Thank you for choosing Michigan Medicine to care for your loved one. We recognize that it can be difficult not to be physically present with your loved one while they are waiting for treatment in Adult Emergency Services (AES). We are working hard to take the best care of our patients, and part of that is following the best available research, which says that social distancing helps reduce the spread of infection.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and hope that this short guide can help answer your questions about our process and the resources that are available for you while you wait. If you have other questions, the staff at our Welcome Desk will be happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know when I can go back to AES?
If you signed up for the patient update text message service, you will receive an automatic text message when your loved one is assigned to a treatment room. If you are not receiving texts, we will give you a pager. Once you get the text message, or when your pager buzzes, you can return to the AES Unit Host desk and a staff member will take you to the patient’s room.
How do I get back to AES?
Once you are notified that you can return to AES, you can take Elevator #4 or the East Escalator down one floor to Floor B1. Follow signs for Adult Emergency Services and report to the AES Unit Host desk located in the AES patient waiting area, you will then be escorted to your loved one’s room.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my loved one?
You can call your loved one on their cell phone or call the main AES phone number at (734) 936-6666.
How can I stay in touch with my loved one while I'm waiting?
We encourage you to stay connected virtually while you are waiting, using a personal mobile device for text messages, phone calls, or video calls. For more information about virtual connections, you can visit our guide, Connecting Virtually during COVID.
How can I get connected to the WiFi?
U-M Health provides free wireless service on-site. The wireless network is called "MGuest-UMHS." Here’s how to get started:
- Start up your laptop or mobile device, and enter the address of any website.
- You'll be redirected to a login page
- Enter your last name and e-mail address, and click “Accept.”
- On the next page, click "Continue" and you will be directed to the Michigan Medicine website.
- You can explore our site, or go to any other website by typing in the address or using your own "bookmarks" list.
- Note: WiFi connections made through the UMHS Guest network are not secure.
- U-M Health does not provide technical support for this service, and is not responsible for computers and devices that are lost, damaged or stolen.
Where can I find a map?
Printed maps are available at the Welcome Desk and hung on the walls throughout the hospital. You can also access electronic versions of the maps by visiting www.uofmhealth.org/maps-directions.
Where else can I go while I wait?
While the main hospital lobby on Floor 1 is the primary waiting space, the University Hospital Courtyard and Friends Meditation Garden is nearby, and open to visitors and patients. The entrance to the courtyard is down the hall from the main hospital lobby, on Floor 1. You’ll find benches, tables, and seats throughout the courtyard, and you can walk. Remember to keep a safe distance from others, staying at least 6 feet away at all times.
Where can I find restrooms?
There are restroom facilities on every floor. The nearest restroom to the hospital lobby is just down the hall in University Hospital, across from Elevator #4. The nearest single, all-gender restroom can be found in the Taubman Center, near Elevator #5.
Where can I find something to eat or drink?
- The UH Cafeteria is located on Floor 2 of University Hospital, near Elevator #3 and the East Escalators. Follow the signs for UH Café and you will see a large metal fork sculpture. Enter the cafe and market by following the curved wall on your left. The UH Cafe offers a variety of options, including snacks, prepared foods, guest restaurants, and beverages. The UH Cafeteria is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Options may vary depending on the day and time.
- Einstein Brothers Bagels is located on Floor 2 of University Hospital, next to the UH Cafeteria. Follow the signs for UH Café and you will see a large metal fork sculpture. Make a left immediately upon entering the hall entrance to UH Café to find Einsteins. Einsteins is known for their bagels, coffee, healthy drinks, sandwiches, and dessert snacks. Einsteins is open Monday through Friday, 6:00am-4:00pm, and Saturday-Sunday from 6:00am-2:00pm.
- Subway is located on Floor 2 of University Hospital inside the seating area of the UH Cafeteria. Follow the signs for UH Café and you will see a large metal fork sculpture. Enter the hall to the UH Cafeteria seating area. Subway is on the right side wall inside the seating area. Subway serves fresh, healthy sandwiches, snacks and beverages. Subway is open Monday through Friday from 11:00am-4:00pm.
- Vending machines are located throughout the hospital with a variety of food and beverage options. There is a large bank of vending machines located on Floor 2 of University Hospital next to the UH Cafeteria and Einstein Brothers Bagels. Follow the signs for UH Café and you will see a large metal fork sculpture. Make a left immediately upon entering the hall entrance to UH Cafe, and you will find several vending machines to your right. Vending machines are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How do I contact a chaplain or religious leader?
Our chaplains are clinically trained clergy/religious leaders who specialize in offering spiritual and emotional care and support to patients and their families and hospital caregivers. They represent a variety of religions and faith traditions and are deeply sensitive to differences in culture, religion and lifestyles. Chaplains are available 24/7. To request a chaplain, call the Spiritual Care office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm at 734-936-4041. For urgent consults and for after-hours requests, please call the Michigan Medicine operator at (734) 936-4000 and request the chaplain on call be paged.
How do I find a place to stay overnight while I am visiting a loved one?
The U-M Health Lodging program is available to help you find a room in Ann Arbor at lower cost. At the request of participating hotels and motels, all questions and room requests must go through U-M Health Lodging program. For more information or to submit an online request, visit www.med.umich.edu/hotels. For assistance by phone you can call 800-544-8684 or 734-936-0100 7 days a week, 7 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Is the lobby open overnight? What if I fall asleep?
We know that emergency visits happen at all hours – so understand that you may be using this waiting space overnight or fall asleep while waiting in the lobby to see your loved one. We ask that you refrain from sleeping in the lobby after 7:30 a.m., as this waiting space is shared by our outpatient clinics and we want to ensure that everyone has access to the seating area.
Where can I find a chapel or reflection space?
The University Hospital chapel is located on the second floor of University Hospital, near Elevator #4.
What can I do while I wait?
Listen to music from Gifts of Art
Although not currently able to visit patient units, Certified Music Practitioners from the Michigan Medicine Gifts of Art Program have recorded a collection of favorite songs for patients, visitors, staff, and anyone needing some ease during these challenging times. You can find videos on YouTube under Gifts Of Art - Bedside Music Song Bank.
Guided Imagery from Complementary Therapies
Listen to a variety of guided imagery exercises led by Claire Casselman, a clinical social worker in the Complementary Therapies Program at Rogel Cancer Center.
Meditations and Music from Spiritual Care
Watch or listen to a collection of meditations, reflections, and music from the Michigan Medicine Spiritual Care Department.
Explore kid-friendly MottTube videos
Explore kid-friendly videos from C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, also a good distraction for adults! This channel includes animated stories read aloud, sing-a-longs and more.
Explore Playlists from University Musical Society and Gifts of Art
With the current limitations of public performances to prevent the spread of COVID-19, University Music Society (UMS) and the Gifts of Art are uniting to explore safe and innovative ways to bring the power of music to Michigan Medicine’s facilities. One project that came out of this collaboration is a playlist series for which curators periodically gather tracks that inspire, uplift and soothe anyone who finds music a balm to the soul in these trying times.