PREPARING FOR ADMISSION
Like everything, good preparation, and careful planning before you go to hospital, will make things that little bit easier. Here are some points that may help you.
Special Needs
If you have any special needs, inform the hospital before you arrive. Hospitals are very access friendly, but if you require extra help, for whatever reason, a short call before you arrive, will make it easier for you’re ward to arrange things before you arrive .
Medicines & Tablets
If you are taking any medicines or tablets, please bring them with you to hospital. Always inform the staff on admission of any such medication. The ward staff may want to keep this in a safe place. Any medication that you require when leaving hospital, will be returned to you when you go home.
Clothes
Nightwear, dressing gown, slippers, and in some cases, light daywear, with a change of underwear is all essential. Ideally, bring at least one change of night ware, although most hospitals can provide these in case of emergency.
Hygiene
You will need to bring with you, all those items of a personal nature that you will require.
Soap, toothbrush or denture cleaner, Shampoo & hair brush, also remember to bring at least one towel. Gentlemen will also need shaving foam & a razor, or an electric razor. You should also bring with you, anything that may make you feel more comfortable, like tissues or wet wipes. You will find that most of these items are available at either the hospital shop, or from volunteers who provide a trolley shop service. However, if you prefer a certain brand, it would be advisable to purchase it before your visit.
Valuables
It is not a good idea to take valuables, or precious items to hospital with you. No hospital will accept responsibility for the loss or damage of any valuables during your stay in hospital. All wards have clocks, and so a watch should not be necessary.
You may also be asked to remove rings before certain treatments, if you are aware of this, you should leave these with a friend or relative before treatment.
During your stay, you will only need a very limited amount of cash, lets say, for a daily paper, or some toiletries, or the odd phone call. Always keep your cash to a minimum. If necessary, you can always ask a friend or relative to bring you some more in on their next visit.
[important]REMEMBER – YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN VALUABLES.[/important]
Amenity Beds
Some hospitals have amenity beds. These are usually a single room on the ward. If you feel that you would like to have the privacy of a single room, you should contact your ward to see if there are any available. There will usually be a charge for this
facility; you will be advised of this at the time of your enquiry. However, these rooms are not available to be booked in advance, and you should contact your hospital on the morning of your admission.
Admission
You will find that the admission procedure is both simple and straightforward. When you arrive at your ward, either the Sister or a Staff Nurse will welcome you. She my well have a few simple questions to ask, and you will then be shown to your bed.
Always remember, that if you are unsure about anything, or have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. You will find all members of staff to be both helpful and courteous.
Meals
You will find hospital meals a far cry from just a few years ago. The emphasis is on good quality, healthy and tasty food. You will either be provided with a menu, or asked to make your choice for the following day, or the person serving you will give you.
If you have any special dietary needs, or special requirements due to religion, please make this clear to your nursing staff at the time of your admission.
You will also find a varied array of catering facilities, available to both patients & visitors. Visitors can usually obtain beverages from vending medicens situated near the wards. Check with your ward staff for information on catering facilities, and opening times.
Shops & other facilities
Most of the larger hospitals have either a shop, or shops. Some even have a bank, chemist, and flower shops. However, smaller hospitals may still be able to provide a trolley shop service, for items such as sweets, newspapers, toiletries etc.
However, remember to take any essential items with you, as these may not be available once in.
Communications
Most wards have a mobile telephone trolley, with a pay phone. This can either be brought to your bedside, or used in the day room. You will also find pay phones situated at various points within the hospital. These phones are usually for outgoing calls only, so remember to take any important telephone numbers, & some change with you.
Concerned family & friends can call your ward staff, should they wish to enquire after you. However, medical or private information will not be given about you over the telephone. In some cases, you may be allowed to talk to a relative who calls the ward. This decision is entirely at the discretion of the ward staff. Always remember that the ward telephone may be needed for an emergency, so keep calls short.
Visitors
Please check with your ward staff for the visiting times, You will find that visiting times vary in different hospitals, and from ward to ward. If you have a visitor that has to travel a long distance, or who may be very restricted to times, talk to your ward staff. You will usually find that a special arrangement can be made in such cases.
Children
Make sure that children are allowed onto your ward before visiting. For obvious reasons, children may not always be allowed to visit, you should always check this with your nursing staff, and obtain permission.
Smoking
Most hospitals enforce a strict No Smoking policy. You may be allowed to smoke outside of the hospital. But it is recommended that you do not smoke during your stay.
