We hope that by reviewing the following information prior to your arrival, we can help make your stay at Tufts Medical Center a little easier.
Valuables
Please do not bring large sums of money, jewelry or other valuables to the Medical Center. You need only a small amount of cash for items such as newspapers or magazines. The Medical Center cannot assume responsibility for any personal possessions not locked in a safe deposit box.
In the Admitting Department you will be asked to list belongings that you plan to keep in your room. If you must bring valuables or cash in excess of $20, they can be kept in a safe deposit box that is monitored by the Security Department. Access to the valuables is available 24 hours a day.
Medications
Please bring with you to the Medical Center a list of the medications you are taking and the dosages. You should not, however, bring any prescription or non-prescription medications to the Medical Center unless your attending physician specifically asks that you do so.
Smoking
The national hospital accreditation organization prohibits smoking within hospitals and at hospital entrances.
Security
The Medical Center’s security officers patrol the hospital 24 hours a day. In addition, all entrances, except the Emergency Department, are locked after 8 p.m. In an emergency only, you may reach Security 24 hours a day by calling 617-636-5100.
Electrical Appliances
For your protection, strict safety codes in the hospital prohibit the use of any electrical appliances brought from home, such as TV sets, VCRs, radios, fax machines, computers, hair dryers or electric blankets. The Medical Center has hair dryers and electric shavers available for your use.
Patient Condition Information
Relatives and friends may call 617-636-6033 for information about your condition, location and telephone number. If you prefer that absolutely no information be given out, notify the Admitting Department at 617-636-6000.
Telephones and Televisions
Telephone and television rental services are available at the Medical Center by dialing 6-8900 from your bedside telephone. The cost for these services is billed to patients directly and you are responsible for these charges. Activation of the phone will allow you to make calls within the 617 area code by dialing 9, 617, and all seven digits of the number. All calls outside the 617 area code can be made collect or charged to your phone calling card or major credit card. If you decide not to activate the telephone, you will still be able to receive incoming calls. To place a call within the Medical Center, dial 6 and the last four digits of the number.
Television service at Tufts Medical Center includes local programming and cable options such as A&E and CNN. Televisions will not be activated unless the service is ordered.
Newspapers
Volunteers can deliver newspapers to patient rooms on weekday mornings. An outside vendor delivers Sunday papers. Newspapers are also available in the gift shops.
Banking
The unit secretary can direct you or your visitors to 24-hour banking facilities (automated teller machines) located within the hospital. There are two Bank of America ATMs. One is located in the Farnsworth Building at 171 Harrison Avenue, and the other is in the North Building corridor outside the Walter M. and Dorsey S. Cabot Emergency Department. Another ATM is located in the Floating Plaza level, upstairs from 755 Washington Street.