Admission/Discharge
Your physician, a member of the Heritage Medical Center medical staff, must make arrangements for your admission. When applicable, pre-admission tests may be completed prior to the day you enter the hospital. Our patient registration staff works hard to make your admission process quick and easy.
When hospitalization is no longer required, your doctor will write an order for your discharge. Your physician and/or your nurse will give you home care instructions if needed. If you have questions about your diet, activities, medications, etc., please be sure to ask at this time.
General Information
When You Arrive
When arriving at the hospital, please sign in at the Information Desk in the Registration area. You will be seated in the lobby until an admitting staff member escorts you to an area to complete paperwork and undergo
testing.
Items to Bring
It is important that you bring the following items with you to the hospital during your pre-admission visit, and the day you check in:
-
Physician's orders
-
Social Security card
-
Medicare card (if you qualify)
-
Hospitalization and health insurance identification cards and forms
-
Personal Photo ID (driver's license preferred)
PERSONAL ITEMS YOU SHOULD REMEMBER TO BRING INCLUDE:
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
Security
Free parking is provided for all visitors. Visitor parking lots are located in the closest proximity to the buildings for your convenience. An escort service to your vehicle is available by calling "0."
Security officers make frequent rounds inside and outside the building and are available to assist you as needed.
Smoke-Free Policy
In the interest of health, and to meet other regulatory requirements, this is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is not permitted inside the building or near any entrance or exit to the building. Designated smoking areas are located outside the building. Please ask any staff member for directions to these areas.
Patient Surveys
We know that you expect exceptional service at Heritage Medical Center and it is our goal to provide it at all times. We have included a copy of our Patient Satisfaction survey in your packet. We would appreciate your taking the time to complete the survey prior to discharge and depositing it in designated boxes located at the elevator and main entrances to the facility.
Telephones
- To dial directly to patient rooms: Dial 685-5+patient's room number.
- To call inside the hospital: Dial the last three digits of the number listed or dial "0" for the hospital operator.
- To call outside the hospital: Dial "9" and then your number.
- To make a long distance call: Dial "0" for the operator.
Safety
Your safety is important to us. While you are our patient, we ask that you observe the following:
- Wear slippers or shoes at all times while out of bed.
- Always call for help from staff members rather than attempting some action or movement that may result in an accidental strain or fall.
- Do not attempt to get in or out of a wheelchair by yourself. Ask a staff member for assistance.
- Any faulty equipment should be reported to a staff member.
- When the floors are being cleaned, you should not walk on the wet areas.
- Should you need emergency help in the bathroom, pull the emergency cord that is located there. The pull cord activates an emergency call system in the Nurses Station.
- Please do not bring personal electrical equipment with you. If you have a special need, please discuss with your nurse. All personal electrical equipment must be tested for safety prior to use.
Medications
When you are admitted you will need to give your nurse a complete listing of all the medications that you are presently taking, including the dosage and times. Patients own medications should be returned to the patient's
family at admission. If unable to return to the family, it will be sent to Pharmacy for storage.
Dining and Nutrition
Your diet is prescribed by your physician and is an important part of your healing process and care. Only he/she can change your diet plan. However, you will receive a menu selection within your allowed diet modifications daily. If you have special dietary requests during your stay, please call 685-5423.
Dietitians are available to explain the diet prescribed. When the physician makes the recommendation, we offer nutritional counseling for your illness or for weight and cholesterol modifications. If interested in these services, please contact our Registered Dietitian at 685-5280.
Cafeteria and Vending
The cafeteria at the hospital is located on the basement floor. Serving hours are: Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Lunch: 11:15 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. No dinner service is offered.
Complimentary coffee is served in the surgery waiting room on the first floor.
Meal trays for family members are available. Tickets for meal trays may be purchased in the cafeteria for $5.25 each. Complimentary meal trays are available for parents of our pediatric patients 14 years of age and
younger.
Vending machines are located in the Cafeteria, Outpatient Waiting area near the Emergency Room, 3rd floor waiting area, in the Nursing Home near the front dining room and in the Medical Arts Building.
Visiting Hours
The main entrance is open from 5:15 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily for visitors and guests.
Critical Care Unit Visiting Hours: 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for 15 minute intervals.
*Exceptions are made for immediate family members and those family members traveling a great distance to visit with patients.