Admission
Unless you are admitted through the Emergency Department, your scheduled hospital stay will begin at the Admitting area located in the Emergency Department. Each patient will receive an admission folder that includes information on your rights as a patient and advance directives (including confidentiality policy and information on a Health Care Proxy). Please take the time to read this important information.
What to Bring
You will need to bring only a few items such as bathrobe, slippers, pajamas or a nightgown (if you want to wear your own), toothbrush, toothpaste, and other toiletries. A small amount of cash for newspapers, postage stamps and other miscellaneous items will be sufficient for your hospital stay.
Please do not bring valuables or large amounts of money, as the hospital is not responsible for any personal belongings or money left in your room.
For the safety of our patients, please do not bring any electrical appliances, such as stereos or VCRs to the hospital. Battery-operated appliances are allowed. Laptop computers are permitted.
Admission for Surgery
Because each patient and each operation is different, your physician has a specific program outlined for you.
You will receive special instructions about food, medication, anesthesia, and other aspects of your surgery. Before surgery, you will have the opportunity to meet with your anesthesiologist who will be an integral part of your care team.
After your operation, you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), a special nursing unit for post-operative recovery. From the PACU, you may be taken to the Critical Care Unit, if you require closer, more intensive monitoring, or to your hospital room.
Patients Admitted for Observation
Your physician may decide to admit you in order to observe the effects of short-term treatments or to administer tests and examinations. You will be assigned to a patient room or to a specific area of the hospital. A typical stay for observation is less than 24 hours, though it may be extended if needed. Patients admitted for observation have the same rights as those admitted for a scheduled stay.
