Patients and Visitors

What to Bring to the Hospital

Important Paperwork

Patients and/or a member of the family or support system should bring the following information on the day of admission. This will help the admissions process go smoothly.

• Complete list of prescription and over-the-counter medications the patient is currently taking
• Reports from the patient’s physician(s)
• Medical insurance information, including insurance cards, pre-certification, and other documentation required by the patient’s insurer
• Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport
• Telephone numbers of immediate support person/support system to call, if necessary
• Copies of advance directives, such as a healthcare proxy or living will

For Your Comfort

We recommend bringing a limited amount of casual, washable clothing. All clothing should be marked with the patient’s name. Clothes should not have cords, strings, or shoelaces. We suggest bringing:

• Pants, dresses or skirts, shirts
• Underwear, socks, T-shirts
• Pajamas
• Sweater or sweatshirt (remove all cords)
• Jacket, coat
• Sneakers (no shoelaces)
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses if needed

Toiletries, such as safety razors and shaving cream, are available on each unit.

Your Medications

When you come to the hospital, you should bring a list of all the medications you currently take. This list should include all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins or herbal supplements you may be taking.

If You Have Allergies

The doctor or nurse should be advised of any allergies you may have, especially to medications and food, and/or to other substances.

Items Not Allowed on Patient Units

While not intended as a complete list, the following items are not allowed on patient units.

• All recording devices, including any electronics with the ability to record or photograph
• Aerosol and soda cans
• Belts, cords, ropes, straps, electric cords, and clothing with cord or strings (i.e., hoodies, sweatpants, or yoga pants with strings)
• Cigarettes, matches, lighters, tobacco, vaping, and any other smoking material
• Wire hangers
• CPAP machine and insulin pumps
• Electric items, such as a laptop, iPad, cell phone, electric razor, electric reader, hair dryer
• Food, unless permitted by the unit’s policy
• Glass bottles and mirrors
• Keys, credit/debit cards, ID card, and licenses
• Medications/drugs of any type (over-the-counter and prescription)
• Pencils and pens other than "safety" pens and non-toxic markers provided by the hospital
• Plastic bags
• Pins (straight and safety)
• Razors
• Sharps (i.e., tweezers, nail file, nail clipper, sewing needle, scissors, knitting needles, crochet hooks)
  Note: A patient’s own tweezers, nail clippers, or crochet hook may at times be part of the unit sharp count and signed out by patient for use if deemed clinically appropriate.
• Toxic liquids
• Weapons of any kind
• Plastic Utensils
• Wristwatches

Gracie Square Hospital cannot assume responsibility for the loss of money, jewelry, or any other personal property kept in your room, or for damaged items. Please do not bring valuables to the hospital. Cash and/or articles considered valuable must be secured in the Security Command Center. After discharge, if personal property is not picked up, it will be stored in the hospital’s property storage area for safekeeping. Thereafter, property will be discarded. Clothing will be held for 30 days and valuables will be held for 90 days.