Forsyth Medical Center 
Getting Prepared
| When you arrive at Forsyth Medical Center, we want your stay to be as easy and comfortable as possible. |
What should I bring?
You may want to bring the following items for your stay: Insurance card, a list of your current medications, sleepwear, robe, slippers, grooming items (comb, toothbrush), eyeglasses and case, contacts and containers, dentures and containers. You might also want to bring a few dollars with which to purchase small items at our Gift Shop. Please keep in mind that even though our hospital professionals will take every reasonable precaution with personal belongings, Forsyth Medical Center cannot be responsible for loss or damage of personal items.
Should I bring valuables?
Please leave all valuables, including jewelry and cash, at home. If this is not possible, they can be stored in the hospital safe. If you have any security concerns, or observe suspicious behavior, please contact the hospital operator by dialing zero and a security officer will be notified immediately.
Will I need to give consent for treatment?
During admission, you will be asked to sign a Conditions of Admission form to grant Forsyth Medical Center permission to treat you and to release medical information concerning your treatment to the insurance company.
Can I make my own decisions about what treatments I will undergo?
Forsyth Medical Center respects the wishes of our patients concerning medical care, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment.
What happens if I am unable to make my own decisions about the kind of care I want?
We encourage you to make your wishes known to your doctor and family before you are admitted to the hospital. State law guarantees you that right - and requires us to ask patients about advance directives (Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney) upon each hospital admission. On admission, we will ask for and make copies of these documents for your medical record if you already have them. If not, and you wish to complete an advance directive, the nursing units on each floor will supply you with an educational booklet and advance directive forms if you request one.
Included in an Advance Directive is:
- A written description of the medical care you would or would not want in the future if you were unable to speak for yourself. This description should be based on your values and what is important to you.
- The name of someone who will make healthcare decisions for you if you cannot make them for yourself.
Ethics Committee
We have an Ethics Committee that can help patients and family members with the difficult decisions that sometimes must be made.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
When you arrive, you will also be made aware of your rights and responsibilities as a patient, as well as our privacy policy.
