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Hospital stay: what to bring and expect
hospital admission · planned hospital stay · inpatient stay · what to pack for hospital
When you are admitted to hospital for treatment or surgery. Here is what to bring and how the first day goes.
For treatment, tests, or surgery that cannot be done as an outpatient.
⏱ Duration: depends on the treatment, from one day to several weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Documents. Ask which tests are needed before admission and how long they stay valid.
- Medicines. Do not stop them on your own. Ask your doctor which to bring and which to stop.
- Arrangements. Tell your work, and decide who will look after your home and family.
What to bring
- Your ID and referral
- Test results and discharge papers
- Your daily medicines, in their packs
- Comfortable clothes, slippers, and toiletries
- A phone, charger, mug, and spoon
How it goes
- At the admissions desk, your documents are checked
- You are examined, and sometimes blood is taken
- A nurse takes you to your room
- Your doctor meets you and explains the plan
- A nurse explains the routine: ward rounds, procedures, meals
- Then treatment goes ahead as planned
What you'll feel
- The first day is often hectic
- Ask the doctor questions during ward rounds. That is normal
Afterwards
- Ask every day on rounds how treatment is going
- You are usually told about discharge in advance
- Keep your valuables safe
Contact a doctor straight away if
- If you suddenly feel much worse in the ward, press the call button or call a nurse right away
Common questions
Can I bring my own food?
Usually yes, unless you are on a special diet. Ask the ward if there is a fridge.
Are visitors allowed?
Rules differ in every hospital. Check the visiting hours and rules.
Should I bring my own medicines?
Usually yes, in their packs. The doctor will say which to continue.