Patients & Visitors

 

Welcome to Camden Clark Medical Center. Since our founding in 1898, Camden Clark has provided the finest possible health care to the people of our community.

Our employees, medical staff and hospital volunteers are dedicated to bringing every patient the care and attention necessary for a successful recovery.

We hope to make your stay at Camden Clark as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

VISITING A PATIENT

Visitors are permitted to exit and return in the same day.

Clinical staff may request visitor not to be present in areas with limited space.

Our gift shop is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Cafeteria is located on the ground floor of the South Tower.

Vending machines are located in the North Tower First Floor Lobby area.

Shuttle and Valet Services are available for patients and visitors.

VISITATION POLICY

GENERAL GUIDELINES

General Visitation Guidelines (Applicable to All)

This policy applies to the visitation of patients, not general visitation to the hospital (e.g., Vendors, volunteers, other administrative activities).

  1. Outside vendors considered essential to patient care (Chaplains at End of Life, LTACH/nursing home screeners, etc.) are not included as visitors.
  2. Staff may request visitor not to be present in areas with limited space, in semiprivate rooms, and to meet patient needs for rest and healing.
  3. Local epidemiologic and supply factors can override this policy at any time.
  4. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
  5. Any additional posted visitation guidelines are to be followed.

Emergency Department

  • Two (2) visitors will be allowed per patient at a time.
  • No visitors under the age of 14 permitted

Behavioral Health Unit

  • Refer to Patient Visitor Policy

PEDIATRIC GUIDELINES

Pediatric Patient Visitor Exceptions include but are not limited to:

  • Deaf/Blind Patients
  • Limited/impaired Mental Capacity (such as Autism, Severe Cognitive Delays/Impairments)
  • Significant Mobility Limitations
  • Critical Conversations (e.g., End of Life, New significant diagnoses with patient specific concerns)
  • Significant change in clinical condition or increased level of care
  • Prior to or after significant procedural/clinical events (requiring sedation)

Pediatric Inpatient

  • Two (2) visitors at a time.
  • Visitation is 24 hours/day.
  • Two approved overnight visitors

Pediatric Outpatient Clinics/Physician Offices

  • Two (2) visitors permitted with each patient visit.

Pediatric Outpatient Diagnostics

  • Two (2) visitors permitted with each patient visit.

ADULT GUIDELINES

Adult Patient Visitor Exception Considerations include but are not limited to the
following: (Approval per Unit Manager/House Supervisor after hours)

  1. Deaf/Blind Patients
  2. Limited/impaired Mental Capacity (such as Dementia, Autism, Severe Cognitive Delays/Impairments)
  3. Significant Mobility Limitations
  4. Critical Conversations (e.g., Goals of Care, New significant diagnoses with patient-specific concerns)
  5. Significant change in clinical condition or increased level of care
  6. Prior to or after significant procedural/clinical events (requiring sedation)
  7. Specific discharge teaching or instructions
  8. End of Life: If the patient is nearing end of life or in comfort care, visitation shall be allowed upon request and at any frequency.

Adult Inpatient Visitation

Two (2) visitors are permitted at the time of presentation/admission when admission occurs outside regular visitation hours. Bedside Nurse will coordinate admission assessments with healthcare surrogate at bedside.

Two (2) visitors are permitted at time of discharge to receive discharge teaching or instructions.

Two (2) visitors at a time from 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.

No overnight visitation allowed.

Obstetrics/Mom and Baby

  • Two (2) visitors at a time from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. This includes the support person.
  • One (1) adult may stay overnight.
  • For postpartum patients, a family centered approach to visitation is followed, allowing for more than 2 visitors at a time.
  • Siblings under age 14 may visit if accompanied by an adult.

Adult Outpatient Procedural (Same Day Care/Cath Lab)

  • One (1) visitor may accompany patient for same day care/cath lab procedures (except for patients having pain procedures). Two (2) visitors may accompany pediatric and obstetric patients.
  • Visitor may accompany patient in waiting area and pre-procedural area, and if admitted, to the inpatient room. Visitors accompanying SDC/Cath Lab patients admitted prior to scheduled visitation at 8:00 a.m. will be permitted to remain in the room.

Adult Outpatient Diagnostics 

One (1) visitor with patient. Two (2) visitors per patient for pediatric and obstetric patients.

Outpatient Clinics/Physician Offices

One (1) visitor is permitted with each patient visit
Two (2) visitors may accompany pediatric and obstetric patients.

Checking In: What to Expect

We have three easy-to-access entrances to the hospital. 

Our South Tower entrance is located on the ground level, near our emergency room.  North Tower offers two entrances at both first floor and ground levels.

We offer free shuttle service to all of these entrances. Additionally, we have valet service located at the South Tower entrance.

