What to pack for a hospital stay

Whether you have an underlying condition - which means you're often visiting a ward - you're going to hospital unexpectedly, or someone close to you needs hospital care, it's a good idea to know what to pack.

Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy says: "Patients in hospital frequently have to be moved from one ward to another, and often in a hurry. When this happens, all your things will need to be moved with you, so you need to be packed up and transported quickly and easily. The key is to have as few belongings as possible."

When deciding what to take into hospital you should be selective. Only take things with you that you really need.

Lee explains some conditions may require a hospital visit at short notice, so it's better to be prepared.

"Some medical conditions happen suddenly, without warning. You could suddenly become drowsy, unable to communicate, or unconscious," she says. "You may have episodes of confusion, and when this happens, you cannot think clearly.

"You could be dealing with severe, acute allergic reactions - for example, a severe nut allergy. If you suddenly have life-threatening symptoms, such as facial or tongue swelling, wheezing and breathlessness, you will not be in a fit state to pack a bag."

Hospital bag checklist

Lee says when you're deciding what to take into hospital you need to be elective. Only take things with you that you really need.

Your checklist should include:

• Medicine - and your repeat prescription list.

• Personal care items including toiletries and sanitary items.

• Your toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Your glasses or contact lenses.

• Contact details of your next of kin.

• Night clothes, socks, and other clothing, including several changes of underwear.

• Sleep mask and earplugs.

• Mobile phone and charger.

• Snacks and change for the vending machine.

"The repeat prescription list from your doctor's surgery is helpful as it lists all the drugs you are taking, formulations, doses, and timings," she adds.

Apps such as Patient Access can help by keeping all your health information safely stored on your phone and easily accessible.

Lee adds that you should also remove nail polish before going into hospital. But if you don't have time you could take nail polish remover with you.

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Lee advises that you will want to be comfortable while in hospital so you should take a set of pyjamas or night wear that is easy to get on and off. A second spare set is also a good idea, plus slippers or socks so your feet don't get cold.

Hospitals are often bright and noisy places, so you may want to pack a sleep mask and earplugs so you can get a good night's rest.

And don't forget to pack several changes of underwear and a plastic bag to put your dirty ones in.

Hospitals are keen to get people out of bed and sitting up and dressed as soon as possible. This has been driven by the hugely successful End PJ Paralysis campaign, which highlighted how quickly older people in particular could lose muscle strength and mass when confined to bed.

So if you're going to be in hospital for more than a couple of days, you'll need more than one set of daytime clothes.

Planning for a baby

If you're going into hospital to have a baby you'll need some extra bits.

Packing for someone else

If a hospital visit is unplanned, it's likely that the patient will need their bag packed for them.

"If you need to pack for someone else in a hurry, focus on the personal care and toiletry items listed above," says Lee. "This especially includes things like the toothbrush and some basic nightwear. The mobile phone, the charger and some small change are also handy.

"If you know the details of the person's doctor, bring those along. The staff will be able to contact the doctor's surgery and find out about medicine and allergies as is needed."

Nice-to-haves

The above lists are things that should be remembered when packing a hospital bag. However, there are a few other things that are nice to have but not essential.

This includes items to save you from boredom during your stay, such as magazines, books, Kindles, laptops and headphones for listening to music.

You may also want a pen and notepad, extra drinks and snacks, and your own pillow.