Information for Patients

Note: In an emergency, taking care of your immediate medical needs will be our first priority. Our support staff will work to gather information as quickly as possible to streamline your admission as you’re receiving care.

Pre-admission for planned procedures or stays: If you need lab work or testing before a procedure or hospital stay, a surgeon or specialist will make your appointment two to 14 days in advance. Otherwise, a patient admitting representative will contact you to let you know when to arrive and other important details.

All patients are admitted to AdventHealth Ocala without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, economic status, educational background, or the source of payment for care.

Essentials:

• Photo identification
• Your social security number
• Your health plan card (insurance, Medicaid or Medicare)
• Deductibles and co-pays (collected at the time of service)
• A family member or responsible adult to assist the patient in the admitting process
• Your cell phone (please keep on silent or vibrate, and refrain from use as posted or requested)

For an overnight stay:

We recommend you bring only what you’ll need while you’re here. Consider bringing:

• A robe
• Something to read
• Checks, debit or credit card and a small amount of cash
• Shavers, hair dryers or other small personal appliances
• Essential medical devices, such as hearing aids and dentures
• Toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, denture cream, shampoo, deodorant, mouthwash, soap, unscented lotion, lip balm, comb or brush, disposable razor and shaving cream
• Non-skid socks

If you’re having a baby:

• A robe
• Non-skid slippers
• Non-skid socks
• A receiving blanket
• Hair clips or rubber bands
• Something to read
• Camera and batteries (cell phones may not always be suitable)
• Change of clothes
• Two nursing bras (if you plan to breastfeed)
• Baby book for footprints
• Infant car seat (required by law to transport your baby)
• Baby outfit for the trip home
• Snacks for labor coach
• Lip balm

Please note: Hospital parking for visitors is directly across from the hospital’s main entrance. Outpatient and pre-admission parking is on the second floor of the parking deck beside the hospital.

While you’re in our care, our caring, skilled staff will work to ensure your safety and comfort. Here are a few things you should know about your room and our hospital that can help make your time with us restful and healing.

Your room

Inpatient rooms are private and equipped with:

• An electrically operated bed with protective bed rails
• A nurse call button
• An adjustable thermostat
• A bedside telephone
• Cable television

Fire drills

For the protection of our patients, staff and visitors, we conduct fire and disaster drills regularly. If a drill occurs while you are here, please remain in your room and do not become alarmed. A staff member will assist you and let you know what to do.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available on all patient care units.

Food

Tasty, nutritious meals, prepared to your physician's orders, are our kitchen’s specialty. You can request substitutions if they are in keeping with your prescribed diet. Gourmet meals and snacks are available for purchase if you are not on a restricted diet

Meals are usually served at these times:

• Breakfast: 7 to 9 am
• Lunch: 11 am to 1 pm
• Dinner: 4 to 6 pm

For your health, healing and safety, please request food and drinks from the nursing staff on your unit.

Mail

U.S. Postal Service mail will be delivered to your room, as well any message you receive through AdventHealth Ocala's Email-A-Patient service. After your discharge, mail will be forwarded to your home.

Newspapers and magazines

A complimentary copy of our local newspaper, Ocala Star-Banner, is delivered to your room courtesy of AdventHealth Ocala. If you’d like to borrow a magazine to read, call Volunteer Services at extension 2153. Magazines are also available for purchase in the gift shop.

Medications

All medications you take while in the hospital are prescribed by your doctor and administered by a nurse through the hospital pharmacy. If you need a medicine that has not been prescribed, tell your nurse and we will consult a physician.

Oxygen in use

In areas where patients are receiving oxygen, special safety regulations are in effect. Electrically-operated equipment and aerosol products are not permitted in any room where oxygen is in use or on standby.

All patients have the right to appropriate assessment in management of pain. While you’re in our care, you can expect:

• A concerned staff committed to pain prevention and management
• Assurance that your reports of pain will be believed
• Health professionals who respond quickly to reports of pain
• Information about pain and pain-relief measures

To help us keep you as pain-free as safely possible:

• Ask for pain relief when pain first begins
• Ask your physician or nurse what to expect regarding pain and pain management
• Discuss pain relief options with your physician and nurse, work to create a treatment plan and let us know if you have concerns or questions
• Help your physician and nurse assess your pain and let them know it isn’t relieved

Tell your physician or nurse about any concerns you have with taking pain medications

Your health care portal is a secure online home for your health information. It can help you be informed about your care, your treatment or management plan and any steps you need to take to stay as healthy as possible.

