I haven't been hospitalized since the late 80's, thank goodness, but one of the things I remember from that fun visit was that during the check-in procedure they made the point several times that they did not want me to have money, jewlery, etc (apparently they do not trust their own staff). Don't know what would have happened if I had pushed it, I guess that they can't stop you from bringing "stuff," they just don't like it...
_________________________
OBG