Preparing For Your Stay

Pre-admission Phone Interview

Prior to your admission to St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center you will receive a call from a patient registration representative who will gather information for your medical records and answer any general questions that you may have. If you have not heard from us by two days before your admission, please call the Admitting Office at 617.789.2700.

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 and 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 St. Elizabeth’s cannot be responsible for their safekeeping. If you have any other 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 everyone at the hospital. However, you may use battery-operated items such as a razor, a small radio with earphones or a powered 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. St. Elizabeth’s 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.

For more information or assistance in completing the healthcare proxy form, please call St. Elizabeth’s patient advocate at 617.789.2040. We encourage you to discuss this issue with your physician, nurse, social worker, and closest relatives or friends.