Your Hospital Team at South Texas Health System Heart

Learn more about your hospital team at South Texas Health System Heart.

Medical Staff

Your attending physician is the primary physician responsible for your care. All tests, medications and consultations with other specialists are performed or administered under your attending physician's supervision. If you were not under the care of a physician affiliated with the hospital when you were admitted, a physician will be assigned to you.

Nursing Staff

The nursing staff is committed to providing comprehensive care to patients, each of whom requires a different level of personal attention and expert skills. You will be assigned a registered nurse who will coordinate a thorough nursing assessment, plan of care and continuous monitoring of your health status throughout your hospitalization. Other caregivers, under the direction of your registered nurse, will be assigned to care for you. A nurse manager is responsible for directing and coordinating nursing care on each unit. Please feel free to contact your nurse or the nurse manager if you have questions or concerns.

Pastoral Services

We believe it is important to respect that which is Sacred and Holy to another individual and to honor each person’s right to his or her own religious or spiritual perspective. We will make every effort to accommodate the cultural, religious and spiritual preferences of you and your family, if you will let us know what they are, and how best to meet your needs.

Interfaith chaplains provide pastoral care and counseling to patients and families during times of illness or injury. They may also assist in contacting your own clergy for a visit if requested. Chaplains are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please tell your nurse or call the hospital operator if you would like a visit from a Chaplain or Clergy person during these hours. For urgent needs after-hours, speak to your nurse and she will contact the on-call Chaplain. Our chapels are available for prayer and meditation at all times.

Dietitians

Food plays an important role in your recovery. Your physician has prescribed a diet for you that complements your total treatment plan. Your menu may exclude certain items in accordance with the restrictions of your diet. Please request a visit from our registered dietitian if you have questions about your diet or any nutritional concerns. If you have any requests regarding your meals, please ask your nurse to contact the dietary department.

Social Workers

To assure that patients and families are fully aware of discharge planning needs and options available to them to meet these needs, we have case managers and licensed social workers. They offer you advice and assistance with various options available for you when you are ready to move to a different level of care within our hospital system or within the community. Ask your nurse if you wish to speak with a case manager or social worker.

Housekeepers

Your room is cleaned daily by a member of the housekeeping staff. If there is a housekeeping problem in your room, tell your nurse and it will be taken care of as quickly as possible.

Volunteers

Volunteers contribute many hours of service and financial assistance to the hospital. They supplement the services of the hospital staff in many ways and can be identified by their red or pink jackets with a "Volunteer" monogram and name tags. Our volunteers provide many valuable services including taking fresh coffee to and from the waiting areas, cuddling babies, planning children's activities, delivering flowers, working in the gift shop, manning the front desk and transporting patients upon discharge from the hospital. We couldn't do what we do without their help.

Patient Escort Service

The Patient Escort Service will accompany and transport you to and from any tests or procedures to be performed outside of the unit.

Information Desk

The Information Desk is located in the main lobby near the main entrance to the hospital.

Other Personnel

During your stay you may be visited by other healthcare professionals, including technicians, technologists and therapists. In addition, the South Texas Health System Heart family includes many behind-the-scenes workers, such as accountants, engineers, secretaries, food service workers and others who contribute greatly toward your well-being while you are here.