What to bring when staying in hospital

If you are staying in one of our hospitals these items may help make your stay more comfortable:

Ward James Cook Hospital

  • Any medicines, pills or tablets you are taking and any treatment cards
  • Hearing aids, glasses/false teeth (if worn)
  • Two nightdresses or pairs of pyjamas
  • Dressing gown
  • A set of comfortable day clothes
  • A favourite toy for a child
  • Well fitting slippers
  • Two towels
  • Toiletries including soap, flannel, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush/comb and shaving equipment (if required).
  • A small amount of money for buying items such as newspapers, phone cards etc.
  • Sweeteners (if required)
  • Paper handkerchiefs
  • Sanitary/incontinence pads (if worn)
  • For people with memory problems it can be reassuring to bring in a photograph of family members to keep by their bedside
  • Hospital passport (for patients with learning disabilities)
  • This is me leaflet (for patients with memory problems)
  • Forget me not card (for patients with memory problems)
    The detail on your ‘Forget me not card’ or ‘This is Me’ document will help us understand and remember what is important to you.

If you bring in larger amounts of money or valuables you are entirely responsible for their safety.

Staying active in hospital

Every little bit of activity helps keep you healthy.

Staying in bed for too long, not getting up and about, and not attempting to do what is normal can mean that you struggle to get back to normal levels of activity when you get home.

It’s really important to carry on doing what you were able to do at home, such as washing and dressing or walking to the bathroom. Staying active improves appetite, sleep, mood, muscle tone and lessen the risk of bed sores and falls.

Ask a family member or friend to bring in your shoes, good fitting slippers, day clothes , working hearing aids, glasses and walking stick or frame.

If you are not sure what you can safely do, please ask a member of the healthcare team.

Smoke free site

Please help us to stay a healthy site and ask your friends and relatives not to smoke when they are visiting you – especially outside the entrances to our buildings. Thank you.