Before and After Your Procedure
What You Should Bring With You
Please bring only basic personal items such as pajamas or nightgowns, bathrobe, slippers, toilet articles and reading materials. In addition, if you want telephone service and/or a television rental, you will need cash, a personal check or major credit card to cover the cost of those services. Otherwise, please do not bring more than a few dollars, preferably in change, for newspapers and other incidental purchases.
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What Not to Bring
Please do not bring valuables with you such as jewelry, cameras or audio equipment. For safety reasons, under our own and New York State regulations, patients are prohibited from bringing plug-in electrical appliances such as radios, hair dryers, razors or personal television sets. We are not responsible for your personal belongings.
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Mail
While you are a patient at the Medical Center, mail should be addressed to:
Your name
Your room number
Westchester Medical Center
Valhalla, NY 10595-1689
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Parking
Visitor parking is available in the front and the rear of the main hospital building. The first 15 minutes of parking is free, with an hourly rate applied up to a daily maximum fee. Discounted 30-day parking is available by contacting the hospital's parking management firm at extension 7932. Parking complaints or problems can be directed to the Parking Hotline at extension 1963.
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Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all areas of Westchester Medical Center, and in areas immediately adjacent to exits and entrances. Please use only designated smoking areas.
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Standard Precautions
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all healthcare workers use universal precautions for all patients receiving care, regardless of the patient's diagnosis. This includes wearing protective items such as masks, gloves and gowns for the protection of all patients and workers, as needed.
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Pediatric Sleep Over Policy
One parent may spend the night. Please let your nurse know if you want to stay. Parents should be aware that nursing care, which may interrupt their sleep, is our first priority.
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Surgical Family Waiting Area
Family members of patients in the Operating Room and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) may wait in either the surgical or ICU waiting rooms located on the second floor. Any questions or concerns may be addressed to the Surgical ICU volunteers on duty. The Surgical Liaison can be reached at extension 1129, and the ICU Liaison can be reached at extension 2994.
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Going Home
When your physician has decided that you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. On your discharge day, please plan to have a relative or friend pick you up before 10 a.m.
Your physician, assigned nurse and social worker will coordinate the final preparations for your return home. They will give you instructions for medications and additional treatment including follow-up appointments, nutrition and meals.
If you require care after you leave the hospital, your social worker and the nursing staff will help you make the necessary arrangements before you are discharged. These might include provisions for special equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers, medical supplies and medical services such as visiting nurses or other home healthcare services.
Before leaving your room, be sure that you have all your personal belongings and that your transportation will meet you at the main hospital entrance.
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