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What to Bring/What NOT to Bring

As you’re getting ready for a hospital stay, rest assured we’ve got your basic needs covered, including hospital gowns, toiletries and food. Below is a list of essentials to pack for your stay, as well as recommendations for what you should definitely leave at home.

What to bring:

  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Insurance card
  • Form of payment
  • Copy of any Advance Directives (ex: Living Will)
  • Lab and/or X-ray results if recently completed at another facility
  • Complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and any herbal supplements
  • Cases for glasses, contacts and/or dentures
  • Sleepwear, socks and other personal items for overnight stays
  • Cell phone charger

What NOT to bring:

  • Cigarettes, alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Valuables like jewelry (wedding ring) or large amounts of cash
  • Electronics, including TVs and radios

About your lab work

If you’ve had lab work done within the past 30 days, provide us with the date of the lab work and where it was performed. On the day of your surgery, your physician may ask for additional tests. If those are needed, your anesthesiologist and surgeon may ask you questions regarding your health history.

Minors and guardianship

If the patient is a minor or an adult unable to sign for himself or herself, bring proof of guardianship or medical power of attorney. A parent or guardian must accompany a minor.

Day Surgery Checklist

Even for day surgery, it’s important to be prepared and know what to do and not to do before the procedure. To make your surgery as comfortable as possible, please review the following helpful tips.

Your surgery to-do list

  • Check in to the hospital two hours prior to your scheduled surgery time or as directed by your doctor.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can easily put on after surgery.
  • Have a family member or friend drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
  • If the patient is a child, bring a comfort item like a blanket or toy, and be sure two adults are available at discharge – one to drive and another to supervise.
  • Bring a copy of your Advance Directives if available.

Please avoid the following

  • Eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before surgery
  • Wearing makeup, lotion, cologne or perfume
  • Wearing jewelry or valuables, including wedding rings