Special Services
Chaplain & Chapel
Hospitalization can be a time of anxiety and distress for patients and their loved ones. Chaplains are available to help you with your spiritual needs and to assist your family. They may be reached by asking the hospital operator to contact the Chaplain or the on-call Chaplain at any time, or by calling extension 31630.
The chapel is located on the second floor of the hospital, on the same floor as The Childbirth Center and Critical Care. The chapel is open 24 hours a day and is a quiet place for those of all faiths to meditate and pray. At your request, the Chaplain’s office will be happy to notify your pastor, priest, rabbi, or spiritual advisor of your hospital stay.
Notary Public
Notary services are available. Please call the patient representative at ext. 31633 or the nursing house supervisor at ext. 31990 for a list of notaries in this area. There is a fee for this service.
Interpreters
The following services are available by request (extension 31633):
Closed caption devices for television
TTD Phones (Telephone Telecommunication Devices) for hearing impaired patients
Amplified handsets for telephones
Interpreters for the deaf
Interpretive services for non-English speaking patients
Mail and Flowers
Mail is delivered to patient rooms each weekday. Mail received at the hospital after the patient’s discharge will be forwarded to the patient’s address. Flower deliveries are made daily. Family and friends may also order “Covenant Cards” for patients online from the hospital’s website. These online greetings are printed and delivered to patients by hospital volunteers.
Wireless Internet
Parkwest offers free wireless internet services for patients and visitors. For instructions and login information, contact the information desk in the main lobby. (Disclaimer: Parkwest Medical Center will not be held responsible for any computer viruses obtained through the network or providing technical support associated with the network.)
Advance Care Plan/Advance Directives (Living Will)
An Advance Care Plan is a documented decision made by an individual in advance clearly describing the level of care desired in the event of irreversible or terminal illness. A patient’s desires can be expressed in a Directive to Physician (Living Will) or in an Appointment of Health Care Agent (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care). You should discuss your Advance Care Plan wishes with your family and doctors, and be sure to provide them copies of any directive you choose.
Directive to Physician (Living Will) – a document that states what you want regarding life-sustaining procedures. The directive, which must be signed, dated, and witnessed by two persons (one of whom is unrelated) or notarized only becomes effective if your physician determines your health condition to be terminal.
Appointment of Health Care Agent (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care) – a legal document that grants an individual of your choice the right to make health care decisions on your behalf. The document is effective only when you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Be sure to discuss your health care desires with the person granted the Appointment of Health Care Agent.
As a health care provider Parkwest is obligated to provide you information regarding your rights to make decisions concerning health care, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment, even if that treatment is life sustaining. The Advance Care Plan and Appointment of Health Care Agent forms are available to you by contacting the following departments:
Social Services – ask your nurse for a referral; Patient Representative – ext. 31633; or Pastoral Services – ext. 31630.
Security Services
Like all hospitals, Parkwest Medical Center is a public place. Please safeguard your valuables while you are here. The hospital cannot be held responsible for the loss of money or other valuables kept in your room.
Please do not bring valuables with you to the hospital. If possible, send them home with a family member or check your valuables with the security department before or immediately upon going to your room. Your nursing staff can arrange to have valuables checked for you. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and dentures should be kept in protective containers when not in use. Please do not wrap in tissue, paper towels, or pieces of hospital linen.
For the safety of our guests, visitors remaining after visiting hours must obtain a visitor’s badge from the nursing unit or security office. After 8:30 p.m., all visitors should enter the hospital through the entrance near the emergency department.
Parkwest Medical Center security officers are duly commissioned Knox County Deputy sheriffs. You are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activity to security as soon as possible. Parkwest’s security office is located adjacent to the emergency care center and can be reached by calling ext. 31801.
24-Hour Surveillance and Escort Support
Security is maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for patients, visitors, and staff. Please contact Security immediately by dialing “0” for the hospital operator. A security escort service is available 24-hours a day. Notify your nurse if you would like an escort to your car.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found is located on the first floor in the patient representative’s office. The patient representative can be reached at 373-1633.
Gift Shop
Located on the first floor of the hospital, the gift shop offers a wide selection of personal hygiene items, magazines, greeting cards, flowers, candy, and a variety of gift items.
Gift Shop hours: Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday and Holidays: Closed
How You Can Help Parkwest
The programs and services of Parkwest Medical Center and many other facilities across Covenant Health are supported by generous contributions coordinated through the Fort Sanders Foundation. Philanthropic efforts guided by the Foundation have resulted in the establishment of the Wayne Heatherly Endowment for Excellence in Patient Care at Parkwest, ongoing support of the Chaplain’s Fund for patients and employees in crisis, and funding for equipment and program needs throughout the hospital.
Funds donated to the Foundation may be directed to any service of Parkwest Medical Center. Honorary and memorial gifts are a special way to pay tribute to a staff member, friend or loved one while furthering the caring mission of Parkwest. If you would like to know more about how your charitable gifts can make a difference at Parkwest Medical Center, please call the Fort Sanders Foundation at (865) 531-5210 or visit www.fsfoundation.org.
Personal Web Pages through CaringBridge
CaringBridge is a non-profit organization which allows patients and families to create personalized, password-protected web pages to keep loved ones informed during and following a hospital stay. In return, family and friends can give patient and caregiver support through online guestbook messages. The free service can be accessed through Parkwest’s website, TreatedWell.com.