Your Resources

During your hospitalization, all necessary medications will be prescribed for you by your physician. For this reason, you should leave all other prescriptions and over-the-counter preparations at home, unless your physician advised you otherwise. Even a simple aspirin can interfere with the way certain therapies work, so please notify your nurse if you’ve brought any medications with you. We are interested in all medications you are taking at home, and will ask you what they are as part of your initial assessment. It is always helpful if you have a written list of names, times and doses of medication you are using, including those prescribed by a specialist, such as eye drops or topical creams.

To provide a healthful and comfortable environment for all patients and visitors, we maintain a smoke free environment. Patients and visitors are not allowed to smoke anywhere in the hospital, including the cafeteria, restrooms or lounges. Smoking is also prohibited on the grounds, except where designated by signage.

We believe that patient education is one of the most important ways every patient can help their own recovery. Knowing what is wrong with you and what treatments are available, allow you to help make the decisions about your care that you want. We know that everyone has his or her own ways of learning. We want to help you learn about your condition in the easiest way possible. You will be asked questions about how you learn best, if you have any religious or cultural beliefs that will effect our teaching.

The types of topics we want to cover include how to be safe, nutrition, how to safely take your medicines, how to use any equipment you need and any questions you have about your diagnosis.

When friends call to inquire about your condition, the call will be directed to your room. If you’d prefer that we withhold all information, including your condition and location within the hospital, please notify your nurse.

A big part of getting settled is becoming acquainted with your new surroundings. Your room is where you will spend most of your time, and it is designed to be as cheerful and pleasant as possible, while allowing for comfort and safety. If your accommodations are semi-private, please be considerate of your roommate’s needs, and limit your visitors and activities accordingly.

There is a call button at your bedside and a button/pull cord in the bathroom to summon assistance. Just press the button or pull the cord and a staff member will respond in person or by intercom. Please don’t hesitate to use it if you have questions or need help.

Keeping in touch with loved ones is important, especially when you are ill. For your convenience, there is a private phone on your bedside table. If friends or family want to reach you, they can call and ask the operator to connect them to your room.

Sometimes the days can seem long, when you are in the hospital. For your comfort, your room is equipped with a television set. To hear television programs, change channels, and tune into radio stations, use the bedside control. Special channels are available in certain areas.

We cannot be responsible for valuables that you keep in your possession. You should leave your jewelry, money (large sum), wallets, and purses at home to ensure their safekeeping. Please be alert concerning your belongings such as dentures, contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and comparable personal belongings. Please store these items carefully when not in use. Never leave them on a meal tray or wrap them in tissue paper. If you forget to leave your valuables at home and do not wish to entrust them to a friend or relative, they may be deposited in the Hospital safe for safekeeping. Ask your nurse for assistance.

The hospital maintains strict safety requirements on all electrical and battery operated appliances used in the patient care environment. No personal electrical devices are allowed, including hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers, radios and similar equipment.

Breakfast is usually served to our patients by a health team member between 7:00 and 8:15 a.m. Lunch is delivered between 12:00 and 12:30 p.m. Dinner usually arrives between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Snacks are available upon request and are served at 10:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., if your diet is not restricted. Check with your hospital for specific meal times.

Proper nutrition can be as crucial to your health as the right therapy or medication. In fact, food can play such an important role in your recovery that your diet is personally prescribed by your physician and carefully planned by a registered dietitian. All patients will receive a menu listing several approved selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A guest tray is also available upon request. Please feel free to ask your dietitian questions regarding your meals or nutritional needs.

Our housekeeping staff makes sure your room is neat and clean each day. They’re especially sensitive to your needs for privacy and quiet and try to complete their tasks discreetly, with as little disturbance as possible. If you have any special housekeeping requests, please let one of our staff members know.

If you are going to be with us for more than a day, your loved ones may want to send you flowers and cards wishing you a speedy recovery. Mail should be addressed to your name and room number. A volunteer or staff member will deliver flowers to your room as soon as they arrive with the exception of specialty areas, such as ICU. Those patients may receive flowers after they are transferred to the Medical Surgical Unit. Mail will be delivered to your room. If you are not there, it will be left on your bedside table.

Mail received after you leave the hospital will be sent to your forwarding address. Newspapers are available by request from the volunteers. You may call the volunteer desk to have a paper brought to you free of charge.

The first thing most people think about when they enter a hospital is, “When can I go Home?” Going home from the hospital or to another facility can present special needs and challenges. Please let your nurse or any member of your healthcare team know if you have any special concerns regarding your needs after leaving the hospital as early as possible. Your healthcare team begins thinking and formulating a plan with you for your discharge early in your hospital stay. A variety of healthcare team members will help minimize any problems and assist you in transitioning from one level of care to another. In collaboration with you and your family and the physician, your case manager, discharge planner, social worker and nurse can assist in arranging the appropriate after hospital services you may need. These services may include home healthcare, skilled nursing facilities, and/or resources to enhance the success of your hospital stay.

When you and your doctor decide you are ready, you will leave the hospital to continue your recovery at home or at a transitional facility. Before you go, your physician and nurse will review your discharge papers and discuss your post-hospital care with you and your family. Make sure you understand your physician’s instructions. The entire healthcare team is available to assist in answering your questions. Don’t forget to arrange for a ride home with a relative or friend well in advance of your discharge.