UW Health in Northern Illinois: Patient and family visitor guide

It is an honor to care for you and your family. We pride ourselves on providing patient- and family-centered care.

Overview

We're honored to care for you

If you have any questions, compliments or concerns about your care or safety as a patient of UW Health, we encourage you to talk with your doctors and nurses. If you feel your concerns are not adequately addressed, please contact Patient Relations at patientfeedback@swedishamerican.org or call (779) 696-3898.

When you arrive

Preparing for your hospital stay or visit

Parking and valet services

  • Parking is available at the State Street and Charles Street entrances

  • Valet service is available at both locations 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday

  • For patients needing assistance, we offer cart transportation from both entrances

Getting around the hospital

UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital consists of two main sections. To navigate between the two sections, use the first or second floor. You can enter using any of the four entrances listed below:

  • Main entrance at 1401 East State Street, 3rd floor

  • Heart Hospital entrance at 1340 Charles Street, 1st floor

  • East Garden entrance at 1401 East State Street, 1st floor

  • Emergency Department at 1401 East State Street, 2nd floor

During your stay

A healing environment

We are proud to provide an environment that supports your health and recovery. All rooms are routinely cleaned and inspected to make sure there are no germs on any surface. If we can make you more comfortable, please talk with your nurse or call us directly:

  • If your room needs cleaning, call (779) 696-4100.

  • If your room is too hot or cold or a feature of your room (television, bed, lights, etc.) does not work properly, call (779) 696-4050.

Please speak to your nurse about options to mask sounds, such as requesting a sleep kit, wearing earplugs or listening to peaceful nature sounds on your television.

Pain management

Preventing your pain before it happens or managing it once it has begun can help you enjoy greater comfort and improve results of your care. If you are feeling pain from lying in a hospital bed, please talk with your nurse or care team how to be more comfortable, such as:

  • Extra pillows for neck, knees, ankles

  • Fan or sound/white noise machine

  • Machine that stimulates nerves (TENS unit)

  • Warm pack/cold pack (heat/ice) or warm blanket

Patient and visitor meals

Cafeteria

The cafeteria is located on the fourth floor of the main hospital.

Cafeteria hours are:

  • Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

  • Weekends and holidays, 6:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Room service guest trays

Guest trays are available for family and friend through room service. Your meal will include one main course, two side orders, a beverage and dessert of your choice for $8. Credit card payment is preferred at time of order, if paying in cash, please have exact change available. Please call (779) 696-8888 to place your order.

Vending

Vending machines are located throughout facility. Please ask your nursing staff for the nearest location.

Staying connected

Free wireless internet (WiFi) access

UW Health provides complementary internet access during your stay. Connect your smartphone, tablet or laptop to Wi-Fi as "UW Health Guest".

Television

Please keep your television volume at a comfortable hearing level so as not to disturb other patients on your floor. Most patient rooms have televisions equipped with closed captioning.

Your health care team

Working with your health care team

Your health care team partners with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your care. We want you to feel informed and cared for during your stay. If you have questions about the roles of your care team, or wonder why certain medicines, tests or therapies are being ordered, please ask us.