Plan Your Visit
Welcome
Planning your visit to Nashville General Hospital should be simple and stress-free. Whether you are preparing for an appointment, visiting a loved one, or coming to our hospital for the first time, this page is designed to help you navigate your experience with confidence. Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about parking, entrances, visiting hours, security procedures, patient resources, and other important information to help make your visit as smooth as possible.
Weapons Detection Screening
At Nashville General Hospital, the safety and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, staff, and providers remains our top priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, Nashville General Hospital has implemented a weapons detection screening system at the Emergency Department walk-in entrance.
This technology provides an added layer of security while allowing patients and visitors to move through the screening process quickly and respectfully. The system is designed to support efficient access to care while helping protect everyone who enters our facility.
Screening is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and applies to all individuals entering through the Emergency Department entrance, including patients, visitors, staff, and providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is screening being added?
Nashville General Hospital is implementing weapons detection screening to enhance safety for patients, visitors, and staff as part of a comprehensive security program.
Where does screening take place?
Screening is required at the Emergency Department (ED) walk-in entrance and is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who needs to be screened?
All individuals entering through the ED walk-in entrance, including patients, visitors, staff, and providers.
What items are prohibited?
Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, sharp objects, and ammunition.
What happens if I bring a prohibited item?
Under Tennessee Code § 39-17-1359, weapons are not permitted in public buildings. You will be asked to return the item to your vehicle or another secure location. Security staff are available to assist if needed.
Will screening delay my entry?
Most individuals pass through quickly. Personal items like phones and belts can remain on you. Larger items such as laptops or metal containers may require additional screening.
Will I need to remove clothing?
No. If additional screening is needed, it is conducted using a handheld device.
What is secondary screening?
If the system detects a potential concern, Security may use a handheld scanner or ask to visually inspect a bag.
What if I have a medical device?
Most medical devices will not trigger the system. If needed, Security will provide alternative screening to ensure your comfort and safety.
Are other hospitals doing this?
Yes. Weapons detection screening is now standard practice at many hospitals across Tennessee and nationally.
Admissions
When being admitted to Nashville General Hospital, we ask that you bring only essential items, such as:
- Glasses / hearing aids / crutches or braces
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Robe / Slippers
- Any other personal items (such as a hairbrush, chapstick, etc.)
Please do NOT bring valuables, such as cash or jewelry that can’t be replaced. NGH is not responsible for the loss or damage of patients’ belongings or valuables.
Parking Information
Parking is available across the street in the Albion Street Parking Garage, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Please park on floors 3–5. Be sure to bring your parking ticket with you, and the department you visit will be happy to validate your parking during your trip to the hospital.
For your convenience, courtesy carts run between the hospital and the garage throughout the day, weather permitting.
Nashville General Hospital is easily accessible by public transportation, located on WeGo (MTA) route #19. Use this link to plan your ride from a specific address: http://ride.nashvillemta.org/
Visitation Policies
Nashville General Hospital is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our patients and visitors. Our visitation policies are designed to support patient care while ensuring the comfort and safety of everyone in our facility.
Please review our General Visitation Policy and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Visitation Guidelines for details on visiting hours, restrictions, and other important information.
Faith leaders visiting patients must sign in at the NGH Information Desk upon arrival. For more details, please review our Clergy Visitation Policy.
Spiritual Care
Located on the lower level, the hospital Chapel is open from 7:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. every day for prayer, worship, and quiet time. Chaplains are available from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
No Smoking Policy
In keeping with our mission to promote health and wellness, tobacco use is prohibited at Nashville General Hospital. We are committed to delivering excellent clinical care and creating an environment of patient safety. Upon admission, identified smokers will be offered smoking cessation therapy during hospitalization.
Gift Shop
Lori’s Gifts is a full-service gift shop located on the first floor of the hospital.
Fresh flowers, cards, baby gifts and balloons are available for purchase. For your convenience, you can also shop Lori’s Gift online. The gift shop delivers purchased items daily to patient rooms. Lori’s Gift Shop is open Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm.
Medical Records
As a patient, you have the right to obtain your medical records. Medical records are provided at no cost to other healthcare providers or for use in disability determination, Workman’s Comp, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Department of Human Services.