You can:

• Easily access your hospital discharge instructions, so you and your family know how to take care of you at home.
• Have secure online access to your list of medications, diagnoses, allergies, test results, patient history and vital information.
• Manage your health information
• View and share your personal health information related to your hospital stays

Signing up is easy and free of charge.

You just need to:

1. Show your photo ID at registration and provide your email address, and we’ll send you an email with a link and login information. (You also can call our Health Information Management department at Call352-402-5387 to verify your identity and provide an email address.)
2. Click on the link in the email, and follow the instructions to set up your account and create your personal password.
3. Once your account is set up, you can log in from any Internet-enabled device to view and download your information. Bookmark the site to make it convenient to visit regularly.

Your privacy is important. Your username will always be your email address. Each time you log in, you will need to enter your password and answer your security question.

Your personal and medical information in the My Health Home portal will be kept confidential. The portal uses a secure, encrypted connection that meets the highest industry standards. All health data is stored on a secure server and managed with the protection of your information in mind. We will not share, sell or lease your personal information with any outside party not affiliated with our organization. Only you — and those you authorize — will be able to see or gain access to the information in your portal.

Visiting Hours are from 8 am to 6 pm, all visitors must enter through the Main Entrance/Palmer Lobby so they can be screened and given a wristband.

For your convenience, you can pay your bill online. You can also find out what insurance we accept.

If you are having trouble paying for medical care, contact Eligibility Services at Call800-353-1380 or esscontact@chs.net. We may be able to find federal, state or county programs that can help. If so, we can help you apply and follow up on your application. We’ll need to gather information from you through a questionnaire, and we may need permission to share certain information with programs or agencies that can help you. We adhere to all confidentiality and privacy guidelines (HIPAA and Protected Health Information).

As part of the comprehensive care provided at AdventHealth Ocala, Chaplain Services offer spiritual and emotional support to patients, families and team members. This care reflects our commitment to whole-person care, attending to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being throughout every stage of the healing journey.

Our chaplains are available 24 hours a day. In-house chaplain coverage is provided from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, with on-call support available overnight. Whether during times of illness, uncertainty, grief or healing, our chaplains are here to listen, support, and walk alongside you.

Chaplain Services Include:

• 24-hour chaplains available for crisis interventions
• Access to different community faith leaders (upon request)
• Advocacy for patients, families and staff
• Blessing of hands and virtual devotionals for staff
• Catholic volunteers who provide Communion weekly to Catholic patients
• Consultation for ethical issues or end-of-life concerns
• Morning and evening prayers overhead
• Multi-faith chapel for reflection, prayer or meditation (located on the ground level across from the gift shop)
• Multi-faith spiritual and religious support, prayer and faith-based practices
• Pre- and post-surgery prayers (upon request)
• Special chapel services for holidays and special occasions
• Staff support and debriefing
• Weekly chapel services (Thursdays at 12:45 p.m.)

Moments When a Chaplain’s Presence May Be Helpful:

• When you feel anxious, scared or alone
• When you have questions about meaning and purpose
• When you need strength or grounding
• When you need to vent or simply have someone by your side
• When you or someone you love is going through a health crisis or is critically ill
• When you would like someone to pray for or with you
• When you’re processing a diagnosis

Our chaplain team is always available, whether for a health crisis, end-of-life decisions, prayer, compassionate presence or just a listening ear. You may request a visit anytime, and our team is always ready to help you in any way we can, serving as a spiritual and emotional source for you.

You may ask any of our staff members to contact us, or you can call the operator and request that they connect you with one of our chaplains. If you are in the hospital in a room, you can dial 0 or call the operator at 352-351-7200 from any phone. Our office’s number is 352-402-5280. If our chaplains are not in the office, please leave us a message.

Our chaplains honor each person’s individual beliefs, values, culture and identity. We do not impose or assume religious perspectives on those whom we serve. Instead, we meet people where they are, with respect, dignity and compassion.

Gregory Cain, Director of Mission and Ministry: Gregory Cain, M.Div., CLC, serves as Director of Mission and Ministry at AdventHealth Ocala, where he leads initiatives focused on whole-person care, spiritual support and compassionate presence for patients, families, team members and the community. With more than 20 years of experience in pastoral ministry and clinical chaplaincy, Gregory is passionate about “removing aloneness at the point of greatest need” by helping integrate emotional, spiritual and relational care into the healthcare experience. He also serves as an adjunct professor at AdventHealth University and is the author of Where the Light Gets Through.

