Preparing for your stay

If you need to come to hospital as an inpatient, we will send you an admission letter with:

• the date you need to come to hospital
• details about where to go

Your privacy, dignity and religious or cultural beliefs will be respected at all times. If you have any special requirements, such as washing or praying facilities, please phone the number on the letter to let us know.

Please let us know within 72 hours of your admission if you have:

• a cold or cough
• diarrhoea
• been sick
• been in contact with someone with an infection, such as Covid-19 or chickenpox

Please tell us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend. If you do not contact us, your position on our waiting list could be affected.

When getting ready to come into hospital, you may find the following list helpful when packing your bag.

It’s also a good idea to check your admissions letter, to make sure you have included any additional items that you have been asked to bring with you.

• medications you take at home, including herbal remedies and current prescription list
• toiletries, e.g. soap, shower gel, shampoo, shaving kit
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• dentures
• well-fitting footwear
• nightwear, e.g. pyjamas, underwear, dressing gown
• clothes to wear during the day
• clothes to go home in, including shoes
• books, magazines, newspapers
• hearing aids, walking aids, glasses

Please do not bring:

• valuables, e.g. a large amount of money, jewellery, expensive technology
• flowers
• food or drink that needs to be kept in the fridge
• large bags or suitcases

You can bring your phone or tablet but this is at your own risk. We provide free WiFi. Please use headphones and consider the brightness of your screen so you do not disturb other patients.

We will provide you with a small bedside locker for your clothes and other belongings, but we cannot accept responsibility for any items lost during your stay.

If you expect to be in hospital for a while and normally receive a pension, benefit or allowance, please contact your benefits office to let them know about your stay.

Remember to let your loved ones know that you are going to hospital. Give them the switchboard number for the hospital so they can get in touch if needed.

Don’t forget to tell them which of our hospitals you’re coming to and which ward you’ll be staying in.