Preparing For Your Stay
Going to the hospital can be stressful. Whether you are
being admitted for a scheduled test or procedure, or coming in to have a baby, it is helpful to do some advance planning and
preparation to make your stay at Rutland Regional Medical Center as
comfortable as possible. As always, feel free to let us know if you have any
questions as you prepare for your visit.
What to
Bring
When you arrive at the hospital, it is important that you bring
certain items, including:
- A License or other Photo ID Card
- Your Insurance Card
- A List of All Current Medications, including Dosage Amounts and Frequency
- Documentation
for Advance Directives, Living Will, or Healthcare Agent Information, if You Have Them
- Any Regular Medications You Will Need to Take While Here
- Any Necessary Aid Items – Glasses, Hearing Aid, Walking Device
- Any Non-Valuable Personal Items Which Will Add to Your Comfort, such as a Favorite Robe or Book
What to
Leave Home
- Valuables such as Jewelry or Electronics
- Cash
(More than You Might Want to Have for Small Purchases like Magazines or Snacks)
Preparing for Admission
Your physician may give you special
instructions if you are undergoing surgery or certain other procedures. It is
important that you follow them. Check with your physician for pre-op
guidelines. Although these guidelines vary, here is some general advice:
- Eating
and Drinking. If you are having surgery you cannot eat or drink anything
(including water, gum, hard candy) after midnight. This is essential to prevent
vomiting during and after anesthesia.
- Medications. Consult your
physician about taking aspirin or other medications before and after surgery.
- Smoking. If you are a smoker, it
is strongly recommended that you quit smoking as early as possible before
surgery. If you are interested in quitting or cutting back on smoking, learn
more about our Commit to Quit program.
- Transportation.
If you are coming for same-day surgery, you may receive sedation or pain
medication that will prevent you from being able to drive yourself home. In
this case you will need to arrange in advance for transportation.
The Day Before
You will
receive an automated phone call reminding you of the time you are scheduled to
arrive at the hospital.
For
questions about admission call
802.747.3619 or your physician’s office.
