Visitor Information
Parking and Directions
In order to free up parking spaces for Veterans, visitors, and staff, effective Monday, July 1, 2013, all parking lot gate arms will be activated and validated tickets will be used to exit the lots. Visit our Locations and Directions page for a map of the parking lots, driving directions, and Valet Parking information.
Information Desk
The Information Desk, located on the first floor in the main lobby of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can obtain information on such topics as the location of offices and services, location of inpatients (who have provided consent), where to register for health care services, and how to get to the regional office.
Security
For general VA police assistance, please dial (713) 794-7106 or ext. 27106. In case of an emergency, dial 911. Because the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center is a federal facility, all persons and bags are subject to search. In addition, no weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs are permitted on VA grounds. All Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center employees and volunteers are required to wear their employee identification at all times when on VA grounds. Always report a suspicious looking person, package, or device. Never touch a suspicious looking package or device. Report suspicious activity or persons immediately to the VA Police. All donations (books, magazines, clothing, etc.) must be delivered directly to the Volunteer Office, Room 2A-104. Boxes or bags left at the Information Desk or in the Main Lobby will be considered a security risk and destroyed. Do not leave any articles of value in plain view or unattended in your vehicle, (e.g. cell phones, laptops, money, wallets, purses, GPS systems), even if it is locked. Put them somewhere out of sight or take them with you. Lock all doors and roll up all windows.
Lost and Found
All articles classified as lost and found are forwarded to the Patient’s Clothing Room, Room BA-203, at the end of each workday. Individuals searching for any lost item should report to Room BA-203, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Religious Services
Chaplains are on duty from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Chaplains are available for crisis ministry 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To assure prompt response to your needs for a pastoral visit or consultation, indicate your request to the nurse or clerk on your nursing unit. The message will be promptly delivered to the chaplain. The Chapel, located on the second floor, is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Protestant services are offered on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass is offered Monday through Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass is held at 10:00 a.m., with an “anticipatory mass” on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. All services may be viewed on television Channel 37 in patient rooms.
Smoking
Smoking at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is only allowed in designated smoking areas. Employees, Veterans, volunteers and visitors will be ticketed ($50 fine) for smoking outside of these designated areas. The designated areas include:
- Smoking shelter located on the south side of Building 100 between NU 1C and NU1D-Patients ONLY.
- Smoking shelter located on the southeast (Spinal Cord) side of Building 100 between the pond and the perimeter fence-Staff ONLY.
- Smoking shelter located outside Building 109-Staff ONLY.
- Gazebo located behind Building 121-Patients ONLY.
- Smoking shelter located between Buildings 120 and 102-105-Staff ONLY.
- Center atrium across from Canteen (9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. only)-Patients AND Staff.
- First floor atrium outside NU 1C and second floor breezeways-CLC residents ONLY.
- Porch located on northeast side of Fisher House-Fisher House residents ONLY.
Conduct and Behavior
Please be considerate of others and help us maintain a quiet atmosphere. Regulations do not permit the use of loud, abusive, or profane language; loud music or televisions; gambling, soliciting, bartering, or panhandling; or the sale, use, or possession of intoxicants or unauthorized drugs. If you should observe such misconduct by anyone, please report it immediately to a unit nurse or the VA Police.