Checking In

Your room assignment is based on your admitting diagnosis and bed availability on the day of your admission. A limited number of private rooms are available. Be aware that insurance usually does not cover the full cost of a private room.

Identification Bracelets

Identification bracelets should not be removed during a hospital stay. Bracelets contain important patient information vital to patient treatment and safety.

Pass Code

To help us provide health information to the people who are involved in your care, we will give each patient a
“patient code.” Anyone asking for information about your care will not be given the information unless they know
the code.

You will need to give your code to those people who you want to obtain information about your care. It is very
important that the people you give your pass code do not share it with anyone else without your permission. It is
helpful that communication occurs among those who have the pass code, rather than multiple calls being made to
the nursing unit.

Gift Shop

The gift shop is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

 

Food Service

Patients are served breakfast between 6:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.; lunch between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; and dinner between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Cafeteria

The cafeteria is located on the lower level. Due to COVID-19 Restrictions – our Cafeteria is available for carry-out only after 12:30 p.m.

Snack Vending Center

The snack vending center, located in the North Tower lobby, serves a variety of bottled beverages, sandwiches and snack items.

Televisions

Color television sets with local cable are provided free of charge in each room. Please be considerate of other patients by playing television sets softly and by turning off your set at bedtime.

Telephones

You may receive calls in your room from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. To make local calls, dial “9” and the number. Long-distance calls cannot be charged to your room, so use a calling card or dial the operator. by dialing “0.” Cellular phones are permitted in all areas of the hospital.

Valuables

Keep no more than a few dollars in your hospital room. Money, jewelry and other valuables should be sent home or kept in the hospital safe. Camden Clark is not responsible for lost or stolen personal valuables.

Medications

Understanding your medications is vital to your health. If everyone takes an active role in safe medication delivery,
fewer errors will result, and patients will be more informed healthcare consumers.
Staff carefully dispense medications and follow safety guidelines. But it is very important that parents, family
members, or caregivers, as well as the patient, take responsibility for safe medication use.
Teamwork is essential. Please provide your caregivers with a list of all the medicines you have been using at
home (better yet, have medications in their containers with you). This includes over-the-counter medicines, dietary
supplements, vitamins, and herbs. If you have allergies, let us know so that you can avoid drastic reactions to any
new medicines that might be prescribed.

Home Medications

For the safety of all patients all medications brought into the hospital (after being checked by the admission nurse)
should be sent home with a family member or caregiver if possible, with the exception of those that are unavailable
from the Inpatient Pharmacy and are needed during the patient’s hospital stay. Some examples are birth control
and medications from specialty pharmacies.

Patient’s medications that cannot be sent home must be stored in the Inpatient Pharmacy. A nurse will secure the
medications in a secure bag, which will then be sent to the pharmacy for identification, storage, and/or dispensing.
You will be asked to sign a copy of this form.

Medications stored in the Pharmacy will be returned at the time of discharge. A nurse will contact Pharmacy
staff members to tell

Fall Prevention Program

A fall risk assessment is completed on every patient admitted to the Medical Center. Since studies have shown that
some patients are at greater risk for a fall, patients who have been deemed fall risk for falling will be given red
non-skid footies, a caution sign near their bed and education on preventing falls.

Advance Directives: Medical Power of Attorney and Living Will

Patients have the right to formulate advanced directives and to appoint a designated representative to
make health care decisions on behalf of the patient, or to have previously written advance directives honored
by medical personnel.

West Virginia law recognizes two types of written advance directives for health care decision-making: the
Medical Power of Attorney and the Living Will.

Camden Clark Medical Center recognizes your rights in health care decision-making; therefore, it is our policy that
your advance directives be respectfully honored within the limits of the law, the hospital’s capacity and capability
to treat, and the hospital’s mission and philosophy. The hospital is further dedicated to providing you, upon
request, information about creating, revising and revoking advance directives. If you have not created an advance
directive, you may find it helpful to discuss your health care preferences and options with your family, friends,
doctor, or religious counselor. If you have already created an advance directive, the hospital asks that you present
a copy to the nursing staff on your unit.

Please tell your nurse if you

Rights, Privacy, and Non-Discrimination

Camden Clark is committed to protecting our patients’ privacy and rights. HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, is a law designed to help ensure the portability of health insurance coverage, reduce health care fraud and abuse, enforce standards of health information and guarantee the security and privacy of health information.

Our goal at Camden Clark Medical Center is to meet and exceed the demands of HIPAA, and to protect our patients’ privacy and confidentiality without exception.

We encourage our patients and their families to familiarize themselves with Camden Clark’s privacy practices.

Checking Out: What to Expect

Now you can view your health information and communicate with your WVU Medicine healthcare team online!  All you need is internet access and e-mail.

