The Simon W. Henderson, Jr. Intensive Care Unit

The Simon W. Henderson, Jr. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is designed for patients who require close monitoring during their hospital stay.  This facility is equipped to handle critical situations that involve, but not limited to, cardiac, surgical, and neurological support.

The highly-skilled nursing staff has more than 215 years of combined experience with many being certified in critical care nursing. Patients will receive “one-on-one” care or there will be one nurse for every two patients depending upon the individualized needs of each patient.

Visiting Patients

We make every effort to allow family members to see loved ones as soon as possible following admission.  Since visitors play a vital role in the recovery process, we encourage family members to visit often during the regularly scheduled visitation times.

8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.            8:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.

All guests are asked to sign in and wear a guest badge while visiting the ICU. A maximum of two (2) people may visit the patient at one time, provided that patient care is not disrupted. However, please note that nurses may adjust visiting hours if a patient is undergoing a procedure or if medical conditions warrant. Additionally, non-visitation hours are necessary during nursing shift changes. Please assist us by respecting these hours.

Children

We recognize that many of our visitors are under the age of 12.  However, because of safety reasons, we cannot permit children under the age of 12 to visit the Intensive Care Unit.  Children visiting the ICU between the ages of 12-18 should be accompanied by an adult.

Patient Condition Reports

If you cannot visit your loved one during the regular visitation times, or if you need to speak to one of the ICU nurses, simply pick up the phone located near the entrance of the Intensive Care Unit.  Our staff will be happy to assist you. 

Obtaining Information

• The ICU nurses will be happy to answer your questions during visiting hours.  We ask that one person from each family be appointed as a spokesperson. 

• The ICU nurses’ desk phone number is 936-639-7701.  Your spokesperson may call for an update at anytime between visits.  The spokesperson is then asked to relay that information to other family members.
   
• When communicating by telephone, federal regulations (HIPPA) regarding patient privacy allow us to only discuss details about a patient’s condition with a designated spokesperson.   Other callers will be given limited information.
   
• Inquiries should first be directed to the nurse caring for your loved one.  However, results of specialized tests or scans should be discussed with the attending physician.  Your nurse will make every effort to be available to answer questions or help clarify information.  If you feel that you need further information, please do not hesitate to ask questions or request a family conference with doctors or nurses.
   
• Unfortunately, telephones are not available in ICU patient rooms.  However, family and friends may use the courtesy telephones located in the ICU visitor's lounge.  The telephone number is 936-639-7785.
   
• Cell phones are not allowed in the ICU.  These devices tend to interfere with medical equipment.  Please be sure to turn off all cell phones before entering the ICU area.

Notification of Changes in Condition

The next of kin and/or spokesperson will be informed of any significant changes in the condition of a patient.  We ask that the patient’s spokesperson leave at least two contact numbers with the ICU nurse. 

Patient Safety

For patient safety you may find the bed in its lowest position, 2-3 rails in the up position and at times a patient’s hands may be restrained.  As the condition of the patient improves, many of these safety precautions may be discontinued.

Infection Control

To protect both our patients and our visitors, we ask that you please wash your hands thoroughly at the sink located at the entrance to the ICU area.  Hands should be washed before and after each visit.

Personal Belongings, Flowers and Gifts

Live flowers and plants cannot be delivered to the ICU area because of infection control requirements.  Additionally, large gifts are not encouraged due to the limited available space in the ICU patient rooms.  Visitors can bring cards, lap blankets, stuffed animals, etc.  Please do not bring food or drinks into to the patient’s room without first checking with the attending nurse.

Overnight Visitors

Our patients need to rest and sleep; however, visitors are allowed in the ICU patient rooms from 8:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.  No provisions, such as cots, recliners, blankets, or pillows are available.  Ice chests, coolers, food and drinks are not allowed in the ICU visitor's lounge.  The food court is located on the first floor for your convenience. 

Joe W. Elliott House

The Joe W. Elliott House provides affordable accommodations for guests who have patients in the hospital.  Located across the street from Memorial Health System of East Texas at 220 Gene Samford Drive, the Joe W. Elliott House offers nightly accommodations for $20.  For more information, contact 936-631-3400 or click here.