Surviving Your Child's
Stay At UCSF



Contents


Where UCSF is Located
Where to Park
What to Pack
Where to Stay while your Child is hospitalized

Location


UCSF is located on the top of Parnassus Street, just above Golden Gate park in San Francisco. If you are coming from the north of San Francisco, we think the following is the best way to get there.
Take Hwy 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Take Route 1 or the 19th Avenue exit through Golden Gate Park.
After passing the park, take a right onto Kirkham.
Take your first right onto 20th Avenue.
Take the first right onto Judah.
Proceed on Judah which Turns Into Parnassus Avenue.
You will notice on your right side Moffit and Long Hospitals and the main entrance to the hospital.
On your left side you will see the parking garage

Where to Park


Parking at the hospital Parking Lot is very expensive, a whopping $17 a day. You can, however obtain a certificate from your social worker to get a reduced rate on parking and park for $9 or $10 dollars a day. Paying the daily rate will allow you to exit and reenter the lot without incurring extra fees. The lot can also bill you for parking fees if you are short on money and they do accept checks.
If you would like to save a little money on Parking, the Stanyan street garage is a much less expensive option. They charge $5 a day for parking. Many parents find this a good alternative to paying the extra money. I personally thought it was worth it to park in the hospital garage , so that I could have convenient access to my clothes and supplies. There is very little storage space at the hospital, so it was easier to just keep a day's worth of clothes with me, and then restock as I needed from my car. It's not advisable, however, to keep anything of value in your car.

What To Pack


UCSF is probably located in one of the coldest areas of San Francisco. It is frequently foggy and often very windy. Even in summertime, it's well worth it to bring warm clothing. Since the hospital itself is fairly warm, my suggestions is to bring clothing that can be layered, i.e., sweats with a tshirt under it for example. And definitely bring a warm coat. There will also be times when you can't be with your child (like during surgery or rounds). To occupy yourself you may want to bring a book, some type of hand work, crossword puzzles or whatever will help you pass the time. You can also obtain daily newspapers in the gift shop and outside the front entrance.
You will also need to bring various toiletries like shampoo, a toothbrush, feminine products, shaving equipment. You do not need to bring your own towels however.
Depending upon the age of your child, pack toys and games that are appropriate. There are video tape players in most rooms, and also a selection of video tapes and games at the nurses station on 6 Long. If your child has a favorite video or two, you might consider bringing these as you can't always depend upon the selection available at the desk. You can also bring a tape recorder and tapes for your child to listen to. There is a wonderful playroom, as well as a school program for children who are staying in the hospital for an extended period of time.
Clothing is provided for the child while in the hospital, but if you would prefer to bring your own clothing for a child, you are welcome to do so. Remember to label anything you bring, and that you will be responsible for laundering your child's clothes. If a stay is extended, I really think bringing an outfit or two can help give the spirits a lift. It's such a relief to see your child in something other than hospital issue clothes. If your child is older, you should definitely bring a bath robe and slippers, as in many cases, mobility after surgery is encouraged.

Where to Stay



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