Telephone: Newton Medical Center provides a phone for each patient at his or her bedside. Your personal phone number at the hospital is posted on the bulletin board at your bedside so that you may receive direct calls. Local Calls - To place a local call dial "9", followed by the telephone number. Local calls include calls to numbers in the following exchanges in the 973 area code: 786 - Andover 948 - Branchville 209 - Franklin 827 - Franklin 383 - Newton 300 - Newton 579 - Newton 388 - Newton 940 - Newton 729 - Sparta 726 - Sparta 724 - Sparta 875 - Sussex 702 - Sussex

Long Distance Calls - A calling card is required to direct-dial a long distance call from your room. To place a long-distance call using your card, dial "9", then "1" followed by your calling card access number, usually through an "800" number. Prepaid calling cards may be purchased at the vending machine located near Central Registration and on the 2nd floor nursing unit. Your caregivers and volunteers will be happy to assist you in purchasing a card. You may place collect long-distance calls from your room by dialing "9", then "0" for operator, followed by the area code and 7-digit phone number. You may not reverse the charges for a long-distance call to your home phone. The hospital operator (dial "0") will be happy to assist you with your calls.

Special Needs - For patients with hearing impairment, the hospital, will provide a volume-controlled handset, free of charge for the duration of your stay. To request the special handset, ask your nurse or have a family member or visitor dial extension x2522.

Cellular Phones - The use of cellular phones in prohibited in certain areas of the hospital. Cellular phone signals can disrupt the proper operation of critical electronic medical equipment. Signs are posted where cell phone usage is prohibited.

Television:

The Newton Medical Center Foundation offers free color television service to all patients. Patients are provided with a personal remote control for program selection, volume, and power control. The following directory will assist you in making your television program selections.

Education Programs - Newton Medical Center offers a variety of educational programs for its patients. See your caregiver for details on how to order these services with your room telephone.