Hospital checklist

To help make your preparation as easy a possible, here are some essentials to remember:

Before your stay:

  • Speak to your doctor about how long you will be admitted, how long your recovery will be, and any aftercare arrangements you may require.
  • Arrange the appropriate amount of time off work, and let your employer know well in advance.
  • Let family/ friends know about your stay and how long you will be in hospital.
  • Let your neighbours know you'll be away so they can keep an eye on your house.
  • Arrange any necessary care/ help for your recovery at home.
  • Ask the hospital about any specific regulations they may have with regards to visiting times, and possessions you can and can't have with you.
  • Think about (and write down), any questions or concerns you would like to ask the doctor/ hospital staff.
  • Where appropriate, sort out arrangements for children, pets, plants and mail.
  • Make travel arrangements, to and from the hospital.
  • Cancel any deliveries, i.e. milk, if you won't be there.
  • If appropriate, cancel any home-help, cleaners, gardeners, window cleaners etc.
  • Freshly wash any clothing you are bringing.
  • Make sure you stick to any pre-admission guidelines you have been given by your doctor, such as: what you can and can't eat/ drink before your stay.
  • Have a nice hot bath/ shower and a thorough clean.

Remember to bring:

  • Admissions Letter.
  • Any medication you are currently taking.
  • Contact details for family, friends and partners.
  • Small amount of money (coins).
  • Mobile phone.
  • Clean Pyjamas.
  • Glasses, if you need them/ or if you wear disposable contact lenses, enough for your stay.
  • Enough clean underwear for the duration of your stay.
  • Clean slippers (or something to wear on your feet).
  • Basic toiletries (preferably disposable), toothbrush and paste, soap, face and body wipes, hair and body wash, moisturiser and lip balm. A Patient Pak Kits contains all the essentials for a hospital stay.
  • For women, sanitary products.
  • Comb (preferably disposable), as it will be easier than a brush to clean.
  • A hair elastic or clip, to tie long hair back.
  • Essential items, such as a pen and paper (preferably new and disposable).

DONT BRING:

  • Valuables.
  • Unnecessary items (less clutter = fewer germs).

Before leaving the house:

  • Check lights, and set timers where necessary.
  • Make sure gas is turned off.
  • Set any alarms/ security devices.
  • Lock windows and doors.

 

image  Download a printable version of this checklist here.