The key to packing for your inpatient hospital stay is to pack light. In most cases, patients are only required to bring a photo ID and copy of their insurance card to the hospital upon admission. In addition, you may wish to bring a small overnight bag including a change of clothing for when you leave the hospital.

Mercy will provide each patient with a hospital gown. You may wear your own sleepwear instead of a hospital gown in most cases, but we ask all patients to wear a hospital gown for all tests, examinations and procedures.

Other important items to bring include:

• Bathrobe and slippers
• Brush/comb
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Underwear and socks
• Personal toiletries
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses with case
• Names and contact information for next of kin, family and friends
• A list of your current medications
• Advance directives

Intensive Care Patients
Patients being admitted into an intensive care unit are asked to have a friend or family member take any extraneous items home until you are transferred onto another patient floor, as there is very limited space for belongings.

Valuables
Please do not bring any valuable items with you to the hospital. The hospital cannot be responsible for their safekeeping or for the safekeeping of any personal items.

Medications
Keeping an accurate record of your medications is critical to your treatment. During your stay, your physician will prescribe any necessary medications, so we ask you to leave any previously prescribed medications at home. If you choose to bring them with you, please inform your nurse.