What is needed while at the hospital?

Patients wear comfortable clothes and are not required to wear hospital gowns. Clothing and other items can be dropped off at the reception desk from 7:00 a.m.– 9:00 p.m. Belts, shoelaces and drawstrings are not allowed. All items will be searched prior to entering the unit. The nursing staff will be happy to answer any questions concerning items patients can or cannot have on the unit.

Patient will need casual clothes, pajamas and toiletries including: toothbrush, shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, hair combs and brushes, and other necessities. Hats and sunglasses may be worn outdoors only. Generally, patients should bring clothing for approximately five days. A laundry room is available for patient use.

Clothing that is not allowed includes:

• Clothing with drug, alcohol, sexual, satanic or gang-related messages
• Clothing that is revealing such as tube tops, halter tops, fishnet shirts, short shorts or clothing that is extremely tight

As part of a daily routine it is important to practice good personal hygiene to include: showering, combing hair, brushing teeth and frequent hand washing. Please contact nursing staff for assistance with any of these tasks or any needed additional toiletries. Patients are asked to help clean up after themselves and keep patient rooms picked up and neat. Clean linens are available from housekeeping staff.

Is food allowed?

For safety, sanitation and dietary management purposes, visitors are asked not to bring food items into the facility. There are three daily meals provided and nightly snacks. Vending machines are available in the cafeteria. Patients may want to have change and $1 bills for use in the vending machines. Food and drinks are not allowed on the unit.

Where are valuables kept?

Family members are encouraged to take valuables home. Patients cannot keep valuables on the unit due to security reasons. Patients may keep $10, preferably in change and $1 bills, for use in the vending machines. The hospital cannot be responsible for lost or missing items. We request that credit cards, checks, cash or jewelry be sent home or locked in the hospital safe. The hospital will only be responsible for those items deposited in the hospital safe.

Is smoking allowed?

Patients admitted to the inpatient programs at Dover Behavioral Health System are not allowed to smoke. However, patient’s physicians will prescribe nicotine gum and patches upon request.

What items are prohibited at Dover Behavioral Health System?

• Purses or handbags of any kind
• Medications (prescription, illegal or over the counter)
• Glass items
• Lighters or matches
• Food and drinks
• Plastic bags, hangers
• Scissors, knives, razors, sharp objects or weapons of any kind
• Metal files, picks, nail clippers
• Any liquids containing alcohol
• Safety pins or straight pins
• Pencils with metal eraser heads or mechanical pencils
• Electronic devices, including cell phones, pagers, Ipods, cameras, computers, tape recorders, radios, hairdryers, curling/straightening irons, CDs, etc.
• Belts, suspenders, scarves, ties, shoelaces or strings in any clothing item
• Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, towels, washcloths
• Aerosol sprays, spray bottles or canisters (including perfume or body sprays)
• Makeup in breakable containers
• Jewelry (exception: wedding rings, watches or post earrings)
• Footwear (heeled shoes or boots of any kind)
• Provocative clothing, shirts advertising drugs, alcohol, gang related
• Any items considered to be potentially dangerous by staff

Any items considered to be unsafe or valuable are to be sent home with family members.
Dover Behavioral Health System will only assume responsibility for those items deposited in the facility safe.

Our assessment and referral center is available to receive calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 302-741-0140 for a no-cost, confidential assessment today.