Hospital Stay Information
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Rooms and Floors
Your Room
Private and semi-private rooms are assigned based on your admitting diagnosis and bed availability on the day of your admission.
Room Temperature
Heating and air conditioning are individually controlled in each room. If the temperature is not comfortable, please adjust the thermostat or request assistance from the nursing staff.
Calling Your Nurse
Press the button located at your bedside to alert the nursing station that you need assistance. A flashing light is activated above your door. A nurse will respond as soon as possible.
Telephones
- All rooms, except in critical care units, have telephones.
- Telephone services for those with special needs are available (e.g., speakerphones or special equipment for the hearing or speech impaired.) Ask a nurse to contact the operator.
Incoming Calls
Callers may contact patients directly by dialing (701) 234-5 plus the room number. Collect calls to a patient room are not permitted.
Outgoing Calls
Local - Press 9 + telephone number
Long Distance - (operator assisted) Press 9 + 0 + area code
(credit card calls) Press 9 + 0 + area code + telephone number + card
(pre-paid phone cards) Press 9 + card number
Wireless Internet Access
If you're visiting MeritCare as a patient or a guest, you are welcome to bring your portable computer with WiFi support.
MeritCare provides guestconnect, free wireless Internet service for patients and visitors. (Windows XP users may connect without a password or key.) Access is available in most lobbies, waiting areas and some patient rooms.
Additional computers with Internet access are found in the Consumer Health & Business Center, located on first floor of MeritCare Hospital on Main Street.
Television
- Televisions are in all patient rooms.
- Major broadcast network and cable stations are included.
- Health education request channels are also available.
- The CARE channel (channel 2) provides soothing music and peaceful scenes.
- Contact Guest Services at ext. 5524 to request a TV equipped with VCR/DVD for movies and video games.