Packing for hospital

lostinrates

Been a while since i have done this, and am flapping a little.

I may or may not be an inpatient soon and not sure for how long if i am, my doctor suggested 'not weeks' when i tried to get an idea for forward planning for home.

In anycase, its likely to be quick when i need to go and so having a bag packed is going to be helpful.

But i am not sure what to pack.
I have packed two nightdresses, and a pair of pjs (generally think nighties are easier in hospital but do not expect pjs to be an issue for this.

Some toiletries (just cleanser and moisturiser, keeping it simple) and a facecloth, toothbrush, some 'soft clothes' to be disacharged in if i am sore and grouchy. Some hair bands and conditioner (i have curly hair and do not need a brush or shampoo, but as they might be dealing with my head i wonder if i should take these items i do not normally need for short stays away.) four sets of underwear...the longest i would have to be without dh able to visit and bring more things.

A book that is not demanding but is something i look forward to reading.


What else should i take?

Ms_Chocaholic

Never been hospitalised for years but you will need some towels, how about a dressing gown (?) and slippers and bottle of squash if you drink it.

Could you take some nail files and varnish so you can do your nails while you idle away the time; if you feel well enough of course.

HTH, I'll come back if I think of anything else.

Hope everything goes well for you when you do go in.

Ms Choc xox

lostinrates

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

Never been hospitalised for years but you will need some towels, how about a dressing gown (?) and slippers and bottle of squash if you drink it.

Thanks, i hate dressing gowns but have one from last time so will wash and pack! And a towel. i don't think i have ever taken a towel, but would rather have my own.

j.e.j.

If you check the hospital's website they might have more detailed info about what you should bring with you. I know the hospital I was due to go to suggested, for example, some small change for use of the radio or tv there, or for using the phone (sometimes they don't allow you to use mobiles).

Maybe some non-perishable foods in case you get hungry between meals? (nuts, crisps, bottled water, etc?)

Also, things to keep you occupied: knitting/sewing/puzzler books?:D

Torry_Quine

Very surprised at the suggestion of taking a towel. When used what would you do with it?

lostinrates

j.e.j. wrote: »

If you check the hospital's website they might have more detailed info about what you should bring with you. I know the hospital I was due to go to suggested, for example, some small change for use of the radio or tv there, or for using the phone (sometimes they don't allow you to use mobiles).

Maybe some non-perishable foods in case you get hungry between meals? (nuts, crisps, bottled water, etc?)

Also, things to keep you occupied: knitting/sewing/puzzler books?:D

I don't know which hospital yet. I am an urgent referral which is taki a long time :rotfl: i have a potential date at one on thursday as an outpatient, but whether that will be where i go in if and when needed i am not sure. (thursday is private, but i am on the nhs referral list)

Its confusing and complicated atm.

Small change packed and i think my main recorse for refreshment will be watwr, and i am happy to drink their water. I suppose i could take a cereal bar for emergencies, thank you,

lostinrates

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Very surprised at the suggestion of taking a towel. When used what would you do with it?

Hmm, good point. I could send it home with dh or whoever visits me, but if i only have to be in a day or two i can just put it in a plastic bag in my bag til i am home. Good idea or not?

Torry_Quine

lostinrates wrote: »

Hmm, good point. I could send it home with dh or whoever visits me, but if i only have to be in a day or two i can just put it in a plastic bag in my bag til i am home. Good idea or not?

You could do that but personally I wouldn't.

mishelly

I would take a carrier bag for any dirty clothes so you can keep them in your bag but separate from clean ones.

Dont forget slippers or flat shoes to walk around in, I always took some thin slip on type shoes as I didnt want to walk on the floor in my slippers that everyone else walked on in their outdoor shoes.

Mobile phone and charger, you probably cant use your phone in the hospital for calls but can play games on it and go outside to make calls/text.

Pennylane

Ahhh ... hope everything goes well for you.

I would never go into hospital without some antiseptic hand cleanser and some antiseptic wipes. Truly I wouldn't!

I use the hand cleanser all the time and the wipes to clean my over-bed table, bedside locker top and inside too. You can't be too careful - some hospitals are very dirty places.

lostinrates

Pennylane wrote: »

Ahhh ... hope everything goes well for you.

I would never go into hospital without some antiseptic hand cleanser and some antiseptic wipes. Truly I wouldn't!

I use the hand cleanser all the time and the wipes to clean my over-bed table, bedside locker top and inside too. You can't be too careful - some hospitals are very dirty places.

Thank you.

I normally do not get too freaked by this but i might e having one or more lumbar puntures and i confess this aspect has worried me. I don't suppose handwash'll help me much though