Before going into hospital
For the patient
Is there anything that I should know in order to protect myself from germs in hospital?
Which possessions should I take with me and which should I leave at home?
Is there anything I need to tell the hospital staff to be aware of?
What can I take with me to protect me during my hospital stay?
How else can I prepare for my stay?
For family and friends
How can we help prepare to make the patient’s stay as safe and stress free as possible?
For the patient
Is there anything that I should know in order to protect myself from germs in hospital?Yes. The best defence against dangerous germs is good hygiene and thorough surface cleaning. By finding out how germs are spread, who is most vulnerable and the most effective hygiene procedures, you will give yourself the best chance of avoiding further illness. Please refer to our germ facts section, for up to date information on germs and the best way to combat them.
Which possessions should I take with me and which should I leave at home?Only bring the bare minimum, and wherever possible have disposable items for use during your stay. If you are bringing pyjamas make sure they are freshly washed, and make sure you have something to wear on your feet. It’s very easy to unwittingly carry germs to and from hospital, by using disposable toiletries and essential items you will minimise the spread of harmful germs.
Is there anything I need to tell the hospital staff to be aware of?If you have had any contact with someone who has recently had any illness, mention this to hospital staff, as you may then be carrying some of those pathogens. It’s important to tell hospital staff of any illness you may already have or have had recently.
What can I take with me to protect me during my hospital stay?By bringing personal antimicrobial products with you, such as those included in PatientPak, you will have more control over your immediate environment. The products are ‘travel size’ so you can easily carry them with you, therefore reducing the chance of catching germs in other areas too.
How else can I prepare for my stay?It should go without saying, but have a nice hot bath/ shower and a thorough clean before you leave home, and take fresh clean clothes with you to minimise the chance of bringing germs into hospital.
For family and friends
How can we help prepare to make the patient’s stay as safe and stress-free as possible?The better informed you are about superbugs, viruses and bacteria, the more you can do to combat them. You can help them prepare by going through these facts together and coming up with ways to minimise the risks. It’s important that visitors follow good hygiene procedures, and reassuring for the patient to know that their visitors are aware of the dangers. The patient may be worried about going to hosiptal, so you can offer them moral and practical support.