For Bethesda Patients & Visitors

Contacting a patient/cell phone use

All rooms are equipped with a telephone and local calls are free. You may bill long distance calls to your home or credit card, or call collect.

If you'd like to call a hospital patient but don’t know the patient’s phone number, call the hospital operator at 651-232-2000, and your call will be transferred. If you know the patient’s phone number, you can call his/her room directly any time. We suggest calling between 7 am and 10 pm to allow the patient to rest and keep sleep disturbances to a minimum.

For the safety of our patients, cell phones can only be used in designated areas of the hospital. These areas include the lobby level, the Gallery Café and all visitor lounges.

Cash machine

An ATM machine is located on C-level in the vending machine area.

Family Recreation Center

Located on the second floor of the hospital near the North Elevators is the Family Recreation Center. The center has a pool table, large screen TV, computer, recliner and a small kitchenette. The Family Recreation Center may be reserved for special family occasions. Contact the Welcome Center at 651-232-2228.

Financial counselor

Bethesda’s financial counselor is available to answer questions about insurance coverage. To speak with a counselor, call 651-232-2017 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Financial social worker

Bethesda's financial social worker is available to answer questions about Medical Assistance eligibility and Social Security Disability eligibility. To speak to the financial social worker, call 651-232-2713 between 8 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Gift shop

Bethesda Garden View Gift Shop is located on the first floor near our Welcome Center. Stop in to browse or purchase that special item. We offer unique gifts, clothing, plants, seasonal items and special treats. Become an Auxiliary member and receive a 20 percent discount on purchases.

History and Resource Center

The History and Resource Center is located in the first floor lobby. There are photographs, artifacts and displays that show Bethesda Hospital serving the St. Paul community for more than 125 years. In addition, there are computers and videos for family and visitors to use.

Mail

Postage stamps may be purchased in the gift shop. Mail can be dropped at the mailbox located on C-level past the cafeteria, or at the mail floor Welcome Center.

Pet visits

At Bethesda, we understand the bond between owner and pet. We have created guidelines that will allow you to safely have visits with your pet while you are a patient at Bethesda. Please check at the nurses' station for a copy of the guidelines before you bring the pet to the hospital.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies near Bethesda include:

Public restrooms

Restrooms are located on the first floor, C-level,  B-level, second floor and sixth floor.

Smoking

Bethesda Hospital is a smoke-free environment.

Taxi and Metro Transit services

Visiting hours

Visits from family and friends play an important role in the care and healing process of hospital patients. We ask that you be respectful of a patient’s need to get appropriate rest during recovery.

For the safety of our patients and staff, outside entrances are secured at 8 pm; Security staff members will assist you in entering the building after that time.

The Brain Injury Service units (4 South and 4 West) have group treatment times. Visitors are asked to avoid these times so that confidentiality can be preserved.

No children under the age of 16 are allowed on 2 South and 4 West; we are happy to make accommodations for children under age 16 to visit in another area of the hospital on a pre-arranged basis. Patient safety and a patient’s clinical status are the key reasons for this practice.

Equal visitation

At HealthEast, visitation is not restricted, limited or denied based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. Our policies give the same visiting rights and responsibilities to all patients and their partners, spouses, significant others and families. These policies reflect standards set by The Joint Commission, a nationwide organization that works with hospitals to ensure they meet a wide range of requirements in areas including patient rights and safety, quality of care and more.

Welcome Center

Our Welcome Center is located on the first floor near the main entrance. The number is 651-232-2228. An information phone is also available by the skyway entrance.

Wireless Internet

Bethesda offers wireless Internet access. Please note that Bethesda cannot guarantee the security of information sent over the wireless network. Also, web sites considered inappropriate will be blocked.