Before Your Visit

Free parking for patients and visitors to Thomas Orthopedic Hospital is available in the Laidley Street garage. Metered on-street parking is available, at rates set by the city of Charleston. Patients with mobility issues who wish to park for free in the garage are encouraged to use the free shuttle service. Shuttles make continuous loops between all levels of the garage and the hospital’s entrances and additional buildings. Shuttles operate Monday through Friday from 7 am – 4 pm.

Patients and visitors at Thomas Orthopedic Hospital have access to shuttles which run from the parking areas to the hospital entrances.

Shuttles are completely free to ride, and our drivers are not permitted to accept tips. Shuttles run continuous loops Monday through Friday.

Request a shuttle ride at Thomas Orthopedic Hospital – 304-766-5408

All patients should check in at registration located at the main entrance.

Thomas Orthopedic Hospital in Charleston welcomes patients and their families with a variety of nearby dining and lodging options to help make your visit as comfortable as possible.

For visitors to Thomas Orthopedic Hospital, please visit the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau for helpful resources.

Patients and visitors at Thomas Orthopedic Hospital have access to shuttles that run from the parking areas to the hospital entrances. Shuttles are completely free to ride, and our drivers are not permitted to accept tips. Shuttles run continuous loops Monday through Friday.

To request a ride, please contact 304-766-5408.

*Shuttles are for on-campus transportation only. For additional transportation options, visit KRT – Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority.

Tobacco-Free Campus Policy
At Thomas Hospitals, we are committed to promoting health and healing for everyone in our care. To support a safe, healthy environment, all forms of tobacco use—including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and other nicotine delivery products—are strictly prohibited on all Thomas Hospitals-owned or leased properties. This policy applies to patients, visitors, staff, volunteers, and medical personnel.

Patients are encouraged to abstain from tobacco use during their stay and may be offered nicotine replacement therapy when appropriate. Visitors and employees are also expected to follow the policy at all times while on hospital grounds.

Thank you for helping us maintain a tobacco-free environment.

Weapons Policy
For the safety of all patients, visitors, and staff, Thomas Hospitals strictly prohibits the possession of deadly weapons—including firearms, knives, electroshock devices, and defensive sprays—on hospital property.

• Employees are not permitted to carry deadly weapons or electroshock devices on hospital grounds. Defensive sprays may be carried for personal protection during entry/exit but must be secured inside the building.
• Visitors and patients are also prohibited from possessing weapons while on hospital property. Exceptions are made for legally stored firearms inside locked vehicles, as allowed by West Virginia law.
• Law enforcement personnel are exempt from this policy.
• Anyone found in violation will be asked to secure or remove the weapon. Failure to comply will result in notification of the proper authorities.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and secure environment for all.

Service Animal Policy
Thomas Hospitals is committed to providing compassionate, inclusive care while supporting the rights of individuals with disabilities who use service animals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), trained service dogs are permitted to accompany patients and visitors in most areas of the hospital, with some exceptions for infection control and patient safety.

• Service animals are allowed in non-restricted areas and must remain under the control of their handler at all times.
• Restricted areas include:
  • Operating Rooms
  • ICUs
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Dialysis, Oncology
  • OB/NBN
  • certain procedure units
• Animals must be clean, well-groomed, and vaccinated.
• A private room will be provided to patients with service animals when available.
• Staff may ask if the animal is required due to a disability and what tasks it performs—but will never ask for documentation or proof.
• Emotional support animals or pets are not permitted as service animals.

Visitors with service animals are also welcome, provided the patient being visited is not in a restricted area. Visits are limited to 2 hours and may be shortened if safety or care is compromised.

Animal Therapy Programs are not offered hospital-wide. Only the Skilled Nursing Unit at the Saint Francis campus allows pre-approved therapy animals, following a separate policy.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful environment for all patients and guests.

Workplace Violence Prevention
Thomas Hospitals is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and violence-free environment for all employees, patients, visitors, and providers. We have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence, including verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, physical assault, bullying, or harassment of any kind.

All incidents of workplace violence must be reported immediately and will be thoroughly investigated. Employees, patients, and visitors who engage in violent behavior will face disciplinary action and may be reported to authorities.

To reduce risk, Thomas Hospitals continuously monitors safety, conducts regular staff training, performs background checks, and encourages reporting of concerning behavior. Support resources such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are available to staff in need.

Together, we are fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and respect across all Thomas Hospitals locations.