Frequent Questions: Services
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has prepared responses to parents' and family members' general questions about medical center services.
If you have additional questions or would like further information, please contact the Division of Family and Community Relations, 513-636-4700. Parents and family may find it useful to print this page and bring it for reference during visits to the medical center.
What contact numbers do parents need?
Where can I cash a check or access an ATM?
Two automatic teller machines (ATMs) are located in Location C, level 1, outside the cafeteria.
You may cash a check for up to $50 with one of the cashiers located on the fifth floor of Location E. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Be sure to bring photo identification with you.
Where can I access the internet?
Cincinnati Children's has selected Road Runner Business Class to provide high-speed internet services for its patients in each of its 198 patient rooms in Building A, as well as two connections in the Family Resource Center and five connections in designated common areas of Building A.
Road Runner Business Class installed a custom Hospitality Suite package for Cincinnati Children's, enabling patients and families to connect to the internet at speeds of up to 1.5Mbps downstream and 1.5Mbps upstream.
Where can I buy stamps?
A stamp machine is located on Location C, level 1, outside the cafeteria. Stamps are also available from Dock 3 near the cafeteria.
My child has special needs, such as visual or hearing difficulties. Where can I get help?
Patients and family members who are hearing-impaired or have visual difficulties may need special assistance at the time of admission. Please call the Admitting Department, 513-636-4207, or call our TTY number, 513-636-4900, in advance, and we will arrange assistance.
English is not my native language. Where can I get assistance?
Cincinnati Children's is proud to care for children from all over the world. If your family needs help with translation, please contact our Interpreter Services.
Who can I talk to about medical treatments, ethical principles, religious beliefs or professional guidelines?
Patients, families and health care providers sometimes face difficult decisions about medical treatments that involve ethical principles, religious beliefs, or professional guidelines.
Cincinnati Children's bioethics committee provides help with resolving ethical issues. The committee is available for consultation 24 hours daily without charge.
A bioethics consultation may be requested by the patient's family or their representative, medical center staff, or community-based caregivers.
To request a bioethics consultation, please call the hospital operator, 513-636-4200, and ask for the bioethics committee member on call.
Patients who are 18 and older have the right to make their own medical treatment decisions and the right to refuse treatment.
Under Ohio law, Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Living Wills are used to indicate decisions about medical treatment. For more information or copies of these forms, please contact the Admitting Department, 513-636-4207, or speak with your nurse or physician.
Who do I contact if I have a complaint or am not satisfied with my child's care?
If you have questions, comments or concerns about your child's care, call 513-636-4200 or dial "0" when inside the hospital. The operator will page a staff member who can provide assistance, such as:
- A clinical director or charge nurse in your patient care area
- The manager of patient services (nursing)
- Your child's attending physician
- A representative from the Division of Family and Community Relations
Our statement of customer service standards identifies the qualities and behaviors we expect our employees to demonstrate in all their interactions with patients, families and with each other.
If you find an employee is not upholding these standards, please contact the Division of Family and Community Relations, 513-636-2079.
Where is the gift shop?
The Gift Shop is located in Location C, Level 1. It is open Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm, and weekends from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
The gift shop has items for children and adults, including toys, stuffed animals, books, greeting cards, jewelry, flowers and seasonal gifts. You can order gifts by phone using a major credit card. Please call 513-636-4310; the gift will be delivered to the patient.
Can I bring balloons to a patient?
Latex balloons are not allowed in the hospital. Children can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken latex balloons; in addition, the latex can cause an allergic reaction in some people. You may bring Mylar balloons, such as those sold in the gift shop.
