If you have a choice of hospitals, consider your own needs. A large teaching hospital usually provides state-of-the-art care, but for simpler procedures you may feel more comfortable and get more individual attention in a smaller district general hospital. Before making your decision, get the advice of your doctor and any family members or friends who have received treatment at the hospitals you're considering.
Take with you:
- a change of nightwear
- dressing gown
- slippers
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- soap
- shampoo
- razor
- flannel
- bath and hand towels
- talcum powder
- mirror
- hairbrush and/or comb
- tampons/ sanitary towels
- paper tissues
- fruit juice
Take a small amount of money to buy newspapers or to use the phone, but do not take more than you need. If you have to take valuable items such as jewellery, ask the staff to deposit them in the hospital safe.
In preparation for getting up and about and coming home you may be able to keep a small amount of personal clothing in the hospital. However, space is usually very limited and the staff may prefer you to leave outdoor clothes at home until you need them.
Mark all personal property, including clothes, with your name.
Bring with you any medicines that you are taking - both those prescribed by your doctor and over-the-counter medicines from a chemist.
Tell family and friends which ward you will be in. They should usually address letters and cards to: you, the name or number of your ward, the hospital name and the hospital address.
Unless you are in a hospital with personal telephones, family and friends will be able to phone the ward but not you. Take money for the call box and phone them.
If you are entitled to sickness benefit, ask the nurse in charge for a medical certificate dated from the day you entered the hospital. Fill it in and send it to your employer. Delay can result in loss of benefit. Take your National Insurance number with you so that you can complete the form.
Take books, magazines and knitting to fill in time if necessary.
Tell the ward staff if you require a special diet.
Be sure that you understand what is going to happen to you. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and expect honest replies. Whenever possible, the hospital must obtain your informed consent before you have an operation, treatment or tests.
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