We're always here to keep you safe. Here are some changes you can expect during your next visit to protect our patients, visitors, and staff during COVID-19.
To make yourself as comfortable as possible, all patients should follow these guidelines. We suggest bringing the following personal items:
- Inpatient Clothing: Patients may bring pajamas/nightgown, bathrobe or slippers. Comfortable casual clothing and shoes with non-skid soles are recommended for patients needing rehabilitation therapy. Please bring only those items necessary during your stay.
- Inpatient Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc. However, most items can be provided to you.
- Personal Items: Eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids. Denture cups are available upon request. Take care not to leave any of these items on your meal tray or on your bed as they may be lost.
- Cash for Incidentals: No more than $20 is usually needed; however, be sure to bring enough cash or a credit card to cover your parking fees, if applicable. Discounted parking passes are available at the gift shop/valet desk. Although the hospital itself does not offer check cashing, we provide an ATM on the premises, near the information desk on the street level of south campus.
- Proof of Insurance Coverage: Medicare and other insurance identification are needed to verify your eligibility for claims filed by the hospital.
- Advance Directive: If you have one, please bring it with you. You can establish an advance directive at the hospital as well.
- Referring or Family Physician Information: Name, address and telephone number.
BJC Patient Engagement System
Inpatient rooms in Barnes-Jewish Parkview Tower and some rooms in Barnes-Jewish Plaza Tower have access to interactive patient technology at the bedside. Supporting our mission to take exceptional care of people by providing health care in a compassionate, respectful, safe and responsive way, this digital system is delivered via the in-room TV as well as a tablet computer. From the main screen patients can access their health care team, view personalized health education and their daily schedule, order a room service meal (Barnes-Jewish Parkview Tower only) or enjoy entertainment such as TV, movies and music. In addition, patients can learn about hospital services and customize settings, including preferred name and language.
What Not to Bring
We encourage you to leave all valuables, such as large sums of money, jewelry and credit cards, at home. If necessary, money and small valuables may be kept in the hospital safe and reclaimed upon your discharge. If your stay includes time in a critical care unit, non-essential belongings will need to be sent home during that time.
If you plan to stay at Barnes-Jewish for an extended period of time, Concierge Services offers a laptop and ipad loan program for patients. Art therapy may help patients use their creativity while in the hospital through our Arts + Health Care program.
To take exceptional care of people and to promote the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve, Barnes-Jewish Hospital provides a smoke-free environment for patients, visitors, physicians and employees. Smoking of cigarettes, cigars or pipes is not allowed in Barnes-Jewish Hospital facilities or vehicles. Smoking is also prohibited outdoors on hospital grounds including building entrances, sidewalks and parking facilities/lots.
You might be interested in learning about the following before becoming a patient:
The type of hospital accommodations offered depends upon your physician's request, the type of care needed, your preference and its availability. During your stay, a room change may be necessary as your needs change. Please discuss your preferences with us and we will make every effort to satisfy your accommodation requests throughout your stay. Please notify us if you do not wish to receive visitors or phone calls during your hospitalization.
Patient Safety
At Barnes-Jewish Hospital, we strive for excellence in everything we do, which is why we are committed to ensuring patient safety. Research has shown that the more involved patients are in their own health care, the more satisfied they feel.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about your health care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, please talk to your nurse, the nurse manager responsible for the unit where you are a patient, or call Concierge Services at (314) 362-5196. The Office of Patient & Family Affairs can provide a patient liaison to serve as a liaison between patients and their caregivers. We look forward to working with you to provide you with exceptional health care.