Hospital Information

Patient Focused Care allows us to:

  • Respect your values, preferences and expressed needs.
  • Coordinate and include you in information about your hospital stay.
  • Provide education to you as necessary.
  • Assist you in maintaining your comfort.
  • Do whatever we can to maintain your comfort.
  • Provide you emotional support and alleviate your fear and anxiety.
  • Involve your family and friends in your care as you wish.
  • Provide an effective transition to your home by offering appropriate education and support resources.
  • We allow a family member to stay in your room with you 24 hours a day. This gives them the opportunity to actively participate in the recovery process and preparation for discharge and to assist you by hearing various instructions and information provided by your doctors and nurses.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL

When you are preparing for your admission to Arkansas Heart Hospital, be sure to bring the following:

  • Complete list of medications that you are currently taking, both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
  • Prior Reports – any reports your physician(s) gave you to bring to the hospital.
  • Insurance Information – medical insurance information cards, pre-certification information and any other documentation required by your insurer.
  • Identification – photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport and Social Security card.
  • Family Contacts – list of telephone numbers where members of your immediate family can be reached if necessary. Include only persons with whom you want the hospital to communicate.

ADVANCE DIRECTIVE

An advance directive includes a Living Will, Medical Power of Attorney or Mental Health Power of Attorney. A living will is a written declaration by a competent person 18 years or older, directing the medical care of the person when they are unable to state their wishes. A Living Will may include the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining procedures when a terminal condition exists.

A medical power of attorney gives another person the power to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf, if and when the individual becomes disabled or incapacitated. A mental health care power of attorney gives another person the power to make mental health care decisions on someone’s behalf when the individual is incapable.

Information regarding healthcare directives is available at the concierge desk in the lobby. Your patient care nurse can also provide you with this information.

CHILDREN

Our visitor policy has changed during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Please visit Screening Process & Visitor Limitation for the current policy.

CONCERNS DURING YOUR HOSPITALIZATION

Your satisfaction with your care is important to us. Should you or your family members have concerns about the care you are receiving while hospitalized, you may contact the Hospital Resource Nurse at 501-219-7562. We encourage you to voice your opinion regarding the care you have received, and we welcome your comments. Your feedback will be treated in a confidential manner.

DISCHARGE NEEDS/CASE MANAGEMENT

All patients are assessed on admission for discharge planning needs. This assessment is conducted by the patient care admitting nurse. Patients who meet criteria for referral will receive a Case Management assessment to identify existing or potential needs, and/or barriers to achieving effective outcomes. If you have concerns about your discharge or the discharge of a family member, inform your nurse.

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

The 24-Hour Heart Emergency Center at Arkansas Heart Hospital offers emergency care for heart-related emergencies. Our emergency room is staffed by world class physicians and a well trained and skilled staff, all with a special focus on providing the best emergency heart care.

ETHICAL ISSUES

Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty often affect both you and your family when you are hospitalized. Sometimes you or your family may have a concern or conflict with your planned course of treatment. You may be worried about the extent of treatment for irreversible or terminal conditions. You may ask to meet with your doctor or nurse. If your concerns are not resolved after meeting with these individuals, you or your family may ask our staff or your doctor for an Ethics Committee review.

HOSPITAL HOURS

The main lobby is open from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily. Between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. you may enter the hospital through the Emergency Room at the north end of the building.

INFECTION PREVENTION

Our staff uses safe practices and the proven guidelines from both the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent infections, with special care given to the surgical areas. Hand washing is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of infection.

MEDICATIONS

Please give your nurse a list of any medications, including your dosage and the time of day you take your medication. Be sure to include any nonprescription medications such as aspirin, vitamins and herbal remedies. This includes any investigational medication you may be taking in accordance with approved research programs. Your nurse will review your medications with your physician and the pharmacy.

NUTRITION SERVICES

We understand that some of our patients have special likes and dislikes regarding food. You may bring food into the hospital; however, you may have been placed on a special or restricted diet so please check with your nurse regarding any restrictions. The Heartbeat Café is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Click here for a map of area restaurants.

PAGERS FOR FAMILY

While a patient is undergoing a procedure or is in PACU (recovery), in-house pagers are available so you are never out of touch with the condition of your family member or significant other. Pagers are available from the concierge in the main lobby.

PASTORAL CARE

If you or your family need pastoral assistance, you may call our Chaplain at 501-940-2427, page at 501-395-0260, or ask your nurse to make contact for you. Feel free to contact your own pastor or other clergy member. Our visitor policy has changed during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Please visit Screening Process & Visitor Limitation for the current policy.

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM

If you are concerned about a clinical situation that you feel is not being addressed, call the Rapid Response Team at Ext. 7562 for Clinical Assessment. A team of clinicians will be available to assist with the situation.

REGISTRATION

Patients can register for admission at the concierge/reception desk located in the main lobby on the first floor directly in front of the main entrance. The registration area handles pre-admissions and admissions for all scheduled inpatient and outpatient surgeries as well as scheduled medical admissions. Please bring your insurance information to facilitate the admission process. When you are admitted to Arkansas Heart Hospital, you will receive a notice of your patient rights and will be asked if you have or would like to complete an Advance Directive (Living Will). An Advance Directive is a statement indicating who, if anyone, may be responsible for making decisions concerning your medical care should you become unable to do so yourself.

SECURITY

Security is available on the premises 24 hours a day. In addition, the parking lot is patrolled by security, as well as monitored by camera, on a regular basis. Escorts to vehicles after dark are available upon request.

SMOKING POLICY

Arkansas Heart Hospital is a SMOKE-FREE/TOBACCO-FREE facility in accordance with Arkansas State Law, Act 134. The use of tobacco products are not allowed anywhere on hospital grounds. Failure to comply is punishable by a fine.

SPECIAL NEEDS

  • Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs are available to individuals requiring this type of assistance. A staff member can make the necessary arrangements.
  • Other: If you have any other special requirements or needs, please discuss them with your nurse or a staff member.

TELEPHONE

If you wish to contact a patient in our hospital, please call the operator at 501-219-7000 and ask for the patient’s room, using the patient’s first and last name.

TELEVISION

The televisions in our patient rooms have local, entertainment and dedicated health education channels with information in both English and Spanish.

VALUABLES AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Valuables such as money, jewelry or other articles of value should not be kept at the hospital. You should make arrangements with a family member or friend to take these items home for you. Eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids are an important part of your life and require special care. Tell your nurse that you use these.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR STAY

Arkansas Heart Hospital recognizes the unique needs of heart patients. In addition to your medical needs, your comfort and the comfort of your family and friends are the most important objectives we have.

WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

Your primary care team is a registered nurse (RN) and a patient care partner (PCP). Other professionals such as a respiratory therapists, pharmacists, medical technologists and radiology technologists will also be a part of the team involved in your care.

Our nurses receive extensive training specific to cardiovascular care, which is another key factor in the hospital’s patient focused care model.

YOUR ROOM

All of our patient rooms are private and have been equipped to meet the special needs of heart patients. Each room is specifically designed to be an intensive care room, allowing our staff to deliver all your care from the most critical care stages through routine observation and discharge in one room. The ability to deliver a continuum of care from critical through discharge in one place allows us to focus on your needs without having to relocate you and your family.