A Patient's Guide to Heart Surgery

What to Bring to the Hospital / Accommodations

To make yourself as comfortable as possible, all patients should follow these guidelines. We suggest bringing the following personal items:

Inpatient Clothing
Pajamas/nightgown, bathrobe and slippers. Comfortable casual clothing and shoes with non-skid soles are recommended for patients undergoing rehabilitation therapy. Each patient is provided a closet for accommodation of a limited quantity of personal articles. Please bring only those items necessary during your stay.

Inpatient Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc. Electrical equipment such as hair dryers, radios or razors and other personal appliances are permitted only after the equipment has undergone a safety check by our engineering department. Such equipment is not permitted in any of the intensive care areas.

Personal Items
Eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids. Denture cups are available upon request. Take care not to leave any of these items on your meal tray or on your bed as they may be lost.

Cash for Incidentals
No more than $20 is usually needed; however, be sure to bring enough cash to cover your parking fees, if applicable. Weekly parking passes are available through the cashier. Although the hospital itself does not offer check cashing, we provide an ATM on the premises, next to Security on the lower level.

Proof of Insurance Coverage
Medicare and other insurance identification are needed to verify your eligibility for claims filed by the hospital.

Advance Healthcare Directive
If you have one, please bring it with you. You can establish one at the hospital as well.

Referring or Family Physician Information
Name, address and telephone number.

What Not to Bring

We encourage you to leave all valuables, such as large sums of money, jewelry and credit cards, at home. If necessary, money and small valuables may be kept in the hospital safe and reclaimed upon your discharge. An itemized receipt claim ticket will be provided. If your stay includes time in a critical care unit, non-essential belongings will need to be sent home during that time.

Accommodations

The type of hospital accommodations offered depends upon your physician's request, the type of care needed, your preference and its availability. During your stay, a room change may be necessary as your needs change. Please discuss your preferences with us and we will make every effort to satisfy your accommodation requests throughout your stay. Please notify us if you do not wish to receive visitors or phone calls during your hospitalization.