If your physician's office did not give you a specific arrival time, the nurse who conducts your pre-hospital interview or the person who pre-registers you can provide you with this information. If you do not feel well enough to register, please let the receptionist know so alternate arrangements can be made to help you. You may shorten your admitting time by calling ______________to pre-register for general services or_________________to pre-register for surgical services. If you are visiting us for surgical services, you will be asked to arrive at Fishermen’s Hospital at least two hours prior to your scheduled surgery time or at 5:30 a.m. if your surgery is scheduled for 7:15 a.m.

Where is the hospital located?

Fishermen’s Hospital is located at 3301 Overseas Highway.

Where should I and my visitors park?

Parking is free and available in front of Fishermen’s Hospital.

Once I arrive at the hospital, where should I go first?

Go to the Outpatient Registration Desk located at the main entrance any day from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. An admissions representative will ask you to fill out some forms and then you will be directed to your destination.

What are my rights as a patient?

Fishermen’s Hospital 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.

Do I need to take any tests first?

Your physician's office will tell you if any tests are needed in advance and work with you to schedule them. 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.

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.

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.

What about my valuables?

Personal belongings such as jewelry, cash, credit cards or items of great personal value should not be kept in your room. If you are having surgery, you will not be allowed to wear jewelry during the operation. Please be sure your jewelry, prescription medications and other valuables are sent home with a family member or friend. Fishermen’s Hospital is not responsible for the loss of money or other valuables left in your room. Please note that when you are discharged from the hospital, you may need your credit cards, checks or cash to take care of your bill. If so, please ask a friend or family member to bring them from home at that time.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat, supportive shoes. 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 Fishermen’s Hospital.

Can I smoke?

Fishermen’s Hospital has created a smoke-free environment for patients, employees and visitors.

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 assigned a room. 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.

What if I have a concern or complaint during or about my hospital stay?

We want you to have the best possible care and experience while you are with us. If you should have any concerns or complaints after your stay at Fishermen’s Hospital, please call Quality Review Services at. You also may be asked to complete a written survey questionnaire or respond to a telephone survey about your stay, and we would encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to provide us with your feedback.

What about meals?

Our Food Services Department is dedicated to providing you with nutritious and delicious meals. If your physician has requested a special diet for you, your meals will be specially prepared according to your physician's orders. In most cases, you will receive a menu each day and be able to select your meals for the next day. Snacks are available upon request. Approximate service times for your meals are: Breakfast 8:00 a.m. Lunch Noon Dinner 5:00 p.m

When can I have visitors?

General visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in most areas of the hospital. Visiting is allowed in the Intensive Care Unit 24-hours a day but visits may be limited, depending on the patient's condition. Unless your physician restricts visitors, your family and friends may visit you during the hours listed. We ask that you limit your visitors to two at a time. Children under 12 are not permitted in patient care areas except when accompanied by an adult. Following this guideline will help ensure that you get the rest you need.

What hotels are available in the Marathon area for families and friends?

Visit the Marathon Chamber of commerce at: http://www.floridakeysmarathon.com/

Can my family or friends eat with me?

For a nominal fee, your visitors can order meal trays to be served in your room at patient meal times. If a guest tray is desired, have your friend or family member visit the cafeteria cashier and pay for the meal. Then, he or she should go to the Nutrition and Food Services Department Diet Office to make their menu selection. The cafeteria is open for the convenience of visitors and staff every day. Hours are: Breakfast 8:15 a.m.: 9:00a.m. Lunch 11:30a.m.: 1:30 p.m. Dinner 5:00 p.m.: 7:00p.m. Vending machines are located in the cafeteria and in the Emergency Department waiting room where beverages and snacks may be purchased 24-hours a day. The vending machines provide change for $1 bills.

Can my family or visitors bring food in for me?

If your visitors bring you special treats, please check with your nurse before eating them. It is very important for your health and recovery that you follow any dietary restrictions established by your physician. No cooking facilities are available to patients or their visitors in the hospital, and storage space for food is limited.

Will I be able to make phone calls?

Your bedside telephone enables you to place most local, long-distance and credit card telephone calls without the assistance of the hospital operator.

Will there be a television in my room?

For your entertainment and relaxation, all patient rooms are equipped with a television. To operate the television, use the remote control, which is part of your nurse call transmitter. We ask that you please keep the volume at a level that will not disturb other patients and minimize television use after 10 p.m. Privately-owned television sets are not permitted because of electrical safety precautions.

What if I have other questions?

Click the link below for phone directory: http://www.fishermenshospital.com/About/PhoneDirectory/default.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Questions:

When should I arrive at the hospital?