During Your Stay

Your Accommodations

Your Room 

Your room assignment at our hospital is based on your admitting diagnosis and the bed availability on the day of your admission. Private (single bed) and semiprivate (two beds) rooms are available. Medical insurance usually does not cover the full cost of a private room.

Your Meals

Each day you will receive a World Class Patient Service (WCPS) menu on your breakfast tray. The menu is for your meal selections for the following day. Please have it ready for collection after breakfast so we can be sure you receive the selections you prefer. Our staff can assist you in making menu selections and explain any choices unfamiliar to you. If your diet is changed for any reason, our staff will accommodate the change at the next meal. 

If you prefer a vegetarian or Kosher diet, please mention this to your nurse. Also, please alert us to any food allergies you may have.

Your meal may be delayed due to scheduled medical tests or procedures. A courtesy meal tray will be provided when medically allowed after your test/procedure.

Your visitors may dine with you in your room. They may select from our regular patient menu. The charge for visitor meals will be added to your hospital bill. 

The hospital cafeteria is also available to family members and visitors.

Your Hospital Bed

Hospital beds are electrically operated, and your nurse or patient care technician will show you how to work your bed properly. Your hospital bed is probably higher and narrower than your bed at home. Bedside rails are for your protection. They may be raised at night or during the day if you are resting, recovering from surgery or taking certain medications.

Room Temperature

All rooms in the hospital are centrally heated and air conditioned. If your room temperature is not comfortable, please notify the nursing staff.

Calling Your Nurse

A button to call your nurse is located at your bedside. When you press the button, the nursing station is alerted that you need assistance, and a light flashes above your door. A staff member will respond to your signal as soon as possible.

During the Night

Please stay in bed after you have been prepared for the night. Strange surroundings and sleeping medications may create a hazard if you get out of bed. For assistance during the night, use your call button.

Fire and Disaster Drills

State regulations require that hospitals conduct periodic fire and disaster drills. Do not be disturbed if you see or hear a practice drill in progress. The door to your room may close automatically during these drills. You will receive instructions from hospital personnel in the event of an actual emergency.

Be Your Own Best Advocate

Know Your Caregivers

All healthcare workers involved in your care should introduce themselves when they enter your room, and they should be wearing an identification badge. Be sure to ask each individual to explain his or her role in your care.

Understand Your Condition

Ask your doctor or nurse to explain your condition and recommended treatments. Write down important facts.

Explain Your Current Medications

Tell your doctors, nurses and pharmacists about every medicine you are taking. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.

Understand Surgical Procedures

If you are having surgery, ask for a complete explanation of the procedure and the reason for it. Make sure that you and your doctor agree and are clear about what will be done.

Read All Forms

Read all medical forms and ask a doctor or nurse to explain anything you don’t understand. Do not sign the forms until you are sure you are clear on the details.

Ask About Your IV

If you are being given medicine intravenously (IV), ask the nurse how long it should take for the liquid to “run out.” Tell the nurse if it doesn’t seem to be dripping properly (that is, too fast or too slow).

Request Test Results

If you have a test performed but don’t hear the results, ask for them. Do not assume that everything is all right just because you don’t hear back.

Understand Your In-Hospital Medications

If in-hospital medications are prescribed:

• Ask for an explanation. When a medication is prescribed, ask your doctor to explain why. Ask again when you receive your medicines.
• Communicate about allergies and reactions. Make sure your doctors, nurses and pharmacists know about allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines.
• Be sure the medicine is yours. If you do not recognize the name of a medicine, ask the doctor or nurse to confirm that the medicine is for you.
• Be sure you can read the prescription. If your doctor writes a prescription and you find it hard to read, ask the doctor to clarify it.