What to Bring, What Not to Bring

On the BHU safety is paramount and crucial to a therapeutic environment. To promote safety the BHU has very strict rules about what items are allowed on the unit. We strongly discourage bringing valuables. However, if they are brought, they will be locked in the unit safe upon admission and will be returned at discharge.

General Guidelines

  • All items brought to the facility will be inventoried upon arrival. Staff will complete an inventory log of all items brought into the hospital.
  • Upon arrival, patients and their belongings will be searched for contraband.
  • Any items not allowed on the unit will be sent home with family or locked in a storage area for return upon discharge.
  • Illegal drugs brought in by the patients will not be returned to them upon discharge.
  • While inpatient, your area may be searched with you present if there are concerns about the overall safety and care of the environment.
  • Visitors are not allowed to bring personal items in the visitation area. 

What to Bring

  • No more than 2 changes of clothes
  • 1 pair of shoes, NO laces
  • A couple of photos are permitted as long as deemed appropriate by staff
  • We recommend bringing comfortable clothing that covers the entire body.
  • Approved reading material is allowed but must be approved by staff. Material must not be hardback books or have staples in the seams.

Prohibited Items

Additional items may be confiscated and stored if deemed unsafe for the unit.

  • Clothing that is sexually inappropriate or has obscene gestures/ phrases
  • Underwire bras
  • Low cut tops/ short skirts or shorts
  • Clothing that exposes undergarment
  • Clothing or shoes with strings
  • Belts, Scarves
  • Inappropriate footwear (heals, boots, etc)
  • Jewelry
  • Beepers or recording devices
  • Personal cell phones
  • Cameras
  • Anything that is flammable including aerosols
  • Glass or other sharp objects or anything in glass or cans
  • Make-up and hair products including curling irons
  • Matches, cigarettes, lighters, razors/razor blades, mirrors, anything with electrical cords, and plastic bags.
  • Weapons or firearms of any kind.
  • Illegal drugs, over-the-counter drugs or alcohol are not allowed on the unit.

Personal Hygiene Items

To help ensure the safety and the safety of others, the BHU provides all hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, shampoo, soap, etc. as well as pillows, sheets, blankets, towels, and linens.

Any special lotions must be prescribed by the physician. All personal grooming items will be stored in hygiene baskets which are accessed at the prescribed times.

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