Patients & Visitor Services
Your Community Hospital
We’re not just a hospital; we’re your hospital — founded in the Rio Grande Valley to fully serve Rio Grande Valley residents. Whether you’re a patient or a visitor, we’re here to provide you with the best care, during every encounter.
Excellent service starts the moment you drive onto our campus. Before your visit or stay with us, please take a moment to learn more about convenient parking at DHR.
Excellent Encounters Start Here
Helpful Information
Learn what you can expect when you’re a patient or visitor, including details about guest services, interpreter assistance, our helpful DHR ambassadors and much more.
Hospital access
For the safety of all patients, visitors and team members, the hospital’s Safety and Security department patrols the campus 24 hours a day. Every night at 8:00 p.m. some doors into the hospital are locked. All doors that are locked at night will be unlocked at 5:30 a.m. the next morning. After 8:00 p.m., visitors will be able to exit the hospital, but will not be able to re-enter. The Emergency Department entrance is the only door that stays open.
Escorts
For your security and peace of mind, a uniformed security representative can escort you to the parking area after dark. To arrange an escort or to report any suspicious activity, call the Safety and Security department at extension 7911.
Parking
We have many convenient parking areas for visitors around the campus. Please see our parking map for more information. View Parking Map
Guest Services
You’re why we work to balance modern technology and good, old-fashioned care. Our goal is for your stay with us to be as short as possible and your recovery complete.
ATM
A 24-hour ATM is located on the first floor of the main hospital.
Cafeterias
For your convenience, we have several dining places where you can relax and recharge. Dining areas are located on the first and third floors of the DHR main hospital, first floor of the DHR Health Women’s Hospital, and first floor of Day Surgery at Renaissance. To find out their hours of operation, please call 956-362-7800.
Meals and nutrition
DHR offers patients a selective menu. A Nutrition Ambassador will visit every patient to read menu choices before each meal. Menus are tailored to meet your special dietary needs based on your doctor’s orders. Our primary goal is to ensure you are satisfied with food and service you receive. Please call us at extension 7800 if we have not met your needs.
Electrical appliances
Electrical appliances including hair dryers, curling irons, razors, radios, heating pads, portable heaters, DVD players, computers and other devices are not allowed in patient rooms. You may use only battery-operated devices.
Fire safety
Every so often we have fire drills. If you hear an alarm, stay where you are. If there’s an actual emergency, hospital staff will let you know.
Gift shop
We offer guests a gift shop located in the lobby of the DHR Health Women’s Hospital. It’s open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Mail and flowers
Mail and floral arrangements will be delivered to you by Guest Relations. Please note: Flowers are not allowed in intensive care units (ICU), and latex balloons are not allowed in the pediatric unit.
Outgoing mail may be taken to the nurse’s station or given to your attending nurse. If your mail comes to DHR after you’ve been discharged, we’ll be sure to send it to the home address we have on file.
Pastoral care
A hospital stay can be a stressful time for patients and their families. Our pastoral care department offers spiritual and emotional support to people of all faiths. You can reach a pastoral staff member at ext. 7271, 24 hours a day.
Smoking
Smoking is allowed in limited areas.
Valet parking
For your convenience, we offer free valet parking. You may access this service by driving up to the main entrance on Dove Avenue. After hours, call Security at 362-7911.
Vending machines
A team member will be happy to tell you where you can find the closest vending machine.
Infection Prevention
Patients and visitors at DHR Health play an active role in preventing infection. Here you will find an assortment of educational materials to help you and your family become more informed about your role in infection prevention during your stay at DHR.
Handwashing to prevent infection
Flu prevention
Preventing infections after surgery
C. Difficile
Gram-negative germs
MRSA
Central line associated bloodstream infection
VRE
Special precautions
Safe water guidelines
Interpreter services and language assistance
We understand the diverse needs of our community and want to go above and beyond for every patient. You or your loved one can use our interpretation and language assistance services at no added cost.
You’ll find more information on these services here or by calling Iliana Elizondo, Director of Interpreter Services, at 956-362-7258. Or call the DHR House Supervisor at 956-362-7638. You may also visit the Guest Relations department in person, which is located on the first floor of the Main Hospital. Their hours are 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
You can also ask any red coat Guest Relations team member for help. They’re available from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., seven days a week.
Patient Home Medication Initiative
When patients are admitted, we encourage them to bring their own medicines from home, stored in their original labeled containers. When you use your own medicines during your stay at the hospital, you’ll be able to leave with the same medicines, new prescriptions or both. This approach helps us make sure you’re taking only the medicines you need and will have the best health outcome from your stay with us.
Guest Relations Ambassadors
Always ready to lend a hand, our Guest Relations Ambassadors can be found all around the hospital. You’ll know them by their red coats. Ambassadors are here to help you find a patient’s room, escort you to your destination in our facility or answer general questions.