Patient Registration
Whether it be for an outpatient service (such as CT scan or laboratory work), an emergency visit or even a scheduled inpatient procedure, your first stop is the Patient Registration (Admitting Desk). Arbor Health, Morton Hospital has two admitting desks, just inside the main entrance and the emergency entrance.
Please bring photo identification, insurance cards or billing forms with you.
Inpatient stay
For your comfort and convenience, you may want to bring the following items:
- A current list of your medications.
- Personal items, such as rubber-bottom slippers, robe and toiletries (including toothbrush).
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids and other assistive devices.
- Book or magazines.
What to leave at home
We encourage you to leave any valuables such as money, jewelry and documents, as well as medications, at home. If you were admitted from the Emergency Department, please make arrangements with a family member or friend to take your valuables home for you. The hospital is not responsible for the loss or damage of items. If you are unable to make arrangements for your valuables, please inform a member of the care team so we can deposit your items in our safe.
Patients who are disoriented or unconscious may have a representative inventory the patient's belongings or valuables with the admission staff.
Patient rights
During your stay at Arbor Health, Morton Hospital, you and your family will make important decisions about your medical treatment. As our patient, you have the right to accept or refuse healthcare treatment—and we want to respect your wishes. If the choices you make are not consistent with Arbor Health, Morton Hospital's mission, we will work with you to identify another healthcare provider.
By knowing what treatment choices are available, you and your family can make informed decisions. It's important to discuss your preferences with family members and your doctor before a serious illness occurs. You may also express these thoughts in a written advance directive. By doing so, your wishes can be followed even if you become unable to state your preferences. When you’re admitted to Arbor Health, Morton Hospital, you’ll be asked about any written advance directives you may have.
Advance directives
A Healthcare Directive to Physicians—or advance directive—is a document that states your wishes and allows your physician to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment in the event of terminal illness or injury so that you may die naturally. It may also be written so that it would apply in the event of a coma with no reasonable probability for recovery.
It may be revoked at any time verbally or by destroying the document and notifying your physician. In Washington state, the directive must follow certain format guidelines, which may be obtained from hospital staff.
Power of attorney
A durable power of attorney for health care designates a trusted person, such as a relative or close friend, to act as a proxy in making your healthcare decisions if you are unable. This document is more flexible than a healthcare directive because it can be applied to decisions about all kinds of health care. It can be changed or revoked by the signer at any time.
Most people who enter the hospital recover and are soon able to leave. However, should you require life-sustaining or emergency treatment, the hospital and doctors are prepared to assist you.
For more information about a durable power of attorney, please contact a legal adviser or attorney.