Preparing for Your Hospital Stay

Whether you expect to be admitted briefly or for a longer time, it's best to prepare. We suggest that you:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and bring an extra set of everything to wear when you're discharged.
• Bring your favorites: shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste and other personal care items that you use every day.
• A good rule of thumb is to leave all valuables (such as jewelry) at home; it's easy for items to get lost in the transition if you move from unit to unit.
• If you choose to bring small belongings such as audio devices or a book or magazine, make sure you give them to a relative until you get settled in your room.
• Give your cell phone to a family member or friend to hold until you get settled in your room. Cell phones are permitted in rooms except in the critical care units.
• Bring your insurance card, physician's information, and list of medications that you take. Include the dosages and strength of the medication, and any over-the-counter medicines you use daily.
• •Leave cigarettes or pipes at home. Abington is a smoke-free campus.
• Ask our gift shop representatives or your nurse manager about a discount packet of ten parking tickets if you will be staying longer. (You'll find parking info on our Patient and Visitor site, too).
• If you are having surgery, you cannot wear a wedding band or other jewelry. It must be removed before going to the operating suite.

For More Information

If you are coming to hospital for a scheduled admission (such as an elective surgical procedure or other treatment) any questions you have may be answered at a pre-admission interview scheduled with any prior testing appointments. Or, you may also ask the admitting physician.

While you are in the hospital, your nurse or other caregiver on your unit can help answer questions. Each room in the hospital has a "Guide to Patient Services" binder that includes a directory of phone numbers and other helpful information.