What to Bring to the Hospital

What to bring:

• Health insurance identification cards (private plan, Medicare, Medi-Cal).
• A list of your current medications. Don't bring your actual medications unless your doctor tells you to.
• A completed advance directive form. This states your preferences for medical treatment and designates someone to make health care decisions if you are unable.
• Toiletries (such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaver and special soaps).
• Robe. We provide a lightweight robe, but you may prefer your own.
• A small amount of cash ($20 or less).
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetics and other removable medical devices.

You may bring your cell phone though you may find it unnecessary. Things can easily be misplaced, so please label all belongings with your name. Don't leave personal items on your meal tray or in your bed. Put eyeglasses, dentures and other such items in protective containers and store them in a safe place, such as your bedside table. Never wrap them in a tissue or napkin, as they may be accidentally thrown away. Visitors should not leave their belongings unattended.

What not to bring:

• Your medications (unless instructed by your doctor)
• Valuables, such as jewelry
• Large sums of cash
• Computers
• Video equipment

We are not responsible for valuables or personal belongings brought into the hospital by patients or their families and friends. If you have such items with you at admission, we recommend sending them home with a friend or family member.

If you are unable to send money and valuables home with someone you trust, they may be stored in a safe at UCSF Health Security Services. Please be aware that we cannot assume responsibility for the loss of items that are not deposited in the safe or that are brought in after a property inventory is taken. The Security Services Department is located on the first floor of the hospital.