By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
When checking in, there are lots of things that are forgotten in the often emergency situations a hospital stay brings.
Forgotten things are the specialty of the concierge at the new University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.
”One of our guiding principles has been to enhance the experience of patients, family members and visitors to our system,” said Geri Karpiscak, RN, director of professional practice, education and customer service for Princeton HealthCare System.
The services that are being offered are what patients were asking for and similar to other health care facilities.
”We conducted research on other health care organizations to determine the types of convenient services that were provided by others. We also talked to our patients and family members to see what services were of interest to them,” said Ms. Karpiscak. “From there, we came up with a list of initial services that will be offered as part of this new concierge service. We will be monitoring the service and make any changes or additions that may be needed, based on their needs.”
The concierge services, which are available between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., are free for patients and their families, but there will be charges from merchants for any purchased items.
”We do not charge to make a hotel reservation or arrange a floral delivery, but there will be a charge for the reservation itself from the hotel, or for the floral basket,” said Ms. Karpiscak.
Services available at the concierge desk include contacts for area hotels and reservation assistance, area transportation and many other things, which include:
Information about places of worship and clergy services.
Assistance with arranging celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
Lists of local florists.
Lists of salon and spa services.
Business support including copying, faxing, printing, notary, mailing, cell phone charging and Internet research.
Items to borrow including digital reading devices such as NOOKs, Kindles, laptop computers and books.
Newspapers, magazines and comfort items available in our gift shop.
Maps and directions to local destinations and area attractions.
The concierge desk, which is located in the lobby of the new hospital near the cafe, will be staffed by a combination of hospital employees and volunteers.