MyWVUChart.com
• View test results
• Request medication renewals
• Communicate securely with your medical care team
• Access and download your health information
• View and pay your bill
• Access many MyWVUChart features via the mobile app
• Appointment alerts available

Checking Out

When your doctor decides you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. 

Planned Discharges

If at all possible, your nurse or the RN Care Coordinator on your floor will meet with you before you’re ready to leave the hospital to plan the details of your discharge. This planning allows nurses to complete the paperwork, help you gather your belongings, set a time for you to leave, and help you arrange for transportation home

Discharge Instructions

Your doctor and nurse will give you instructions about post-hospital care. If you have any questions about your diet, activities, medications or other matters, be sure to ask.

Transportation Service

When you are ready to leave, a member of the hospital staff will escort you to the front entrance and help you into the car.

Ambulance

Before discharge, ask a nursing staff member to help with arrangements for ambulance transportation if you need this service. Because patients must meet the eligibility requirements of their particular medical insurance carrier, including Medicare and Medicaid, consult your insurance company about coverage for non-emergency transfers.

Personal Belongings

Collect all of your belongings and double-check closets and drawers. If you have anything stored in the hospital safe or the pharmacy, ask your nurse to obtain these items for you.

Medications

If your doctor gives you a prescription, be sure to fill it at your pharmacy as soon as possible.

Bus and Taxi Service

If you need a taxi following discharge, please ask a nursing staff member to help with arrangements. Local buses stop near the entrance/exit of the hospital. For route information, call (304) 422-4100.

Join Our Dedicated Team

Through volunteering, you will experience challenging and rewarding activities and valuable service to others!  Volunteer opportunities are available in the areas below.  Find out more by calling our Volunteer Services Department at (304) 424-2847 or e-mail Marjorie Reed at marjorie.reed@wvumedicine.org. or click here to submit an application.

Camden Clark Volunteers and Auxiliary provides vital services within the hospital as well as to our community. The volunteer program consists of both adult and teen volunteers. The adult program consists of college aged students and all adults. The teen program consists of students 14 years of age that have completed the 8th grade. Teen orientation is held each year in August so submit your application accordingly and prior to August 1.

Now accepting applications for Teen Volunteers. Must be 14 years old and completed the 8th grade. COVID Vaccine is required and must show proof. Class size is limited and applications will be accepted until August 19th.

  • Auxiliary Fundraising Projects
  • Central Registration
  • Courtesy Mobile Driver
  • Emergency Services
  • Endoscopy
  • Escort Services
  • Fitness Center
  • Gift Shop
  • Hospitality Cart
  • Human Resources
  • ICU/CVUICU
  • Information Desk
  • Laboratory
  • Library
  • Lifetime Partners
  • Magazine Distribution
  • Marketing
  • Materials Management
  • Medical Records
  • Nursing Service
  • Oncology Services
  • Patient Registration
  • Patient Visitor
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physician’s Relations
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Radiology
  • Same-Day Care
  • Sewing
  • Shopping Cart
  • Volunteer Office Assistant
  • Wayfinding
  • Women’s Center
  • Women & Children’s

Camden Clark Auxiliary Scholarships

Scholarship
Camden Clark Auxiliary assists with numerous special projects that raises money for the hospital. Since its beginnings in 1952, the Auxiliary has contributed more than $3 million to the hospital, as well as a phenomenal number of volunteer hours. The Auxiliary also raises money for scholarships to help fund healthcare education, including the Leo D. Carsner Memorial Scholarships.

The Auxiliary of Camden Clark Medical Center is sponsoring Leo D. Carsner $2,500

Download the scholarship here   Scholarship deadline is April 8, 2024.

Scholarships to area students obtaining a degree in the health care field.

  • Applications are available online at the Camden Clark Website under Volunteers, or by contacting the Volunteer Services Department at 304-424-2847. All applications must be completed and returned by April 3, 2023
  • Students must have completed one year of college at an accredited school or be in the final weeks of their first year carrying at least 12 credit hours.
  • To be eligible, students must live in the area serviced by Camden Clark Medical Center, which includes 11 counties in West Virginia and Ohio
  • Applicants will be judged on their scholastic ability, leadership attributes, potential contribution to the health care field, and financial need.
  • Recipients of the scholarships will be notified via phone or mail.
  • The scholarship is paid directly to the school. Funding for the scholarships was made available by a variety of auxiliary projects.

