- Health Sciences Express Shuttle ........................................................ 206-685- Information Desk................................................................................ 206-598- Pastoral Care....................................................................................... 206-288- Patient Relations................................................................................. 206-598- Pharmacy ............................................................................................ 206-598- Pharmacy Refill Authorization Center ............................................... 206-598- Public Safety 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday ........................... 206-598- After hours.................................................................................... 206-598- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Shuttle Service .................................... 206-667- UWMC Financial Counseling ............................................................ 206-598- UWMC Operator................................................................................ 206-598- UWP Financial Office ........................................................................ 206-598-
Notes
Inpatient Cancer Units 7-Northeast, 7-Southeast, and 8-Northeast Box 356090 1959 N.E. Pacific St. Seattle, WA 98195 206-598-
© University of Washington Medical Center 01/2005 Rev. 02/2009 Reprints: UH
We Value Your Suggestions
The Inpatient Oncology Advisory Council welcomes your suggestions regarding the Patient and Family Guide: Units 7-Northeast, 7-Southeast, and 8-Northeast. We invite you to contribute ideas that will help us make this guide an even more valuable reference. Please comment below, and give this page to a staff member on your floor to mail for you. You may also e-mail your suggestions to pfcc@u.washington.edu, or call Patient and Family Centered Care and Education at 206-598-2697.
For information on how you can become a Patient and Family Advisor on UWMC’s Inpatient Oncology Advisory Council, please call 206-598- or e-mail pfcc@u.washington.edu to request an information packet.
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Inpatient Oncology Advisory Council
c/o Patient and Family Centered Care
and Education
Box 358126
