Caring Bridge

CaringBridge is a free online service that connects family and friends during a critical illness, treatment or recovery.

A CaringBridge web site is personal, private and available 24/7. It helps ease the burden of keeping family and friends informed during difficult times. Patients and caregivers draw strength from loved ones' messages of support.

A CaringBridge web site takes just minutes to set up and includes:

• Online journal to provide updates
• Guest book
• Photo gallery

Cash machine

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

Cell phones

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 as well as all visitor lounges.

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

The gift shop is located in the main lobby on the first floor. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 7 pm, and various weekend hours. The gift shop offers a wide selection of merchandise including greeting cards, gifts, fresh flowers, reading materials, snacks and basic toiletries.

History and Resource Center

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

Information Center

An information 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.

Internet/wireless access

Bethesda offers wireless Internet access so patients, family members or other guests can bring their laptop computers and use the Internet onsite.

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

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 front desk.

Patient advocate

If you have questions or concerns, please speak to the clinical director of your program.  If the clinical director has not satisfied your concerns please contact the Patient Advocate at 651-232-2013.

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, 2nd Floor and 6th Floor.

Smoking

Bethesda Hospital is a smoke-free environment.

Taxi and bus 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 8:30 pm; Security staff members will assist you in entering the building after that time.

The Medical Behavioral Unit (2 South) and 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.