Staying in hospital

 

If you’re coming for a stay in hospital, here are some things for you to consider.

There’s a handy checklist at the bottom of this page to help you remember everything.

Bring your medicine

Please bring all of your medicine into hospital with you. They will be stored in your lockable bedside cabinet. This includes all medicine prescribed by your GP,  bought from a chemist or alternative therapies for example:

  • tablets, capsules, inhalers, eye drops, liquids, creams, HRT, sprays and dressings
  • herbal, homeopathic
  • medidose/dosette box or any other medicine aids

Please also bring a list of your medicine and any allergies you have. It is essential that we can obtain a correct drug history which the doctor will consider before prescribing any other medicine. It is good practice to always carry an up to date list of your medicine and allergies in case it’s needed in an emergency (keep it in your wallet or purse) for example:

  • GP repeat
  • hospital medicine record card
  • your own written list

A nurse will give you your medicine at the correct times each day or you may be asked to take part in the self-administration of medicines scheme, which means you can take your own medicine on the ward as you would do at home. If you have any queries about this or problems with your medicine, please ask a member of the pharmacy team before you are discharged.

Equipment, such as crutches or walking frames

If you need to bring any large pieces of equipment such as crutches or walking frames into hospital with you, please let staff know in advance.

Please label equipment with your name, address and phone number. Any equipment loaned to you to support your rehabilitation such as crutches or walking frames must be returned to any of our hospitals when you have recovered.

If you have special needs/require additional help

If you have mobility, communication, hearing or visual difficulties, please let us know in advance by phoning the number on your admissions letter or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (Opens in a new window) . We will do everything we can to keep you as independent as you would be at home.

 

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