How to make your stay in hospital comfortable
How I created a stress-free hospital stay
It can be tricky to know what to bring to the hospital and what you'll need. Nonetheless, I found that starting with items that brought me comfort and reminded me of home was a helpful place to start. My favourite jumper, fluffy socks, and funny childhood photos all helped me maintain a positive attitude throughout my stay. I was able to accomplish this because I had created a safe and comfortable environment.
The next step I took was to think about what I would take with me on a weekend getaway. To keep this to a limited amount I pared back to the essentials. This included things that would help me sleep comfortably, maintain my daily hygiene, provide privacy, and objects to help me de-stress. A very helpful tip is to check with your hospital about their policy on electronics. This will enable you to see whether you are allowed to use an iPad or laptop during your stay.
Below is a list of things you can use to make your stay more comfortable
| Sleep Aids | Eye mask, ear plugs, white noise, herbal tea. |
| Toiletries | Body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste & brush, moisturising cream, lip balm, nail care, flannel, sanitary towels or tampons, shaving materials. |
| Clothing | Cosy clothing, pyjamas, dressing gown, slippers, socks & underwear, an outfit to wear home. |
| Food/Drinks |
You may want to check what you can and can not bring in. Chewing gum, rice cakes, easy to eat fruit, boiled sweets, bottled water, cereal bars. |
| Entertainment | Puzzles, phone, kindle, ipad & chargers, notebook, books, magazines, headphones. |
| Medicine |
Medicines you normally take, and a list of the doses for each medicine.
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| Bedding | Not all hospitals let you bring your own bedding but if they do, you may want to bring your own pillow or blanket to make you feel more at home. |
| Disinfectant Wipes | Great for wiping down surfaces that may not be cleaned regularly, to prevent infections. |
Tips for staying in Hospital
| Remember to bring your appointment card or admission letter with you, too. |
| Wash hands regularly, as hand sanitiser does not protect you against all germs found in hospitals. |
| Hospital air is notoriously dry, so remember to pack moisturiser, lip balm, and drink plenty of water. |
| Hospitals are known for being cold, which can make it harder for your immune system to fight infections. Remember to pack warm clothing and hats to regulate your body temperature. |
You may also want to read 'How to Create a Chemo Kit' and 'Creating a Hospital Passport' for extra help and tips.