Information for Inpatients and Families

A parent (or legal guardian) must:

• Be present at admission (may take several hours for completion)
• Be present to meet with the doctors
• Be present to sign consent forms

What to Bring

Pre-Admission

• Immunization records
• Contact information for each doctor and agency who need reports from us
Homebound form from school
• Social security number of the parent(s) by which patient is insured

Admission Day

• Two day supply of diapers, if applicable
• Child’s own car seat, if applicable
• Two day supply of Infant formula/baby food, and other special formula
• Pillows for the trip home
• Legal papers that show custody (if needed)
• Patient’s social security number
• Medicaid and/or insurance card
• White cotton tube socks if you are receiving a foot brace.
• Comfortable, loose fitting clothes and shorts
• Personal braces, walker, prosthesis, wheelchair or other assistive devices
• Shoes (that fit your braces. If you need to buy new shoes, buy them 1 to 2 sizes larger)
• Bring routine medications that your child takes in the original containers (labeled by pharmacy)

Please call the hospital before your visit if:

• The child is sick or if you are not sure whether your child should come to the hospital for admission.
• The child is on formula
• You have moved or changed your phone number since you were last in the clinic, please let us know
• You need help paying for meals or hotel, fill out the meal card/hotel forms and mail to your temple

If your child has runny or stuffy nose, fever, a cough, pink eye, rash, illness, dental problems or cavities, ingrown toenails or a sore near the surgical site or taking medicine for any type of infection, please call us at (864) 255-7921.

If you have been in contact with someone with chicken pox (or any contagious disease) in the past three weeks, we cannot admit you.

Your child will be checked for head lice on pre-admission day and again on admission day.

Medicines

Please call us if your child starts any new medicine in the 2 weeks before admission. There are some medicines that you must not take in the 2 weeks before surgery! Please ask if your child needs to take any of his/her medications the morning of surgery.

Asthma and Allergies

If your child has asthma or allergies and it is not under control, please have the condition checked by your doctor before you come, and bring a note from your doctor.

Immunizations

Your child's shots should be up-to-date before you come to the hospital. Please do not let your child get any shots 14 days before admission.

While You Are Here

Visiting Hours

6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Family members
10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - General visiting hours
9:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Outside doors are locked and alarms are set.
(please call security if you need to leave during this time.)

Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Dinner 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Vending machines are also in the cafeteria and on the first floor near the Clinic.

Transportation

Please contact your local Shrine Temple directly if you need help with transportation.

Lodging

If you should need to stay the night, many local hotels have special rates for patients’ families. One parent is allowed to stay in the patients room.

Laundry

There is a washer and dryer available for parents who are staying at the hospital with the patient. It is located on the second floor. (These are to be used for parents laundry only)

Smoking

There is no smoking in Shriners Hospital or in the parking deck. There is a smoking deck on the 1st floor.

Parking

Please use the garage marked for Shriners Hospital. Push the button on the box to tell security you are here to be admitted.

Child Life Activities

The child life department plans activities for patients Monday - Friday and occasionally on the weekends. Activities are offered in the child life playroom at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily. The activities include crafts, games and occasionally outside visitors. Your child life specialist will meet with you to discuss planned activities.