AUSTIN -- A toll-free line has been set up to help relatives of Hurricane Rita victims with medical problems locate those evacuated hospital and nursing home patients.

The Department of State Health Services said people in Texas can call: (877) 623-6274. The direct Austin number is: (512) 458-7189.

Agency officials say callers need the name, date of birth and gender of the patient. The system has been set up in cooperation with the Texas Hospital Association.

DSHS will provide the hospital name and location if available in its directory, but not the health status of the patient.

Also, hospital medical workers who evacuated from Texas counties devastated by Rita are being urged to return to work.

State officials say the request goes out to physicians, pharmacists, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff. It applies to those who left from Galveston, Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Chambers and Montgomery counties.

Evacuation plan

Evacuees may return Sunday to areas west of Interstate 45 and north of Interstate 10 -- including Tomball, Woodlands, Waller, Hockley, Katy, Brookshire and surrounding communities.

Evacuees may return Monday to inside Loop 610 and areas south of I-10 and west of State Highway 35, including central Houston, Richmond, Stafford, Rosenberg, Sugar Land and Pearland.

Evacuees may return Tuesday to areas east of I-45, north of I-10 and west of the Liberty and Chambers county lines.

Everybody to the east and south of those lines should stay away until further notice because of blocked roads, downed power lines and other damage.