Many staff members work as a team to care for you during your stay. These include:

Medical staff
An attending physician, who is a senior member of the medical staff, is in charge or your care. Resident physicians and medical students working under the direction of the attending physician may assist in your care.

Nursing staff
Registered nurses are responsible for your nursing care. These nurses will plan your care, administer your medicines and treatments and make you as comfortable as possible during your stay. Nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists also may assist in your care. These are advanced-practice nurses who have received specialized education and training. Licensed practical nurses, nursing students and nursing assistants work under the guidance of a registered nurse. If you need special help, please tell your nurse you would like to speak to the department manager.

Social services
Coping with a hospital stay or a difficult diagnosis is a stressful experience. Medical social workers are skilled professionals who can help you and your family with counseling and information. They can help you plan for any care you might need when you are discharged, such as home health care, community agency referrals or care in extended-care facilities. They also can assist with information about finances. If you would like to see a social worker, please ask your nurse or call (573) 882-2221.

Pastoral care
If you wish to see a chaplain, rabbi, priest or minister of your faith, please ask your nurse. The hospital chapel, located at the west end of the first floor, is open 24 hours a day. An interdenominational worship service is held in the chapel at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday.

Other health professionals
The hospital’s health care team also includes other professionals, such as respiratory therapists, physical therapists, laboratory technicians, dietitians, pharmacists and psychologists.

Guest Services
If you have a concern or question about your hospital stay, patients or visitors may call Guest Services at (573) 882-1053 for assistance. If you have had an especially pleasant stay or you wish to share a concern in writing, please complete a Tell It to the Director form, located in each visitor lounge and near the elevators in the main lobby.

Patient Safety Net
University Hospital allows you to submit comments via the Internet. The Patient Safety Net is designed to provide rapid response to customer comments and can be accessed through our website at muhealth.org. Look for the prompt "submit compliments and complaints" on our home page, and you will be provided instructions on how to enter your comment. Your comment is immediately forwarded to the appropriate personnel for acknowledgement and resolution.