Helpful Information for Families
What you need to know at Mary Bridge 
ATM
Cash machines are located near the cafeteria at Tacoma General Hospital and in the lobby of the Mary Bridge Children’s Health Center.
Balloons
Balloons made of mylar (foil-like material) are welcomed. Due to the increase in latex allergies, plastic or rubber balloons are not allowed in the hospital.
Billing
For questions about billing, call 253-459-7956 or 800-919-1936 Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm.
Our mailing address is:
MultiCare Health System
PO Box 5299 M/S 737-4-PTAC
Tacoma, WA 98415-0299
We can also be contacted through our e-mail address at: hospital.billing@multicare.org
Chaplain
253-403-3209
Pastoral care is provided by our hospital chaplains who provide support to patients and their families during crisis and or hospitalization, regardless of religious affiliation.
Child Life Specialists
253-403-5315
Child Life Specialists help children and families cope with the stress of hospitalization by providing play and other creative activities to meet treatment goals. They are available to assist you and your child in preparing for procedures, surgery and explanations of “what’s happening.” They meet with children and their families throughout the hospital stay.
Family and Teen Advocacy Councils
The Family and Teen Advocacy Councils are a group of patients, parents, grandparents, foster parents and staff members who partner in helping us make decisions about programming and policies within Mary Bridge, and serves as a resource to guide the hospital and health center as we grow in our existing services and create new ones.
Family Housing
Our fully furnished apartments allow families of the children in the PICU, or those traveling from out-of-town, to take a break from the hospital environment and still be close to their child. The apartments are located across the street from the hospital. They are funded through generous community donations and are free of charge to families of patients based on availability. A hospital social worker can assist in making these arrangements.
Family Resource Center
The Family Resource Center (FRC), located on the 6th floor of Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, provides health information in print, on video and on computer for parents and caregivers.
The FRC offers a place for families to access the Internet, socialize, coffee and snacks, participate in group discussions, and find comfort with other families of patients.
Financial Services for Patients
253-403-1325
When visiting Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center for admission or an outpatient appointment, it is important to bring insurance information, including an insurance card and other proof of insurance coverage. If a patient or family does not have health insurance or other financial assistance, a hospital financial counselor is available to meet with the family and assist with making payment arrangements or in evaluating ability to receive other fi nancial assistance. Financial aid and payment counseling are available to families of Mary Bridge patients. Appointments may be made by calling a financial aid counselor.
Flowers
Flowers are welcome in most areas, except the PICU.
Food
The hospital cafeteria is open from 6:30am to 7pm, and the adjacent bistro offers a wide variety of foods 24 hours a day. Vending machines are on-site and accessible 24 hours a day. A grocery store is located three blocks from the hospital and is open 5am to 2am daily. The Seahorse Bistro in our health center offers a selection of family-friendly food and beverages and is open Monday – Friday 7am to 3:30pm.
Gift Shops
Mary Bridge offers three gift shops within the hospital and health center. Gifts, flowers, balloons as well as sundries are offered. Hours vary.
Atrium Gift Shop – located on the 3rd floor near the cafeteria
Mary Bridge Gift Shop – located in the Main Lobby
Mary Bridge Health Center TOA Gift Shop - located in the lobby of the Mary Bridge Health Center
Identification Bands
A purple identification bracelet is given out to parents, guardian, or designated adult who is the authorized individual who may stay overnight with your child.
Internet Access
Unsecured wireless internet access is available throughout the hospital and health center buildings including patient rooms, waiting rooms and the cafeteria.
Opening and Closing Times of Hospital Entrances
The main hospital entrance on Martin Luther King Jr. Way is open from 5:30 am until 8:30 pm. The Emergency Room entrance off J Street is open 24 hours a day. Anyone who enters the hospital after 8:30 pm must check in with the security officer located just inside the Emergency Department.
Parking
Free valet parking is available at the main hospital entrance on Martin Luther King Jr. Way and at the emergency department entrance on J Street.
Additional parking for patients and visitors is available in the Baker Center Garage across from the main entrance of the hospital on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. This is validated parking free of charge for the first two hours. Your ticket can be validated at the main information desk.
Free parking with no time limit is available in the Fifth Street Garage also located on Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
If your vehicle is over six feet eleven inches high, contact Security Dispatch Center at 403-1013 for access to another lot that will accommodate you. RV parking is also available. Please call ahead to our Security Reception at 403-1182 to make arrangements. Please be sure to lock your car. If for some reason you need assistance with your vehicle, please call the Security Dispatch center at 403-1013.
Patient Information
Please direct family and friends to call 253-403-1622 to obtain updates concerning your child. A code is required for staff to release any information. If anyone calls without the code number they will not be given any information.
Playroom
A playroom is available on the 6th floor everyday from 8 am - 8 pm for patients and their families. Child supervision is required.
Pre-Admission/Pre-Surgery Tours
Children scheduled for day surgery, hospitalization or a procedure requiring an overnight stay are welcome to attend a pre-admission tour. To schedule a tour call 253-403-5315.
Smoking
The use of tobacco is prohibited on MultiCare property.
Social Workers
Social workers provide counseling and family support, as well as information about insurance coverage and financial options. If you need help arranging housing while your child undergoes cardiac evaluation, the social worker can provide you with many helpful resources. The social worker can also connect you with parents who've experienced what you're going through now.
Staying Overnight
You are welcome to stay overnight with your child. A chair bed with linens is available for one adult to sleep at their child’s bedside in the medical-surgical units. Kitchens and showers are also available. Limited Family Housing may be available for families with children in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). The PICU social worker can assist in making these arrangements.
Telephones
Cellular telephones may not be used in the Emergency Department, PICU, recovery room or other designated areas. Telephones are located in each patient room and throughout the hospital and health center.
Toys from Home
Favorite toys, stuffed animals, games, blankets and other personal items can be brought to Mary Bridge to make your child feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.
Valuables
Please be aware that the hospital cannot be responsible for items brought to Mary Bridge, and valuables should be left home.
Visiting Hours
We invite parents to be a part of their child’s care team. Parents and guardians are always welcome at Mary Bridge, although some patient care areas may have special restrictions. Other family and friends are welcome. Please do not visit if you are sick with a cold, flu, chicken pox, or other infectious disease. Visiting hours are 8am to 8pm. Visitors age 12 years and under must always be with an adult. Visitors in the PICU will be limited.
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