For visitors at Rapides Regional Medical Center
Visiting our hospital
When visiting a patient, we work to ensure you have a seamless experience. Read on to learn more about the policies, services and visiting hours that make our hospital what it is.
Information for our visitors
We are pleased to welcome you to our hospital. View the below information we have listed to help answer any questions you may have as a visitor.
Visiting hours at our hospital
Daily visiting hours for both of our intensive care units (ICUs), including the 5A and medical ICU, are as follows:
- 10:00am to 2:00pm
- 8:30pm to 9:30pm
Daily visiting hours for our surgical ICU are:
- 10:00am to 12:00pm
- 2:00pm to 4:00pm
- 8:30pm to 9:30pm
Visitation restrictions
Circumstances may allow for specific exceptions to any visitation restrictions described on this webpage. Those circumstances include religious visitation as well as a designated support person for a patient with a disability to provide assistance with communication or other necessary components of the patient's treatment. All persons entering under an exception remain subject to appropriate infection control protocols.
Cafeteria and dining options
The Riverstop Café is open from 6:00am until 10:00pm, offering grab-and-go items, drinks and coffee. Vending machines are also available. Menu items may vary based on nationwide supply issues.
We welcome you to visit Riverstop Café for all meals throughout the day, including:
- Breakfast — This meal is served from 6:00am to 10:00am, and features a classic hot breakfast, fruit and yogurt bar, continental breakfast selections and grab-and-go items.
- Lunch — This meal is served from 11:00am to 2:00pm, and features traditional entrée items, side dishes, bread and soup, as well as daily specials and grab-and-go items. We also offer pizza by the slice and a build-your-own salad bar.
- Dinner — This meal is served from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, and features pizza by the slice, a self-serve salad bar, grab-and-go items and soup. Dinner is only served until 7:00pm on weekends.
Beans and Cream at Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital is open daily, from 7:00am to 8:00pm. It offers coffee specialty drinks, hot tea, soft drinks, soup, sandwiches and hand-dipped ice cream.
Contact your loved one
If you do not know a friend or family member's room number, call the information desk at (318) 769-5065. The numbers to call directly to their room are:
- Main Hospital — (318) 769-3+ patient’s room number
- South Tower — (318) 769- 5 + patient’s room number
- Women’s and Children’s Hospital — (318) 769- 7 + patient’s room number
Flower deliveries
If you would like to send flowers to your loved one, you can contact our gift shop by calling (318) 449-9035. Other florist shops in the area routinely deliver to the hospital as well. Flower deliveries are not allowed in the ICU patient areas.
In addition to flowers, The Children’s Shop, located in the Rapides Women’s and Children’s Hospital atrium, offers gifts, clothing and balloons.
Patient updates
If you have a loved one that is a patient at our hospital, you can opt in to receive patient text updates during a surgical procedure.
Parking
Visitors may park for free in the parking garages located at the east and west ends of our campus.
Additional free parking is available on the lot located at Fifth and Elliot streets, east of Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital. Parking lots are also located on Sixth Street and at the corner of Elliott and Eighth streets.
Salute Our Veterans program
We are proud to recognize veterans who have served our country. The “Salute Our Veterans” program is designed to honor all veterans who are patients with us.
Please let us know if you are a veteran, so a "Salute" sign can be placed on your door, identifying you as such. This allows our staff to recognize you and thank you for your service. You are a hero. Thank you for serving our country and for choosing our hospital.
Visitation guidelines
Per our visitation guidelines, only two visitors per patient are allowed in a room. We also do not allow any visitors under 14 years of age. Visitors will be asked to leave the unit during emergent and critical situations.
Waiting rooms for the surgical ICU and 5A are located on third floor.
How to help a loved one with cancer
After learning a friend or relative has cancer, many wonder, "How can I help?" We believe that a care package is a nice way to show your support.
What to include in your care package
When creating a care package, you may consider including:
- Hard candies — These counteract the metallic taste from chemotherapy, especially citrus flavors.
- Headwear — This can improve self-esteem and provide warmth when experiencing hair loss.
- Mild moisturizers — These treat dry skin, a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.
- Puzzle books or magazines — These provide a distraction when undergoing long treatments or back-to-back doctor visits.
- Restaurant or gas gift cards — These can offer convenience and peace of mind for those who must travel for treatment.
Want more ways to help? You can offer to water plants, feed pets, provide meals or run errands on your loved one's behalf.