Roberta Vieira, Chaplain Manager: Roberta Vieira has been honored to serve as our Chaplain Manager and Critical Care Chaplain in Ocala since 2023, where she accompanies patients, families and staff through some of life’s most tender and challenging moments. Originally from Brazil, she brings the richness of her heritage and the ability to speak English, Portuguese and Spanish, allowing her to connect with people across cultures and languages. With degrees in religion and theology, as well as a Master of Divinity, Roberta blends deep training with a gentle spirit within her ministry. She believes that even in the ICU, where life can feel fragile and uncertain, there are sacred spaces full of hope, connection and grace. She delights in helping others find comfort, courage and meaning; whether through prayer, a listening ear or simply sharing a quiet presence.

Mike Griggs, Spiritual Integration Manager: Mike has enjoyed 28 years in the healthcare industry in a variety of roles, including corporate and employee wellness programs, managing cardiopulmonary rehab clinics and currently serving in the Mission and Ministry division. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in rehab services and an MBA in strategic management. He is very involved in the Ocala community and through coaching, volunteering and serving on local boards. Mike enjoys spending time with family, traveling and many outdoor activities.

Wilbert Thompson, Staff Chaplain: Chaplain Wilbert was born in Jamaica, West Indies. He loves the Lord and he has a passion for serving humanity. He attended elementary, high school and collegiate years in that country. He holds a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity in Washington DC. He's an ordained minister as well as an ecclesiastically endorsed chaplain by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. He has pastored many churches and companies and has worked in various fields, including serving as a part-time chaplain at the VA hospital in Baltimore and as a teacher in the Marion County School system. Before joining AdventHealth, he worked as a chaplain for Palm Healthcare Management, headquartered in Sarasota, Florida. His hobbies include tennis, table tennis, cricket, soccer, walking, cycling, bird watching and mowing the grass. A favorite Bible verse: “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.” A favorite quote from a man who was not afraid to die: “The time is always right to do the right thing.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Guibert Etienne, Staff Chaplain: Guibert (pronounced: Gui-bear) Etienne is an ordained pastor and chaplain. Guibert pastored for approximately 10 years in Southeast Florida before transitioning to Gainesville, Florida and later to AdventHealth. Guibert has been happily married to his wife, Cindy, for 24 years, and they have four children together. He is a marriage/relationship coach and the author of the devotional book, “Monday Morning Inspiration”. Guibert has a Master's degree in theology, business and public health. One of Guibert’s favorite things to do is support people along life’s journey.

Colin Garraway, Staff Chaplain: Colin Garraway is a pastor with over 15 years of experience in evangelism, helping churches to set up witnessing teams that see evangelism as a lifestyle rather than an event and teaching them how to use their spiritual gifts to evangelize their communities as well as membership retention. He is also a trained facilitator for the Nedley Health Solutions Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program. Colin began chaplaincy training in 2020 and has provided spiritual care in the medical sector since then. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in business administration, majoring in accounting and was a certified public accountant with a background in corporate income tax.

Evgeniy Nayden, Staff Chaplain: To his ministry of spiritual care at AdventHealth Ocala, Evgeniy brings a rare convergence of three distinct callings: the disciplined compassion of a clinical hospital chaplain, the pastoral wisdom of a senior church pastor and the scholarly depth of a theological seminary lecturer. This triad of lived experience shapes the way he walks alongside and provides encouragement, comfort and support to patients, families and medical staff. A board-certified chaplain endorsed by three professional bodies — BCCI, NAVAC and CPEI — Evgeniy has been an active member of the spiritual care team, bringing with him previous clinical experience from Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee and HCA North Florida hospital in Gainesville. His understanding and practice of providing clinical pastoral care are informed, grounded and shaped by authentic intercultural and interreligious experience, honoring the full dignity of every person he serves, regardless of background or belief. Committed to lifelong growth, Evgeniy is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in pastoral care and counseling at Gardner-Webb University, deepening the academic foundation that informs his clinical and pastoral practice. It is both a privilege and an honor for Evgeniy to serve as a hospital chaplain and to be part of the spiritual care team at AdventHealth, where the mission of whole-person care — body, mind and spirit — finds its very tangible and meaningful expression. Although experience and accomplishments are valuable and beneficial, for Evgeniy, the real meaning of life is found in the way we care for others — with a genuine heart and compassion. His guiding principle and motif could be summarized in the words of Mother Teresa: "I am just a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, Who sends His love letter to the world."