For more information, contact CCMC Volunteer Services at 304-424-2847 or by email at marjorie.reed@wvumedicine.org

You can drop off the completed form to Volunteer Services Department or send completed application to:

CCMC
Volunteer Services
800 Garfield Ave.
Parkersburg, WV 26101

Camden Clark Nursing Alumnae Scholarships

Camden Clark Nursing Alumnae will award two $2,000 scholarships in memory of Ella Bloomheart and Barbara Fonte to nursing students completing their first year of an accredited school of nursing. The scholarships will be awarded at the Camden Clark Nursing Alumnae Luncheon on May 9, 2024.

Following are the criteria for application of the scholarship:

  • Provide written documentation of acceptance to a Registered Nurse program accredited by the National League of Nursing (NLN) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).
  • Live in the area served by WVU Medicine Camden Clark, which includes 11 counties in West Virginia and Ohio.
  • Have completed one year of college at an accredited school as a nursing student or be in the final weeks of their first year carrying at least 12 credit hours OR a currently employed RN furthering their education.
  • The scholarship must be used within the next academic year.

Download the form necessary to complete your application: Ella Bloomheart and Barbara Fonte Student Scholarship Application

Or, you may,

 

Funding for the scholarships was made available by the Camden Clark Nursing Alumnae.

Application deadline is April 26, 2024.

Please return the completed application and supporting documents to:

Camden Clark Foundation
PO Box 1834
Parkersburg, WV 26102

Lifetime Partners

Lifetime Partners is WVU Medicine Camden Clark’s organization that focuses on health, wellness and social engagement for area residents who are 55 and older.

WVU Medicine Camden Clark’s exclusive organization is free to those 55 and older. Members can learn about good health, take advantage of exclusive member benefits and savings and enjoy interesting activities and interact with other Lifetime Partners. Lifetime Partners is also a sponsor of Faithlink and each year donates an average of $5000 from member contributions to the Wood County Society at their annual telethon.

Benefits of becoming a member of Lifetime Partners include:

  • Discounted health screenings, including discounted vascular screenings.
  • Educational seminars, classes, wellness workshops, etc.
  • Dinner with a Doc—a program that offers a discounted catered full course dinner featuring a physician speaker on relevant health related topics held at a variety of locations throughout the MOV
  • Lunch and Learn –series of physician/clinical speakers gathering to educate seniors on topical healthcare issues.
  • One free water class each week at Camden Clark’s Health and Wellness Center
  • Periodic email newsletters with healthcare tips and information
  • 10% discount at Camden Clark’s gift shop
  • Annual Health & Wellness Expo which brings over healthcare exhibitors to one location for seniors to engage with during full day of education, screenings and information exchange.

For more information on Lifetime Partners, call (304) 424-2055. Or, sign up online here.

Insurance and Billing

WVU Medicine accepts many types of insurance, and the coverage varies depending on your insurance plan. We file claims with your insurance company based on the insurance information you provide. We encourage you to confirm that your insurance company makes timely payments on your behalf. For questions about your specific healthcare benefits, please contact your insurance company directly.

Please be aware that you will receive one consolidated bill, which includes charges for physician and hospital services. Please contact your insurance provider to confirm how your insurance plan covers hospital or physician charges.

Some WVU Medicine hospitals own and operate provider-based clinics. Based on regulations issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “provider-based” refers to services administered in an outpatient clinic or location that is clinically and financially affiliated with a hospital.

The two separate charges from a provider-based clinic visit include one charge for the physician service and a separate charge by the hospital facility (as depicted in our patient portal, MyWVUChart), and the hospital facility charge may consist of an office visit and/or ambulatory procedure which depends upon the reason for the visit and services provided by the physician.

 

Additional Resources

Joint Commission Public Notice

WVU Medicine Camden Clark strives to provide the best possible quality care within a safe environment to all patients. We take patient satisfaction seriously, and should you have any comment, questions or concern, we want to hear about it.

If you have an issue that has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you are urged to contact the Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO). The Joint Commission is a nonprofit organization that reviews more than 15,000 healthcare organizations and focuses on patient safety and quality of care.

If you would like to contact the Joint Commission, use the following contact information:

Online: Submit a new patient safety event or concern
Online: Submit an update to your incident (You must have your incident number)
Fax: 630-792-5636
Mail: Office of Quality and Patient Safety
The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181

Directory

Main Hospital Operator – (304) 424-2111
Central Registration – (304) 424-2970
Financial Counseling – (304) 424-2380
Foundation – (304) 424-2200
Gift Shop – (304) 424-2707
Information Desk – (304) 424-2344
Lost and Found – (304) 424-2948
Social Services – (304) 424-2325
Pastoral Care – (304) 424-2179
Patient Accounts – (304) 424-2258
Patient Advocate – (304)-424-2712
Valet Parking – (304) 424-2021
Volunteer Service – (304) 424-2847

Camden Clark Medical Center
800 Garfield Avenue
Parkersburg, WV 26101