July 16, 2004

Helpful hints from the hospital during the DNC

As the Democratic National Convention (DNC) gets closer — July 26 to 29 — the MGH is offering helpful advice and reminders to patients, visitors and employees to make the week of the convention go as smoothly as possible.

Employees and staff are encouraged to provide the following resources to patients and visitors so they can make appropriate plans during the convention.

• The DNC host website at www.boston04.com gives detailed
  information about the convention.
  
  
• Mayor Thomas Menino has established a DNC Hotline at (617) 635-2004 to help answer questions and address concerns about transportation, road closures and city services.
  
  
• The hospital has a designated DNC website at www.massgeneral.org/dnc with the most up-to-date information about MGH plans during the convention.

Remember that there may be delays in traffic and on public transportation getting to and from the hospital. Planning ahead and allowing more travel time is advised. Below are some more hints for planning travel during the DNC.

• The MGH recommends taking public transportation to the hospital if possible. To find the best MBTA line to take, visit www.mbta.com or the hospital's DNC website.
  
  
• For those who need to drive to the MGH, see the alternate driving routes section on page 1 of this issue of Hotline or visit the hospitalÕs DNC website.
  
  
• Drivers should remember that the state police will be closing roads, which is estimated to be around 5 pm each day. Before that time, roads will be accessible, but some lane restrictions may be in effect.
  
  
• Once road closures are established, detours will be in effect. These detours will have clear signage and police details to direct drivers to their destinations.
  
  
• For employees riding their bikes to work, they can bike on designated bike paths to the Leverett Circle area, where they can then turn onto the main campus.

Upon arrival at the MGH main campus, patients, visitors and employees should keep in mind that parking and security will be tighter than usual.

• Patients will be able to access the hospital's front garages as usual.
  
  
• For those employees driving to the main campus, parking will only be available for those who are already participating in the hospital's parking program.For those who are not participating, spaces in area garages and lots may be available. However,
  the MGH has no jurisdiction over those parking areas, so they may fill quickly or be closed by state police. Visit the hospital's DNC website for more information about parking.
  
  
• MGH employees and staff must wear their ID badges at all times during the convention and must take them home so they have them upon arrival to work.
  
  
• After 6 pm each day, MGH visitors will be directed to check-in stations where Police and Security staff will call the patient care unit for verification of the patient visit. Bags and packages may be subject to inspection at this time.
  
  
• A DNC information display (shown below) — complete with maps and brochures — will be located in the Main Corridor, in the WACC Lobby and at CNY beginning July 16 to further help patients, visitors and employees plan accordingly during the convention.