What to pack when you're going to hospital

Let's face it, a trip to hospital isn't exactly a holiday.

It can be pretty draining to be in a busy and unfamiliar environment, especially while you're waiting for treatment, medication or an important update. If you're trying to get some rest after an operation or health event, the people, noise and atmosphere can make it difficult to relax. But there are some things you can bring with you to make your time in hospital a bit more comfortable.

We've put together a list of 10 handy essentials to pack for a hospital stay.

Going to hospital involves paperwork, and sometimes the admin can feel a bit daunting when you're trying to focus on your health. To help make the process a little smoother, bring any relevant medical, insurance and personal documents with you. This includes things like:

• your driver's licence
• personal medical information
• concession cards
• relevant scans or results
• insurance documents.

Your doctor might also ask you to bring along certain documents. If you're not sure what you might need to bring, you can call the hospital to find out.

It also helps to bring along a notepad and pen, so you can keep track of important medical information or instructions.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's easy to forget even the most obvious items when you're packing for a hospital stay. When you're picking out your clothes, it can be helpful to think about how many nights you'll be staying and what the temperature will be like.

If you're having an operation, it's also a good idea to think about what kinds of clothes are easiest for you to put on and take off. If you have a wound around your chest or shoulders, it might be easier to put on a button down top than a t-shirt. A bra that clips at the front could be helpful after shoulder surgery, and loose pants with an elastic band could make life a little easier after knee surgery.

It's generally better to overpack than under pack, and a few pairs of comfy socks are never a bad idea. You should also consider appropriate clothing for going to and leaving the hospital, plus clothes that will be easy to get on and off for an operation.

If you're staying at a hospital, there's a good chance you'll be in bed most of the time. But you might be able to step outside for some fresh air every now and then, so make sure you bring appropriate footwear for both indoor and outdoor use. It's also a good idea to pack a pair of slippers and non-slip shoes and socks.

Your treating team will let you know if you need to bring any medications with you. You should also consider packing other essentials like:

• earplugs
• an eye mask
• contact lenses and fluid if needed
• eyedrops
• lip balm
• throat lozenges
• an extra pillow or blanket
• compression socks.

You might want to bring along your wallet and a little extra cash, as you may have access to shops and vending machines.

Like any trip, you should pack your go-to toiletries for your hospital stay. Think, a toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, moisturiser, shampoo and conditioner, a hairbrush or comb, and incontinence pads if you need them. If you need larger items like a hairdryer, you can ask the hospital if they are provided before your visit.

Your hospital stay might be an opportunity to unplug for a few days, but staying connected with loved ones on your devices can also help with the experience.

When you're packing your phone, laptop and other devices, make sure you have any necessary accessories and chargers. You might also want to pack a spare phone charger just in case!

Time can drag on when you're recovering in a hospital bed. So, it's worth preparing a few things to help pass the hours. This might include packing a couple of books, making sure your devices have access to streaming, and downloading a few albums, podcasts and audiobooks onto your phone. Just don't forget to bring a pair of headphones!

Food and drinks will be provided during your hospital stay, but you might want to bring along some extra supplies. Remember, you might not have access to a fridge, so non-perishable items are better. This might include dried fruit, nuts, biscuits and a few muesli bars. Check with the hospital before your visit about any food restrictions.

It's important to stay hydrated. While the hospital will provide you with water, it might also help to bring along your own bottle to ensure you're getting as much as you need.

Before you head to the hospital, make sure you have any required medical aids. This includes things like walking aids, hearing aids and mobility aids. Unless the hospital or your treating team confirms otherwise, assume you'll need to bring your own with you.

A trip to the hospital might not be a holiday, but a little thoughtful packing may make you feel a little more comfortable and at home while you recover.