During Your Stay
What to Bring
Please bring only the minimum essentials with you. If you are anticipating an overnight stay you may bring personal toilet articles and containers for storing health aids (eye glasses, contact lenses, hearing devices, etc.). Person articles may be stored in the drawer of your bedside table. Limit your extra clothing to a comfortable dressing gown or pajamas, a robe and slippers.
What Not To Bring
Please do not bring actual medications to the hospital unless instructed to do so by your physician. All medications required to treat your illness will be carefully dispensed by the hospital pharmacists and administered by nurses. Please bring a list of medication you are presently taking. With permission from your doctor, however, you may bring items such as nitroglycerin, eye drops and antacids.
Due to fire and safety regulation, this hospital prohibits patients and their visitors from bringing any electrical appliances into the hospital including electrically powered radios, televisions, razors and hair dryers.
Safety
You will be escorted from the admitting area to your room, and likewise, upon discharge from your room to the front door.
Social Services/Discharge Planning
Social and personal problems can be handled with the help of Social Services. Simply dial the hospital operator and ask to have a Social Worker paged.
Gift Shop, Newspaper, Mail
The Auxiliary Gift Shop is located in the main lobby. Newspapers are available directly outside the front entrance of the hospital and the gift shop. Volunteers deliver the mail once each day. Balloons, flowers and gifts can be purchased along with candy, snacks, cards, magazines and other items.
Telephone
Local Calls: Dial 9, wait for a dial tone; dial the number. Long Distance: An outside operator will assist you. Dial 9-0-Area Code-Number. These calls must be collected or billed to your credit card or to your home number. Inside of Hospital: You may dial the extension number directly.
Smoking
Mercy Redding only allows smoking in designated areas. No smoking is allowed inside the building.
Meals
The cafeteria is open 7 days a week. Your nurse can tell you the specific hours of operation. Vending machines are available at all times in the cafeteria. Visitors may call the Dietary Department to purchase a guest tray that will be delivered to the patient’s room. A small fee will be charged. Guests can also enjoy gourmet coffee and specialty beverages from the Coffee Depot located in the cafeteria. Hours will vary.
Valuables
You are advised against bringing a large amount of money or other valuables to the hospital. Mercy Medical Center Redding cannot assume responsibility for loss of any valuables not deposited with the cashier for hospital safekeeping. Please bring your insurance cards with you, however, as they are necessary for billing purposes.
Interpreters
If you need an interpreter, please ask your nurse or other hospital personnel. Sign language interpreters, if required, are also available upon request.
Spiritual Care Services
The healing of the whole person physically, psychologically and spiritually is important to us. A chaplain is available to minister to any spiritual concerns you may have. Notify your nurse if you wish to talk with the chaplain. Our chapel is open to you 24 hours a day.
Advance Health Care Directive Information Pamphlets
Additional information is available upon request. Simply ask your nurse to notify Social Services or Spiritual Care Services to assist you with this document. If you already have an Advance Health Care Directive, please bring a copy with you. If you would like to complete an Advance Health Care Directive contact Spiritual Services.
