During your time at The George Washington University Hospital, our team of doctors, nurses and other specialized healthcare professionals will see that you receive the best care. Many behind-the-scenes staff members such as accountants, engineers, secretaries and others also contribute to help ensure your hospital experience is a positive one.
Medical Staff
Your attending physician has primary responsibility for your care. All tests, medications and procedures are ordered by your doctor. As a teaching facility, GW Hospital also has outstanding medical personnel in training who rotate through the hospital assisting with patient care. Through this learning environment, healthcare professionals gain practical skills by shadowing hospital experts and patients receive closer, more comprehensive attention to their needs. Our facility is devoted to understanding and applying advanced scientific knowledge to patient care.
Nursing Staff
Our nursing staff is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate and individualized care to all patients. Every patient unit has a nursing manager overseeing the nursing care provided. Once admitted, a registered nurse will perform a thorough nursing assessment and develop a personalized plan of care with you. Other caregivers, under the direction of the registered nurse, may be assigned to provide some of your care.
Registered Dietitians
The hospital maintains a staff of registered dietitians to provide nutrition assessments and recommendations during your hospital stay. A dietitian may visit you to discuss your nutritional needs and advise you on making healthy food choices from our Room Service dining program. For more information, visit the Patient Meal Services section under Inpatient Accomodations.
Case Managers
Case managers work with doctors and other clinical staff to help patients and their families make decisions about their stay at the hospital. They also work with community resources such as home care services, nursing homes and caregiver support groups to arrange for continued care after discharge.
Environmental Services
A member of the housekeeping team cleans your room daily. Please inform your nurse if you have an immediate housekeeping need.
Spiritual Care
While you are in the hospital, it may be helpful to have someone with whom you can share your emotional and spiritual concerns. Chaplains from varying faiths and traditions are available on-site during the day and for emergencies during the evenings and weekends. For more information about Spiritual Care, contact the chaplain directly at 202-715-5329.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is a specialty that focuses on improving quality of life for patients and families coping with serious illness. The goal is to relieve pain and other distressing symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, and provide assistance with emotional, practical and spiritual concerns. Palliative professionals can also help with guidance when making difficult treatment decisions. Palliative care can be delivered at any stage of a potentially life-limiting illness and can be provided along with curative treatments. The Palliative Care Department can be reached at 202-715-4337.
Volunteers
Volunteers contribute many hours of service to the hospital from visiting with patients, to delivering books and magazines from the volunteer library and accompanying patients to the interfaith chapel. If you need a volunteer’s help or know of a patient who may appreciate a friendly visit, call 202-715-4167
Certified pet therapists visit the hospital on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. Pet therapy provides support for human physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning. To schedule a visit, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 202-715-4167.
Rehabilitation Services
The hospital offers a wide range of rehabilitation treatments and services including physical and occupational therapy, speech and language pathology and a hand therapy program. Contact Rehabilitation Services at 202-715-5277.
International Medicine Program
The George Washington University Hospital created the International Medicine Program to serve the medical needs of international patients in the DC metropolitan area and abroad. The Department can provide you with a personal liaison to assist with language interpretation, scheduling, medical second opinions, cost estimates and insurance settlements. Additionally, our staff gladly will assist you and your family or friends with air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations and leisure recommendations. Please contact 202-715-5100.