Caring for Observant Jewish Patients & Their Families

Ocean Medical Center offers both specialized services and dedicated facilities designed to meet the needs of our observant Jewish patients and their families.

Kosher Food
The Nutrition Services Department offers a complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu of kosher foods which comply with Jewish dietary laws. Simply ask your nurse or the representative from Nutrition Services, and you will be given a menu from which to choose. If you have special needs not addressed by the menu, please call extension 4326, or 732-840-4326 from outside the hospital, and the food and nutrition staff will be happy to assist you.

Kosher Pantries
Kosher pantries are stocked by the Bikur Cholim, and are currently available in two locations:

• Next to the Chapel — 1st Floor
• Maternity — 3rd Floor

Kosher refrigerators with pantry items and hot water on the Sabbath can be requested by contacting a patient representative at extension 3297, or 732-840-3297 from outside the hospital.

Hospitality Room (In development)
Ocean Medical Center will offer a hospitality room for the use of a spouse or family member during the Sabbath or holiday periods. The room contains facilities for sleeping, showering, eating (complete with Kosher pantry), or just resting. Ask your nurse manager or contact a patient representative at 3297, or 732-840-3297 from outside the hospital, for more details.

Prayer Books
Prayer books are available at all kosher pantry locations. Additional Jewish literature is also available in the Bikur Cholim cabinet.

Sabbath Candles
Regular candles are prohibited due to fire regulations. Electric candles are available for use by calling the patient representatives at extension 3297, or 732-840-3297 from outside the hospital, or by asking your nurse to contact a patient representative.

Sabbath Entrance
On the Sabbath or during holidays, visitors can enter through the revolving doors in the Atrium from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or by standing outside the Emergency Room entrance. Our security personnel have been alerted to your needs and will open the doors for you.

Stairwells
To make it possible for you to avoid elevators and electric doors on the Sabbath and holidays, a map of Ocean Medical Center stairwells is available at the main desk in the Atrium, at the Security desk upon entering the Emergency Department, or by contacting the patient representative.

Holidays
During Sukkos, a Sukkah is available to the right of the Emergency Department entrance to the Medical Center.

Single-Room Maternity
The Maternity Unit features private rooms that offer a spacious environment for moms, dads, and families to be more comfortable throughout the birthing process. A nursery, staffed by a registered nurse, is available 24/7.

Fathers are encouraged to stay overnight in the room, and the atmosphere is welcoming to family or guest visits during the hospital stay.

For convenience, a kosher pantry is located within the unit and is accessible 24/7.

Hospital/Community Liason
The Guest Services manager, patient representatives, and pastoral care team are committed to providing support and will help fulfill your requests. Simply dial extension 3297 to reach us from inside the hospital or talk with your nurse who would be happy to make the call for you. From telephones outside the hospital, please call us at 732-840-3297.

Patient Advocate
The Bikur Cholim of Lakewood has a wide range of programs that can alleviate the concerns of patients and their families and provide for the various needs associated with hospitalization. They are available 24 hours through their hotline at 1-866-905-3020.