What to bring
We encourage you to bring:
- A three- or four-day wardrobe of casual, comfortable clothing;
- Sleep wear (for example, robe, pajamas or gown, slippers);
- Personal toiletries (for example, brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene products);
- A small amount of cash (including change) for phones, vending machines, stamps, newspapers, snacks, etc.;
- Reading material, writing paper, small hobby supplies (except sharp objects like scissors or sewing needles);
- Any medications you are taking; and
- Radio, curling iron and hair dryer, if they are CSA approved (These items will be securely stored for you outside of your room).
Do NOT bring
- Perfume or cologne. The hospital is a fragrance-free facility;
- Your car;
- Camera, recording device, cell phone, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA) or any electric appliance;
- Valuables, such as jewelry or credit cards; and/or
- Sharp objects, such as razor, scissors, nail clippers
Television: televisions are located in the common areas and lounges 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Volume is kept at an appropriate level for the comfort of all patients. Private TV rental is not available in the mental health program.
Telephones, messages and mail: Pay phones are available for local calls—please ask where the nearest phone is located. Inpatient rooms do not have telephones. Please ask staff about receiving calls.
Medication: please bring all the medications you are taking—prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and supplements. Medications should be labeled and in their original containers. Your psychiatrist and members of your care tam will look at what you are taking and will work with you on a treatment plan. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment or changes in your medication, please speak with a member of your care team.
Money and valuables: We recommend that you leave valuables at home, and only bring what money you will need during your stay.
Off-unit activity levels: the privilege of being able to leave the unit is based upon the assessment of your needs for supervision, support and safety. All patients are requested to notify staff and to sign in/out of the unit including for groups, meetings, appointments, passes and visits to third floor coffee or convenience stores.
Passes: while you are an inpatient, you may receive passes to leave for a number of hours, overnight, or for a weekend. These passes are prearranged and approved by your physician and will depend on your treatment plan.
Safety and security: your safety is important to us. If you feel uncomfortable, feel there is an issue that is unsafe for yourself or others, or experience an injury of any kind, please let your care team know. Staff will check belongings on admission and periodically throughout a patient’s stay.
No smoking: Grand River Hospital is a smoke-free facility. This is part of our commitment to providing a safe, healthy and healing environment for our clients, staff and visitors. Smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking area.
If you smoke and do not have off unit activity levels please speak to your care team about alternatives such as nicotine replacement therapy (for example, patch, gum or inhaler).
Laundry: inpatients can use the laundry facilities to wash their own clothes. The hospital will supply and change bedding and towels.
Meals and snacks: Food services provide all meals and snacks for inpatients in a dining area. Meals are offered cafeteria style, and through a special-diet/tray service. We can accommodate dietary restrictions and special requirements.
If you have off unit privileges and notify staff, you may go to the third floor cafeteria, Tim Hortons or the convenience store.
Spiritual and religious services: Chaplaincy services are available. Please speak to a member of your care team.
Discharge: we want to make sure that the right arrangements are made when you are ready to leave the hospital. To do this, your care team will discuss plans with you well before your discharge. A team member can help you plan for discharge and link you with follow-up care in the community. The planned discharge time for all patients will be no later than 11 am.