What to bring with you
There are a number of things you will need to bring with you into hospital.
Storage space on the ward is limited so we ask you to restrict items to the following wherever possible:
Do bring:
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Any medicines or tablets you are taking
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Spectacles, hearing aids and dentures* - if you need them
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Walking aid – frame, stick, crutches – if you need them
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Pyjamas or night-dress
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Dressing gown and slippers
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Daywear – tracksuit or comfortable clothes
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Underwear
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Soap and deodorant
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Shaving equipment if appropriate
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Sanitary products such as tampons or pads if appropriate
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Bath towel and a flannel or sponge
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A book or magazines
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Small change for newspapers (the Hospicom bedside entertainment system requires £1 coins)
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Tissues
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Bottle of squash/water
Don’t bring:
We would advise, where possible, that you refrain from bringing valuable items into hospital and instead leave them in a safe place, preferably at home or with a trusted person. If you do have any valuables with you, please ensure you inform a member of the nursing team.
*If you wear spectacles, dentures or a hearing aid, please keep these in a safe place when you are not wearing them. Dentures should be stored in a pot, which you can get from the ward. Please don't wrap your teeth in a tissue as they are more likely to be thrown away by accident.
Money and valuables
We would advise, where possible, that you do not keep valuable items with you in hospital and instead leave them in a safe place, preferably at home or with a trusted person. If you do have any valuables with you, please ensure you inform a member of the nursing team. They can deposit them in a safe place and you will be asked to sign a property form. Your valuables will be returned to you when you
are discharged (week days, office hours). The Trust does not accept responsibility or liability for patients’ belongings brought into the hospital. However, in the case of patients who are temporarily or permanently incapable of handling their own affairs (e.g. unconscious patients) the hospital will provide safe custody of belongings until alternative arrangements can be made.
Medicines
Please ensure you bring with you all medicines, in their original containers, that you were taking before you came into hospital. These include medicines that have been prescribed by your doctor or other medicines you have purchased for yourself. This will enable the doctor, nurses and pharmacist to make an accurate record of your medication and help in planning your treatment. In addition to doctors, your medications may be prescribed by a nurse or pharmacist who has been specifically
trained to do so. If you have any questions, please discuss these with the member of staff who is treating you.
