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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 bring valuables or large sums of money, they can be kept in a safe deposit box that is monitored by the Security Department (you can reach them at 617-636-7700). 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.
Make sure you know your medications, how they should be taken and why they should be taken. Please include medications that you buy without a doctor's prescription like Tylenol and Motrin. Also, be sure to mention any vitamins or other supplements you may take. If you are not sure of the doses or the names of the medications, your pharmacy or primary care physician may need to be contacted to obtain this information.
Information about your medications is useful to assure you receive safe and appropriate care.
If you or a family member need a prescription filled while you are at Tufts Medical Center, you can visit our Atrium 3 pharmacy. You can reach our pharmacy at 617-636-5385.
Pain Management
We know that your level of comfort can affect your physical, emotional and spiritual health. It is important to our staff that we partner with you to make sure that you get the best pain control possible for your condition. Download our brochure to learn more about our Adult Pain Management program or continue reading below:
Rating Pain
Everyone's reason for being at the hospital is different, and we will work with you to keep you as comfortable as possible, as quickly as possible.
We need your help in measuring your pain before and after receiving medications to see if your treatment is working well. To help the doctors and nurses get a better understanding of your pain, a Pain Intensity Rating Score Tool is used at Tufts Medical Center.
Pain is Personal
Pain is a personal experience--it needs to be explained by the patient, because you are the only onw who feels the pain. We always want to help lessen your pain. You always have the right to tell us about your pain and to help us plan the best way to treat you.
Age Considerations
We are very familiar with treating pain across all age groups.
Pain Control Methods
Medicines can be given in a variety of ways:
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Intravenous (IV) into a vein
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By injection into a muscle or by injection just under your skin
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Epidural (in the space around your spinal cord)
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Swallowed as a pill or liquid
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In a patch placed on your skin
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As a rectal suppository
Other methods, such as heat and cold application, positioning and relaxation therapies, may be combined with your medicines.
Your pain management is always being monitored and adjusted. Please speak up, your comfort is important to us.
Smoking
The national hospital accreditation organization prohibits smoking within hospitals and at hospital entrances. While most of the campus has been non-smoking since 2009, all tobacco use will be banned around all of our buildings, on sidewalks and in parking lots as of April 16, 2012.
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. For your safety, we ask that visitors please use the Emergency Department entrance, located at 830 Washington Street, for all after-hours arrivals.
All pediatric units are locked at all times. To enter, please ring the doorbell at the entrance of the unit and let staff know who you are and who you are visiting.
For non-urgent calls, please contact Security at 617-636-7700. In an emergency, 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 TVs, DVDs, radios, fax machines, computers, hair dryers or electric blankets. Please do not bring these to the Medical Center.
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, Televisions and WiFi
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. Wireless internet access is available throughout the hospital, free of charge.
To learn more about our multimedia services, please click here.
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.
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