Visiting a patient?

When you arrive, please check in at the visitors desk near the elevators and stairs from the parking ramp, or at the registration desk in the lobby. We can help direct you to the unit you'll be visiting. If you have permission to stay past 9 pm, ask the patient's nurse for an ID badge.

When you check in, we may ask a few questions about your health. Our goal is to protect patients from exposure to illnesses that could worsen their already difficult conditions. If you've been sick recently, please consider postponing your visit for 24 to 48 hours. Symptoms that put others at risk include:

We appreciate your help keeping our patients on the path to health and wellness.

Check with the nurse before bringing gifts of food or drink to patient rooms. Live plants and fresh flowers are not allowed in critical care units. No latex balloons of any kind are allowed in the hospital, due to allergy concerns. Mylar balloons (shiny, silver) are acceptable.

All Spectrum Health buildings, grounds and parking facilities are 100 percent smoke-free and tobacco-free.

Please leave any items of sentimental or monetary value (other than a child's security item, such as a blanket or stuffed animal) at home. Our focus is on medical care. Our hospitals cannot be responsible for the security of your personal items or valuables.

We know that pets can be very helpful in the healing process. Before you bring Fluffy or Fido to visit a patient here, please get an OK from the nursing manager and the admitting doctor. Ask us for a "Pet Pass" so your vet can confirm your pet is healthy and his or her shots are up-to-date.

If you have a service dog, please call 616.391.9000 and ask to speak with the floor nurse for the patient you wish to visit.

We are committed to making our hospital a place of healing and positivity. We understand how difficult it can be when a family member or friend is ill. Let's work together to limit stressful situations and negative behavior, and instead focus on patience and kindness. If you have a concern about your loved one's care, please let his or her care team know about it. We'll do everything we can to help.

If you would like to reflect, pray, meditate or simply sit in peaceful quiet, visit our multi-faith chapel. Located on the first floor near the lobby, the chapel is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We can provide information on local hotels, restaurants, area activities and transportation services. Call 616.267.1234 or email us at conciergeservice@corewellhealth.org.

Located within the main lobby, Blodgett Hospital Window Shop offers unique gift ideas from home decor to cards and flowers. Hours:

• Monday to Friday 10 am to 8 pm
• Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
• Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm
• Phone: 616.774.7930

Flowers, balloons and gifts are delivered to rooms daily by our dedicated volunteers. You can also order items from our online gift shop.

If you'd like to purchase a guest meal tray, just ask the patient's nurse. You may pay by credit card when you place the order. Guest meal trays will be delivered to the patient's room during scheduled meal times.

A telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) is available for patients and visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing. Ask the nurse to make arrangements for a device.

Patient rooms are equipped with an in-room phone for local calls. Patients are welcome to share their in-room phone number with friends and families, at their discretion.

We offer free wireless internet access. Mobile devices and laptops may be used anywhere, except in posted restricted areas.

All patients and family members have the right to clear, complete and understandable information. The Spectrum Health Language Services department works 24/7 to facilitate accurate communication between patients and providers, helping you be an active participant in your care.

We offer free interpreting and translation services for patients and family members who are more comfortable communicating in a language other than English, or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Please let your provider or admitting representative know about your communication needs, in advance if possible. If you require an interpreter while receiving care in any of our facilities, please talk to a staff member.

If you have lost or found an item during your visit, please let us know by calling 616.391.4377.

Notary public service is available for patients and families who are unable to access notary services outside of the cancer center. Ask your nurse or call patient relations at 855.613.2262.

The Spectrum Health Pastoral Care and Bereavement team provides spiritual and emotional support to patients, family and staff.

Local and cable television channels are available in patient rooms free of charge. Closed captioning is available.

Our security employees are available 24 hours a day to help visitors, patients and guests with wheelchair assistance. We can also escort you to your vehicle. We're here to help in any way that we can.