Patient & Visitor Information

Items to bring to the hospital:

• Three sets of inexpensive washable outfits, that are casual and comfortable with no strings. Light colors are recommended for labeling purposes. Preferrably not new clothing items, as they will be washed at 140 degrees, as required for Infection Control regulations.  
• 1 pair of appropriate sleepwear with no strings, (hospital gowns are available).
• A light jacket or sweater with no strings.
• Walking shoes with backs that provide good support and are sturdy such as slip-ons or velcro closure. No open-toe, laces or high heels.
• Reading material of interest (we do stock books, magazines, games etc.).
• Electric razors are permitted but will be kept in a locked area when not in use.
• Computer prints or copies of family or favorite photos in scrap books or plastic frames are encouraged.

Toiletry articles such as shampoo, soap, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, brush or comb, hairspray, gel and deodorants are provided by the hospital. To prevent loss of articles, ALL clothing and other personal items should be labeled for identifiaction purposes. ALL items brought into the facility will be checked by a staff member in your presence and listed.

Medication:
If a medication is not available through the pharmacy, you may be asked to bring in medication. A list of prescribed medications and over the counter medications brought from home will be kept in a locked area and should be given to the nurse upon admission. A licensed nurse will make sure the patient receives prescribed medication according to physician's order.

Phone:

Due to safety concerns, phones are not provided in patient rooms. Access to phones for making and receiving calls are provided at the nurses station. You may make and receive calls during times when there are no group therapies or treatments planned. Please keep conversations brief as the phones are for all patient use.

Use of personal lap tops, cell phones, tape or voice recorders:
 For the privacy rights of our patients, it is necessary to prohibit the possession of laptops, cell phones or recorders during your stay. Most cell phones and many laptops are now manufactured with built in cameras and recording devices which may be used to compromise the privacy rights of our patients.

Safety:
 For safety reasons the following items are not permitted on the unit: weapons or firearms, illicit substances, alcohol, lighters or matches, plastic bags, glass, aerosol sprays, gum, clothes hangers, radios, walkmans and any other items deemed unsafe by staff.

Laundry:
 Hospital staff will do the patients laundry free of charge. If your family would prefer to launder your clothes at home, please inform the nurses station.

Cash and personal valuables:
Please leave ALL jewelry, wallets, purses and other valuables at home. If you are unable to do so, they will be stored in the hospital safe until your discharge. You may bring your identification and insurance cards which will also be stored in a secure location. We will assist you in maintaining your belongings, but the hospital cannot assume any financial responsibilitay for the loss or damage to any personal belongings during your hospital stay.

Financial information: If you would like to speak to someone regarding your hospital bill, please advise the nurses station and a financial counselor will be contacted to speak with you.  

Spiritual Services:
 Spiritual services and weekly communion are available upon request. 

Smoking:
 NBH is a smoke free facility. Hospital policy prohibits the use of ALL tobacco products and electronic smoking devices.