Odea Sigh, Staff Chaplain: Guided by compassion from an early age in Houston, Texas, Odea dedicated his life to serving those often overlooked. After graduating from Oakwood University, he found his calling with the Christian Record Braille Foundation, where he spent 20 years, empowering the blind and visually impaired. He spent the next 17 plus years as an ordained minister. While serving in the North Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, he was also a chaplain for the police, EMTs and fire departments. Odea’s story reminds us that real change starts with service, and that anyone with heart and perseverance can illuminate the lives of others and spark hope, even in the darkest places.

We are so grateful for the partnership and support of all community faith leaders who visit and care for members of our community during hospitalization. Your presence brings comfort, strength and peace to many patients and families.

To ensure the safety, privacy and well-being of our patients, families, visitors and staff members, we ask that all community leaders follow the same guidelines as regular visitors.

1. Check-in and Screening: All faith leaders must check in at all main entrances each time they visit. This includes receiving a visitor's badge and following current hospital safety protocols.
2. Patient Permission: To respect patient privacy and the diverse beliefs of those we serve, community faith leaders are asked not to conduct mass visitations or visit multiple patients unless each patient or family has specifically requested a visit. Visits should be limited to members of your own faith community or for patients who have expressed a desire for support from your faith tradition. If you are unsure whether a patient or family has requested a visit, please contact our spiritual care department for guidance before visiting.
3. Distribution of Religious Materials: To respect the diverse beliefs and practices of all patients, families and staff, community faith leaders may not leave pamphlets, brochures, flyers, business cards or any other materials in common areas such as waiting rooms, lobbies, nursing stations or the chapel. Religious materials may be given only to those who specifically requested them and should be shared directly with the individual.
4. Infection Prevention: Please follow all hospital infection prevention guidelines, including hand hygiene, isolation precautions when applicable and use of masks or other protective gear if required.
5. Respect for the Care Environment: Please be mindful that medical care always takes priority. If staff ask you to step out for care, we appreciate your understanding. Visitors should always be respectful of shared spaces, unity quiet hours, roommates and staff.
6. Coordination with Spiritual Care Department Services: We value our partnership with community faith leaders. If you plan to visit regularly, we encourage you to contact the spiritual care department so we can best support patients and families together.

• GriefShare at Meadowbrook Church
• GriefShare at First Baptist Church Support Groups
• Monarch Center for Hope and Healing

Fear: Dear God, I am scared, and I don’t know exactly what will happen next. Please bring your peace and calmness into my heart and into this room. Give me courage to face what is ahead, strength and guidance for each decision and peace for things I cannot control. Remind me that I am not walking alone. Please be near me now. Amen.

Grief: Dear God, this moment is heavy, and our hearts are hurting. We do not always have the right words, but we know that love is present, love is here and love does not go away. Hold our family even in the midst of sorrow. Give us the strength for this moment and peace for moments that will follow. Help us know we are never alone, not now, not in this room, not tomorrow or in the days ahead. Surround us with comfort and peace, with gentle memories and with the quiet assurance that love remains. Amen.

Gratitude: Dear God, today I want to say thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for letting me know I am never alone, and your love is always with me. Thank you for my life, thank you for my friends and family, thank you for your everlasting love and care for me. Help me not rush past this moment but to recognize it as a gift. Help me always carry this gratitude with me. Amen.

Hope: Dear God, even in this hard moment, I am holding onto hope. Hope for better days ahead, hope that you will give me strength, hope that you are walking with me and hope that I will have peace. Let hope be the light that always stays with me, even in the midst of uncertainty. Amen.

Resilience: Dear God, I am tired and weary. Some days feel heavier than others. But please help me keep going. When I feel empty, refill me. When I feel tired, strengthen me. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that your love is always carrying me through. Give me resilience not just to get through hard days but to continue to care, to love and to continue ahead. Amen.

Pre-Surgery: Dear God, as I go into this surgery, I place myself into your care. Be with all the staff who will be caring for me. Give them the knowledge, wisdom and guidance to make the right choices. Give them steady hands to accomplish this work. Give me peace and calm as I wait in you. Help me remember that I am not alone. Amen.