Telephones and making calls
- You can make local calls free of charge using the bedside telephone.
- To make a long distance call, you can use a cell phone or a calling card.
- Cell phone reception is variable. You may find that standing close to a window may help. There are pay phones near the elevators.
- Your room's telephone number is (603) 650-2 + your room number. For example, if you're in room 531, the number is (603) 650-2531.
- To make an outside call, first dial 32 and then local number.
Television, VCRs, and DVDs
- The bedside remote turns on the television and VCR. There is a wide selection of movies for you to watch (DVD players are available).
- Movies are located in D'Barn and in the Teen Lounge (please see the Unit map).
Internet access
- If you have your own laptop, you can apply for wireless access at no charge. Please see the unit secretary for help.
- Internet access is available in the Family Lounge and in the Teen Lounge.
- For patients who cannot leave their room, the Child Life Program has laptops that can be signed out for messaging or homework.
White boards
- Many rooms have a white board that you can use to write down questions you want to remember to ask the Unit team.
- Please write your child's name on the board, especially if they have a nickname they prefer.
- Each day the nursing staff will write the names of your doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants on the white board.
Call buttons
- Rooms have a hand held call button on the television remote control.
- Use the call button in the room to alert the nursing staff about an immediate patient need.
- There is also a call button in the bathroom for emergencies.
- Mail is delivered twice a day during the week.
- To mail a letter, give the letter to your nurse, who will put it in our "out" box.
- If mail arrives after you have gone home, it will be forwarded to your home.
Meals
- You'll find menus at the bedside.
- In the Pediatric and Adolescent Inpatient Unit, patient meals arrive around 8:00 am, 12:15 pm, and 5:15 pm.
- If the meal tray doesn't arrive in your room, please check outside your room or ask your nurse. If you are a breastfeeding mother of a patient less than six months of age, please check with your nurse about food for you.
- We have a snack cart for patients and siblings at 1:45 pm and 6:30 pm.
- We have a supply of drinks and snacks for patients available at all times. Snacks and light food are available in the Family Lounge.
- The unit has a breast pump, but it's a good idea to bring your own, including equipment and cleaning supplies for your equipment.
- If you want to bring your own food, we have a Family Kitchen space (please see the Unit map). Please label food with your name and date.
- Family members can order a guest tray off the menu. This will be billed to you. Insurance does not cover the cost.
- For more information about other dining options, see Cafeterias and Other Dining Options on the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics website.
Tutoring program
The Pencil Partners Tutoring Program provides educational support and learning opportunities for children and adolescents while staying with us. Learn more about the Pencil Partners Tutoring Program.