Though you won’t need to pack too heavily, you may want to bring some items from your home such as your bathrobe, slippers, pajamas (we can provide them if you don’t want to bring any), toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries.
It’s also a good idea to bring a small amount of cash for newspapers, postage stamps and other miscellaneous items while you’re staying at Backus. Please do not bring large sums of money or especially valuable items as Backus Hospital is not responsible for any personal belongings or money that is left behind in a patient’s room.
Personal Belongings
The Hospital is not responsible for valuables left in your room or retained at the bedside. Jewelry, cash or medications should be taken home for you by a family member or friend.
You may ask to have your valuables deposited in the Hospital vault; in such instances, our Security Department will secure the items on behalf of the patient. For large sums of money, the Security Department reserves the right to convert most or all of the funds into a money order. With regard to medications, the Hospital pharmacy will supply any medications your physician may order for you while you are in the Hospital.
To ensure patient safety, we ask that you please do not bring any electrical appliances, such as DVD players, VCRs, CD players etc to the hospital. We do however allow appliances that are powered by batteries. Laptop computers are allowed and complimentary wireless Internet access is available in all areas of the hospital. We also advise against wearing high-heeled shoes or boots and would recommend that you wear loose and comfortable clothing.
Television, radio and telephone
Color television sets are installed throughout the Hospital with cable TV service provided free of charge courtesy of the Backus Foundation, Inc.
The same pillow speaker sound system used for TV also provides radio reception at no charge.
You may receive outside telephone calls from 6:30 am until 10 pm.
- You may make local calls by dialing 9 followed by the telephone number you wish to call.
- To place long distance calls, dial 5 and wait for the dial tone. Then dial 0, the area code, and then the number.
- Toll calls may be placed collect or charged to your home or telephone credit card.
- Insurance companies will not pay for personal telephone calls.
- You may reach a local information operator by dialing 5 followed by 411.
Meals
Each morning you will be given a menu from which to select your next day’s meals.
Meals are served during the following hours:
- Breakfast: 7:00 – 8:00 am
- Lunch: 11:30 am -1:00 pm
- Dinner: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
If you’re being admitted for surgery
Every patient and every case are unique, and because of this, your physician will have a special plan of action in place for your situation. Special instructions will be provided in regard to food, medication, anesthesia and other issues relevant to your procedure. Before your surgery takes place, you will have the opportunity to meet with your anesthesiologist. This is a good thing, because they’re a big part of the team in keeping you comfortable!
After your operation is completed, you will be brought to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), which a nursing unit for recovery after surgical operations. From the PACU, you may be taken to the Critical Care Unit, in the event that you need more intensive monitoring. If not, you’ll be brought back to your hospital room.
Throughout your time in surgery and the PACU, your family and friends will be continually informed on your progress through the family liaison designated for your case.