Safekeeping

Safekeeping at SMMC

Safekeeping is the process of storing items of value in a safe place.

Your personal belongings
Patients and visitors are responsible for their own belongings and valuables. Patients are strongly advised to leave all belongings and valuables at home or send them home with a family member or representative upon admission to the hospital.

Safekeeping options

Inpatient and Emergency Room (ER)
When necessary, safekeeping is available to Inpatient and Emergency Room (ER) patients who request to have items placed in safekeeping while they are admitted, or patients who are unable to take care of their own personal items. SMMC cannot be held responsible for patients’ belongings if not checked into safekeeping.

Outpatient
Safekeeping is not available to patients of the Outpatient clinic. SMMC cannot be held responsible for the loss of belongings from patients of the Outpatient clinic.

Safekeeping process
Patients can notify the nursing staff if they want to have their valuables placed in safekeeping. Below are a few examples of valuables:

• Jewelry
• Watches
• Glasses
• Hearing aids
• Digital devices (e.g., iPad, Phone)
• Debit/Credit cards
• Cash
• Cheques
• Keys
• Official documents (e.g. passport, driver’s license)

Patients who request safekeeping will be provided with an envelope to store their valuables and a Safekeeping Form to verify the information written on the form. This form has to be signed by the patient or their representative, together with a nurse as a witness. A copy of the signed Safekeeping Form will be provided to the patient.

Retrieving items
Valuables placed in the safe can be returned to the patient on working days during office hours from 8.00 am – 5.00 pm, and on the weekends only if the patient is flying out. If not, it will be the next working day. If the patient is discharged from the hospital without having retrieved their belongings from the safe within three (3) months, SMMC will contact the patient or appointed representative to collect the belongings. If no response is received within six (6) months, the valuables will be handed over to the police in line with missing property procedures. In case the patient does not live on the island, valuables can be sent to an address abroad upon written request from the patient. In this case, the shipping costs are for the recipient. SMMC will not be responsible in case of loss or damage to the valuables.

Loss of or damage to belongings
Unless placed in our possession for safekeeping, SMMC cannot be held responsible for the loss of or damage to patients’ belongings. If valuables are lost or damaged when in safekeeping, SMMC will investigate and, if possible, replace the lost item(s), in line with SMMC’s policy and liability limitations. A Loss and Compensation Form should be filled in. 

If patients keep their belongings while admitted, they remain fully responsible for their belongings. If belongings that are not in safekeeping are lost, the Service Desk can be contacted to inquire if the belongings are found. If belongings that are not in safekeeping are damaged by SMMC staff, this should be reported to the department Supervisor or Manager. A complaint can be submitted to the Complaint Committee.

In case of suspected theft, this should be reported to the police.

Tips to avoid missing items

• Provide items with your name, so that they can easily be traced back to you.
• Tie a cord to your glasses and hearing aid so you do not lose them as quickly.
• Take old glasses with you when you are admitted.
• Leave valuables at home or give them to someone for safekeeping.

If you have any questions or comments about the protection of your items, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can send an email to info@smmc.sx or contact:

St. Maarten Medical Center
Welgelegen Road 30, Cay Hill, Sint Maarten
Tel.: + 1 (721) 543-1111