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.

 

Patient and Visitor Conduct Protocol

At Gracie Square Hospital, our mission is to provide exceptional care to everyone who comes through our doors. We strive to meet the needs of our patients and visitors by creating a safe and caring space for all.

To help us fulfill this mission, we ask that you follow our Patient and Visitor Conduct Protocol. By doing this, we can ensure Gracie Square Hospital continues to be a welcoming and healing space that supports our patients’ well-being.

We thank you for trusting us with your and your loved one's care.

General Expectations:

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.

1. Adherence to Our Guidelines:All patients and visitors are required to observe the rules and expectations outlined below as well as those that are provided by our teams.
   These apply to all individuals visiting any Gracie Square Hospital property or engaging with our online platforms including, but not limited to, digital websites, digital apps, or social media platforms.
2. Respectful Communication (virtual and in person):Patients and visitors are expected to communicate respectfully with all Hospital team members, fellow patients, and with any member of the Gracie Square Hospital community.
   Gracie Square Hospital team members are also expected to communicate respectfully with all patients and visitors who come through our doors.
3. Patients and Visitors must:
   • Provide accurate and complete information, to the best of their ability, regarding any complaints, illnesses, medications, or other matters relating to their health and care.
   • Report unexpected changes in their condition.
   • Communicate if they do not fully understand any information related to their care.
   • Follow the treatment plan(s) recommended by their practitioner(s) or understand they are accountable if they refuse treatment or do not follow instructions provided.
   • Fulfill any financial obligations associated with their care in a timely fashion.
   • Be considerate of other patients and Hospital personnel. This includes being mindful of noise levels and the number of visitors received.
   • Respect the property of others and of the Hospital.

Prohibited Behaviors:

1. Disruptive or Aggressive Conduct: Engaging in disruptive, rude, disrespectful, derogatory, threatening, or aggressive speech or actions will not be tolerated. These include, but are not limited to:
   • Violent, inappropriate, intimidating, and/or discriminatory behaviors
   • Physical or verbal threats and/or assaults
   • Sexual harassment or other similar unwanted behaviors
2. Weapons: Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on Hospital grounds. This includes firearms, knives, blades, clubs, chemicals, or any other item that could cause harm to others.
3. Filming/Recording: Due to federal and state privacy restrictions, patients/visitors using electronic devices are prohibited from recording and/or streaming sounds, video, or images of Gracie Square Hospital staff, other patients, or visitors while on Hospital grounds. Recording of any care or treatment is not permitted by patients, their family, and visitors. This includes, but is not limited to, filming for personal or commercial use or posting on social media.

If you see or experience any behavior that goes against our Patient and Visitor Conduct Protocol, please report it to a member of your Care Team right away.

Violation Actions:

If a patient or visitor is believed to have violated our protocol, the matter will be escalated so it can be addressed by Gracie Square Hospital leadership. Depending on the severity of the violation, the following steps may be considered:

1. Patients who engage in disruptive behavior may be asked to seek non-emergency care at other healthcare systems, although we expect this to be a rare occurrence.
2. Visitors who exhibit disruptive behavior may face restrictions on visitations or removal from Gracie Square Hospital properties.
3. Failure to observe and adhere to our protocol may result in involvement of security personnel and, if appropriate, referral to local law enforcement.

We appreciate your help in keeping Gracie Square Hospital a place where everyone feels safe and cared for. If you have any questions, please speak with a member of your Care Team.

 

Download PDF of Protocol