The following information is provided for patients, family and friends to make the patient's stay as comfortable as possible. If you have additional questions not covered on this site, please talk with your personal physician or call Patient Relations at 760.351.3508.

Parking is available for you and your visitors at no charge at the front and side of the hospital and across the street in the parking lot at Pioneers Medical Arts Building.

Once I arrive at the hospital, where should I go first?
Other that pre-scheduled surgery or baby delivery, go to the patient registration desk located by Emergency Waiting area. An admissions representative will ask you to fill out some forms and then you will be directed to your destination.

If you have a schedule surgery, your doctor will direct to the registration area at the hospital. Generally, it will be at the Phyllis Dillard Family Medical Center.

If you are a patient in labor, use the entrance at the Phyllis Dillard Family Medical Center. If you have already been pre-admitted, you will just need to sign a treatment consent form. If you have not been pre-admitted, you will need to complete other forms at this time as well.

Will I need to bring any paperwork?
Please bring any medical insurance cards and any necessary claims forms. This will speed the admissions process. If you have pre-registered and recently changed insurance companies, please bring your current insurance card and forms.

California law allows you to choose someone to make healthcare decisions for you if for any reason you become unable to make these decisions for yourself. To do this, all you have to do is complete a form called, "Power of Attorney for Health Care." By filling out this special form, you will appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you and specify any wishes you may have concerning your healthcare, including a desire not to receive treatment that merely prolongs a terminal illness. Forms are available from hospital social workers.

You may also verbally designate a surrogate during your admission process. Your surrogate would then be able to make healthcare decisions for you should you become unable to during your hospital stay. For more information, ask your physician, nurse or social worker.

Do I need to take any tests first?
Your doctor's office will tell you if any tests are needed in advance. Results from tests are necessary prior to many services and surgical procedures. Please make sure you have completed the tests prior to your arrival. Some insurance companies require you to receive some tests at outside facilities and the results are sent to the hospital before your arrival. Please check with your insurance company if you have any questions about your insurance coverage.

What are my rights as a patient?
Sutter Medical Center follows legal requirements concerning your rights to make decisions about medical treatment. Please refer to the Patient Bill of Rights on this Web site for more details. A social worker is available to answer any questions you may have about these issues.

What personal items should I bring?
Hospital gowns are available, but you may bring your own dressing robe and slippers. We encourage you to bring your own toiletries from home. If you are having a baby, bring clothes for your newborn. Upon discharge, you are required by law to have an infant car seat to transport your newborn home. Pediatric patients may bring one special blanket or a comforting stuffed animal. Upon discharge, you are required by law to have a car seat to transport children under the age of six or less than 60 pounds.

What about my valuables?
Please do not bring jewelry (including rings), money or other valuable items to the hospital. If you do have money or valuables when you are admitted, please ask someone to take them home for you. Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District and Pioneers Memorial Hospital do not assume liability for personal property.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You will be more relaxed when you arrive at the hospital and you will find it easier to move around the facility for tests or different appointments and procedures. In addition, it will make changing clothes much easier.

Can I keep my clothes at the hospital?
There are small closets for your use in your hospital room. However, to best safeguard your clothing, please ask a family member or friend to take them home during your stay. They can be returned to you when you are ready to be discharged. If you are going to be transferred to another facility, such as a skilled nursing facility, please bring your own nightwear to use when you leave the hospital.

Can I smoke?
Smoking is not allowed inside the hospital. There are designated smoking areas outside. If you are physically able and have your physician's permission, you may smoke in those outdoor areas.

What if I have dentures?
If you wear dentures, tell your nurse when you arrive in your room. The nurse will provide you with a special container for them. Please do not leave them on your meal tray.

What if I'm taking medications?
Please bring a list of your medications and dosages. Your physician will evaluate which ones you should continue taking while in the hospital. These will be dispensed to you by the hospital pharmacy during your stay. Any medications brought from home will be sent to the pharmacy. This procedure ensures that the medications you are currently taking do not interfere or interact with new medications ordered for you during your stay, and prevents the loss of your medications from home.

Can I bring a hair dryer or electric razor?
Due to special wiring and safety codes designed to protect you and others, privately owned electrical appliances are not permitted in the hospital. Please do not bring personal computers, VCRs, hair dryers, curling irons, electric shavers or radios. Battery-operated appliances, such as a portable radio, cassette, or CD player, or rechargeable shaver, may be used in the hospital. Cellular phones may not be used in the hospital as they may interfere with electronic equipment in the facility. You are responsible for the security of any personal items.

What if I have special needs?
You should talk to your physician first about these needs. In addition, tell your nurse as soon as you are admitted. If you have special dietary needs, your nurse will arrange for you to discuss these needs with a clinical dietician from the Nutrition and Food Services Department. Language interpreters are also available for almost any language 24 hours a day. Your nurse can help you obtain these services.

What about meals?
The Nutrition and Food Services Department will bring meals three times a day and snacks upon request (provided your physician does not restrict your diet). Patients' meals are generally served as follows: breakfast, 7:00 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.; and dinner, 5:00 p.m.

Is there is place for my family to eat?
The cafeteria is open daily from 7:00-9:30 A.M., 11:00-1:30 P.M., and 5:00 - 6:30 P.M. While it is primarily designed to serve hospital employees, visitors are welcome to eat in the cafeteria at any time it is open. The cafeteria is on the first floor of the hospital just beyond the main entrance of the hospital. If a visitor or family member wants to eat in a patient�s room, trays are available to take to the patient�s room. Our staff will be responsible to return the tray to the cafeteria.

For the convenience of your visitors, vending machines are available.

Can my family or friends bring food for me?
You may eat food brought in by your family or visitors (except for home-canned food), but please obtain your physician's approval first. Some foods may be restricted if they interact with your medications or are not listed on your diet prescription. There are no cooking facilities available to patients and visitors at the hospital and storage space for items like food is limited.

When can I have visitors?
Unless your doctor restricts visitors, your family and friends are welcome 24 hours a day.

What hotels are available in the Imperial Valley area for families and friends?
The Imperial Valley has a selection of hotels and motels where visitors can stay while their family member or friend is in the hospital. Visit the visit the Brawley Chamber of Commerce website for one located near the hospital.

Will I be able to make phone calls?
Your bedside telephone enables you to place most local, toll, long-distance and credit card telephone calls without the assistance of the hospital operator. You will receive detailed information about how to use the phone in the patient handbook in your room.

TDD telephones are available, as well.

Will there be a television in my room?
Yes. All rooms have televisions and remote control devices.

Can I have a private room?
Some private rooms are available. If your doctor orders a private room for medical reasons, your insurance generally pays for it. Since benefits for private room coverage vary among insurance companies, you should check with your insurance representative or review your policy prior to your arrival at the hospital.