Preparing for Your Stay

What to Bring

Most of what you need will be provided for you during your hospital stay, but here are some items you don’t want to forget:

• Medication list
• Healthcare proxy*
• Health insurance cards
• Picture identification
• Dentures
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Hearing aids
• Pajamas/robe
• Slippers
• Personal toiletries

Please leave money, jewelry, credit cards and other valuables at home as Good Samaritan Medical Center cannot be responsible for their safekeeping. If you have any essential personal items such as dentures or eyeglasses, be sure to inform us about them when you are admitted and we highly recommend that these items be clearly marked with your first and last name.

We request that you leave electrical appliances or anything that requires the use of wall outlets at home. This is for your safety and the safety of others at the hospital. However, you may use battery-operated items such as a razor, a small radio with earphones, or an electric toothbrush, as long as these items do not require recharging.

*Healthcare Proxy
The situation may arise when you are unable to make your own healthcare decisions, or are unable to take part in planning your medical care because of an illness or injury. Good Samaritan Medical Center encourages patients who are 18 or older to complete a healthcare proxy form that allows you to designate a relative, friend, or other person to make these decisions on your behalf. Massachusetts law requires that all patients be given the opportunity to complete a healthcare proxy form.

Patient registration will provide you with the hospital's healthcare proxy brochure upon your admission. If you would like to review a brochure prior to your admission, call the patient advocate line at 508.427.3214. We encourage you to discuss this issue with your physician, nurse, social worker, and closest relatives or friends.