Visiting a Patient: Waiting Areas, Visiting Hours, Staying the Night

Waiting Areas

We want to make sure that our public waiting areas are comfortable and peaceful for the many people who use them every day.

For that reason, we ask that visitors observe the following guidelines:

• Please do not use televisions, radios or other noise-producing items. 
• The Fire Marshal prohibits the use of electrical devices such as crock pots, coffee makers and food warmers in waiting areas. 
• Personal belongings should be kept with you or in your vehicle. Bronson is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 
• Food should be consumed in the cafeteria. 

Equal Visitation Rights

Patients have the right to receive visitors that they designate, including, but not limited to, a spouse, a domestic partner (including the same-sex domestic partner), another family member, or a friend. They also have the right to withdraw or deny such consent at any time.

Visiting Hours

Loved ones are an important part of the patient care team. Depending on the patient’s condition, we encourage only one family member or friend to stay with the patient overnight. Other family members and friends are welcome in the patient’s room between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Usually, only two guests are allowed in the room at a time so the patient can rest better. We understand there may be times where more is appropriate. A lot depends on how the patient feels. If the patient has many visitors, some may want to wait in a public area and take turns visiting the patient.

Staying the Night

At Bronson, our job is to care for patients. But we want to make sure our patients' visiting friends and family members are comfortable as well. For those planning an overnight stay, we have several options.

Bronson Battle Creek Hospital

If there is anything else we can do to ensure a pleasant overnight stay, please call the operator by dialing "0," visit the nurse's station or call Patient Relations at (269) 245-8333.

Bronson Methodist Hospital

Our most comfortable overnight option for family members of patients in critical care units is the Hospital Hospitality House. Located just a few blocks from Bronson Methodist Hospital, the Hospitality House provides lodging for out-of-town families of our patients. It is also open to visitors who are not overnight guests, but would like to use its shower or kitchen facilities. There is no charge to stay, but donations are welcome. For a referral, ask your nurse to contact a hospital chaplain or social worker.

Area hotels also offer discounted rates for families of Bronson patients. In addition, there are a limited number of sleep rooms available. For more information about either of these options, ask your nurse to contact a hospital chaplain or social worker.

If there is anything else we can do to ensure a pleasant overnight stay, please call the operator by dialing "0," visit the nurse's station, or call Patient Relations at (269) 341-8959.