Admissions

Before you arrive

Medications from home: Your doctor will decide which medications you should continue while hospitalized and our pharmacy will supply you with all of your medications. All medications brought into the hospital will be sent home with a relative or a friend. If that is not possible, the medications will be placed in storage in the hospital pharmacy until you are discharged.

Valuables: We urge you NOT to bring any valuables with you – if that was not possible, please send your items of value home with a relative or friend. Valuables such as credit cards, money or jewelry can be locked in a safe by notifying your nurse. Lehigh Regional Medical Center will not be responsible for loss or damage of any personal property while you are in the hospital or on hospital property.

Living Will (Advance Directive): A Living Will (or Declaration) is a statement of your wishes regarding the use of life-prolonging treatment if you are in a terminal condition and are unable to speak for yourself. To obtain a Living Will or for more information, speak with your nurse.

When you arrive

Your Room: Your physician has arranged for your admission. Our policy is to admit patients, assign accommodations and provide treatment without regard to race, national origin or religious creed. Your room is designed to support your care as well as your convenience and safety. We make every effort to provide you with the accommodations you request, however, if such accommodations are not available, your care will not be compromised in another accommodation type.

All rooms have easily adjustable electric beds. Push-buttons in the siderails regulate bed height and raise and lower the head and knee areas. Your nurse will demonstrate the use of the controls for the bed and light cord. If you wish further instruction or are unable to use the controls, please let your nurse know. The bedrails are for your protection – they may be raised when you are resting and/or if you have undergone surgery, other procedures and/or are taking certain medications. If you need them lowered for you, please call a nurse – do not attempt to leave your bed without assistance from the nursing staff.

Every effort is made to make sure that everything in your room is in proper working order and that you are comfortable. If you experience any problems with your room or equipment in it (lights, TV, shower, air conditioning, bed, etc.), please notify your nurse.

Food and Beverages: Your physician has prescribed a diet plan especially for you. You may be on a special or a “restricted” diet. Additionally, before certain test and procedures, you may not be allowed to eat or drink for a period of time. Unless you are on a liquid or pureed diet, you will receive a menu on your breakfast tray each morning from which to select your meals for the next day. You can also speak to the diet office by calling extension 4552. Additionally, if you would like to talk to a dietitian, let your nurse know. Meal trays are delivered at the following approximate time unless otherwise ordered by the physician:

• Breakfast – 8 a.m.
• Lunch – 12 noon
• Dinner – 5 p.m.

If you need a snack in between meals, please talk with your nurse.

The Cafeteria at Lehigh Regional Medical center is located on the first floor. Regular cafeteria hours are:

• Breakfast – 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

In addition, coffee and soda are available during visiting hours to family members of patients in the emergency department or in surgery. Vending machines with sandwiches, snacks, sweets, milk, and soft drinks are accessible 24 hours a day seven days a week in the Cafeteria.

Going home

Discharge Planning: Your doctor is responsible for determining your discharge date. Case Management will meet with patient and family prior to discharge to coordinate discharge needs. Please let your nurse know when you are ready to leave. For your safety, our staff will provide a wheelchair transport to the lobby exit. Before you go, be sure to gather all your personal belongings. Remember to ask for any valuables you may have left in our safekeeping during your stay.