Your Stay at the Hospital

Because of space constraints, we ask that you have no more than two visitors at a time in your room.

Your bed can be adjusted to your comfort by using the control panels on the side rails. Handheld controls are also available. The control panels also allow you to operate the TV, adjust the lighting in your room and call your nurse.

Television

TV service is provided free of charge. At BIDMC, programming is offered in English, Spanish and Chinese.

• Health information for patients can be found on channel 44 (The Patient Channel) and channel 45 (Health TV).
• Newborn care information is available in English on channel 46 and in Spanish on channel 47.

Private Telephone for Each Patient

A private telephone is provided for each patient's use and is hearing-aid compatible. Local calls are free of charge.

There is no charge for receiving incoming calls to your room. Your family and friends may reach you by:

• Dialing your direct phone number, which you will find posted near your bed.
• Calling patient information at 617-754-2200. Callers who ask for you by your full name will be given your direct number and/or connected to your room, unless you have requested that your information remain private.

Your nurse will explain how you will get your meals (taking into account any eating restrictions related to your care).

• In some cases, meals are brought to your room at certain times.
• In other cases, you may choose when you wish to receive each meal and order it yourself.

Either way, you will have a choice of a variety of menu items, depending on the diet your doctor has prescribed. Special items, such as kosher foods, can be provided on request.

Ordering a Meal

Our Room Service Dining Program lets you order when you feel like eating.

• Call 7FOOD (73663) from an in-house phone to order patient and guest meals. You may also call us 617-667-3663 from your cell phone.
• Daily hours are 6:45 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• If you're on a modified or restricted diet, our nutrition attendant will help you with your selection.
• If you cannot place your own order, a family member assist you.
• If you prefer to plan your meals, you may pre-order up to three meals in advance.

Visitors who wish to eat with you in your room may purchase guest meal tickets from the Ullian Café on the East Campus or the Farr Café on the West Campus.

BIDMC wants all of our patients to receive excellent meals and service. All meals are designed by nutritionists to follow doctor-prescribed patient nutritional needs and dietary requirements. Feel free to let your room service associate know how we can help satisfy all of your food service needs.

The quality of your care depends on the specialists who make up your care team.

Your Doctors

There are a few different types of doctors who may be involved in your care. They include interns, residents, fellows and attending physicians. They have all graduated from medical school and are at different levels of training. All care is overseen by an attending physician.

Some doctors involved in your care may be specialists in a particular area, such as cancer or cardiovascular health. They may coordinate care with a staff physician who specializes in the care of acutely ill patients. This physician — who may be called a hospitalist, an attending physician or, in the intensive care unit, an intensivist — works with your own primary care doctor, communicating about your progress and planning for your ongoing care. 

Your Nurse

Your daily care is managed by a registered nurse (RN) who is responsible for all aspects of your nursing care while you are at the medical center.

In many areas, nursing staff work with patient care technicians or nursing assistants. These are specially trained staff who help nurses by performing specific tasks, such as taking blood pressures, making beds or helping patients bathe or dress. They work under the supervision of an RN.

Rehabilitation Specialists

Depending on your needs, you may see physical therapists, occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists during your stay. These specially trained rehabilitation services professionals will help you if your nurse or doctor thinks that you need help with daily activities such as getting out of bed and walking, eating (including being able to swallow safely), bathing, dressing or communicating.

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists are on staff to help patients who are having difficulty with their breathing. They provide a variety of treatments and help administer inhaled medications.

In some cases, respiratory therapists see patients who will be using inhaled medication at home. They teach them how to use their medicine or how to care for needed equipment. In intensive care, respiratory therapists manage ventilators and provide other care related to respiratory functions.

Social Workers

Social work services are available to help patients and families cope with the many issues that arise when illness or injury occurs. They can provide counseling to you and your family as well as links to needed resources in the community.

Social workers are part of the health care team and may work with you and your providers to enhance your recovery and wellbeing. For more information, call 617-667-3421.

Case Managers

Case managers are registered nurses who specialize in helping patients and families make plans for continued recovery and care after discharge from the medical center. They work with the nurses and physicians caring for you to make sure your discharge goes as smoothly as possible.

To reach someone from case management, please call 617-632-7250.

Interpreters

We provide language assistance and interpreter services to help facilitate communication between patients and families who don’t speak English and their care providers. 

Interpreters for outpatient appointments can usually be booked automatically by clinics or departments. That means your interpreter will be booked automatically at the same time as when you schedule an appointment.

Spiritual Care Staff (Interfaith Chaplains)

Chaplains are care providers who are specially trained to respond to the spiritual and religious needs of patients and families. Chaplains care for people of all faith traditions, including those who are non-religious and those who draw meaning from other sources. We build caring relationships, offering compassion and support to patients and families as they navigate illness, reflect on their lives, celebrate milestones, or begin their end-of-life journey.

You can request a visit from a chaplain by asking your nurse to contact the Spiritual Care department, or by calling us directly at 617-667-3030.

Food/Nutrition Services Staff

Staff from nutrition services will provide you with a daily menu so that you may choose foods based on the diet prescribed by your doctor.

If you would like to speak with someone about your meals, please ask to see a food services representative. Clinical registered dietitians (RDs) and dietetic technicians are also available as needed. These health professionals can help you learn to follow a diet prescribed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor for a nutrition referral if you wish to speak to a dietitian about your diet. Most often, appointments with the dietitian occur following your discharge from the hospital. To meet with a dietitian about your diet, ask your doctor for a referral and call 617-667-2565 for an appointment.