Going into hospital can feel stressful, even for planned treatment. A bit of preparation makes your stay safer and more comfortable, and helps you get home sooner.
Imagine arriving for knee surgery without your medicines list, your phone charger or a plan for getting home. On day two you’re stuck waiting for a lift. Next time, you pack a bag the week before, bring a medicines list and arrange transport and help at home in advance. The stay is calmer from start to finish.
Documents and medicines
- Your appointment letter and any ID or insurance documents
- A written list of all your medicines, doses and allergies
- Your current medicines in their original packaging
- Contact details for next of kin and your healthcare provider
- Any advance care plan or wishes documents
What to pack
- Comfortable nightwear, loose day clothes and non-slip slippers
- Toiletries, glasses, hearing aids, dentures and their cases
- Phone, charger with a long cable, headphones
- Something to do: book, puzzles, tablet
- Leave valuables and large amounts of cash at home
Questions to ask
- Do I need to stop eating, drinking or any medicines before?
- How long am I likely to stay?
- What will recovery involve?
But what about going home?
Plan discharge before you go in: transport, someone to stay with you if needed, food in the fridge, and any equipment or home help. Before leaving hospital, make sure you understand your medicines, wound care, warning signs to watch for and who to contact with questions.
Your next step: Write an up-to-date list of your medicines and allergies today and keep a copy in your wallet or phone. It’s useful in any emergency.
Sources: World Health Organization (Patient safety), US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, NHS (Going into hospital), Patients Association.
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