People You Might Meet
During your hospitalization, you will meet many physicians, technicians, and nurses. You will also meet people who specialize in the non-medical aspects of your care. They are dedicated to serving your individual needs in a timely and compassionate manner.
Greeters
When you arrive at the Hospital, one of our friendly "greeters" can help you get to any location -whether you need directions, a personal escort, or wheelchair assistance. Greeters are stationed in the Building-A Lobby and in the Building-M Lobby at the end of the bridge from the AMC parking garage. They are available weekdays, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Hospital Volunteers and Auxiliary Members
Many generous individuals donate their time and talents to make your stay a little more comfortable. Their special services include:
- Amenities station where families and friends can receive complimentary coffee, tea and juice while waiting for patients in surgery.
- A visiting library cart with books and magazines for patients to enjoy.
- Clerical support to various areas of the hospital.
- Our Friendly Visit List: comprised of patients, referred by staff, who can benefit from a visit by a volunteer.
- A Thrift Shop on the first floor of Building-E, welcoming donated clothing, household items, and collectibles to sell at reasonable prices. The Auxiliary donates all proceeds to the Hospital.
- Annual contributions from Auxiliary members to purchase special equipment that enhances patient care at Albany Medical Center.
If you would like to contribute your own time or talents or wish to make a gift to support the work of our volunteers and Auxiliary, please contact the Volunteer Office at (518) 262-3491.
Information Desk Receptionists
Need some help? Stop at one of our Information Desks. They are located in the lobbies of Building-D, Building-M, and Building-A. You can also call them at (518) 262-3791. The Information Desk staff can provide directions, a patient's condition and room number, and helpful facts about the Albany Area.
Interpreters
Each unit and department has a list of foreign language interpreters should you require these services. In the event an interpreter in your language is not available, services will be provided through the use of the AT&T Language Line. The services of sign language interpreters are also available to hearing impaired, when necessary. Please contact the Patient Relations Department at (518) 262-3499 if you have any questions regarding the need for interpreters.
Pastoral Care Staff
Our Pastoral Care staff is available to meet with you while you are at Albany Medical Center. They can assist you in making contact with your own faith community or meet with you to explore the spiritual resources available in times of illness and distress. One's spiritual focus can play a significant role in healing and coping with illness. Our staff can also assist you when making medical decisions or completing a health care proxy/living will.
You can request visits from a chaplain by calling (518) 262-3176. The Marcelle Chapel, located on the first floor of Building-D, is open 24 hours a day for meditation and prayer. For further assistance, call (518) 262-3176 during regular business hours.
Patient Relations
All of us at Albany Medical Center - your physicians, nurses, assistants, every employee - share in the responsibility for your comfort and well being. Each of us play a role in bringing you the best possible health care delivered in an atmosphere of dignity, courtesy, compassion, and privacy.
Patient Representatives from the Patient Relations Department serve as your advocates in the event you should have a problem or question regarding staff or services while you are a patient. In the event you or your family have a complaint or a problem you cannot resolve by talking to your doctor or nurse, please contact the Patient Relations Department by calling (518) 262-3499. The Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is our sincere wish that your stay here is as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Security Services
Security Services is committed to making your stay at Albany Medical Center Hospital as safe as possible. On duty 24 hours a day, it maintains security within the hospital and provides courtesy services upon request.
Security Services offers escorts to accompany you to your vehicle after dusk. Upon your request, a uniformed security officer will meet you at the appropriate exit, escort you to your car, and wait until you are safely on your way.
Security Services maintains a "Lost and Found" for patients, visitors, and employees. If you lose an item, call Security Services. If you discover an item, you should contact them, as well. An officer will pick up the item and secure it until the owner is identified.
The hospital will receive and deposit for safekeeping money, jewelry and other valuables, which you may bring to the hospital. Security Services is responsible for the safekeeping of such valuables. Call Security Services at (518) 262-3777 if you need to report an incident or require assistance.
Case Management / Social Workers
Our focus is on the social and emotional components of hospitalization and illness. Through special counseling sessions, the staff can help you and your family adapt to illness, disability, or loss.
Some units - Rehabilitation, and AIDS Treatment, for example - offer social work services as part of their comprehensive care program. Other units require a referral for services. The Case Management/Social Work Department also focuses on the special needs of elderly patients, actively participating in the coordination of care before and after discharge.
To request information about case management/social work services, call the office during regular business hours at (518) 262-3137.
