Most hospital wards are comfortably warm
so you should take this into account when packing clothes for your
stay. Storage space is limited, so pack sparingly and bring a small
bag.
Here is a list of items that you need to
consider bringing, depending on how long you are likely to
stay.
- All medicines, including inhalers, creams, eye drops etc. you
are taking in their original packaging - not in a dosett or nomad
box. Your nurse will instruct you on which of your medicines you
can continue to take whilst in hospital.
- Nightwear
- Dressing gown
- Slippers, or lightweight, comfortable shoes that are easy to
put on
or take off
- Daywear - comfortable clothes
- Spectacles and hearing aid, if relevant
- Underwear and socks or stockings/tights
- Walking aids - frames, sticks, crutches
- Bath towel
- Shaving kit
- Flannel or sponge
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Denture box and cleaner, if relevant
- Soap and shampoo
- Hairbrush and comb
- Deodorant
- Sanitary towels or tampons if necessary
- Tissues/freshening wipes
- Books, magazines, pens and paper
- Money for newspapers, telephones and Patientline
- Bottle of squash
You will have a small bedside cabinet for your
personal items with a lockable cupboard for your medicines (your
nurse will hold the key for this).
We strongly advise that you do not bring in
jewellery or large sums of money. If this can't be helped, please
hand such items to the ward staff. Your valuables will be locked in
a safe and you will be given a receipt for them. The Trust is not
liable and does not take responsibility for loss or damage to your
personal property.
The Trust no longer provides basic analgesic
medicines, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for patients, to take
home with you. If you are coming for a procedure or operation
please ensure you have some of your normal painkillers at home. If
you need something stronger after your operation or procedure then
it will be provided.
Visiting times
Visiting times vary. Please ask the staff
about the visiting times on the ward. Wards are sensitive to family
and friends’ needs and it may be possible to arrange ‘open
visiting’.
Some wards have relatives’ rooms to allow
visitors to stay overnight, when necessary.
These rooms may be allocated at the ward
sister’s discretion – please ask for details.
Please also ask the staff about washroom and toilet facilities
in patients'
'relative visitor' rooms.
Useful Contacts
Hospital switchboard (general enquiries)
0118 322 5111
Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS)
0118 322 8338