Staying in hospital

Being admitted to hospital may be planned, or it may happen suddenly after an accident. Whatever your situation, the information below can help you make the most of your stay. If you have a planned admission coming up, it helps to be well prepared. This includes knowing what to take, finding someone to look after your home, work and family life, and making arrangements for your return home.

Preparing for your hospital stay#

Staying healthy#

Before you go into hospital, try to stay as healthy as you can. Eat healthy foods, drink less alcohol, limit smoking and get plenty of rest. If you become sick in the days before you are due to go in, phone the hospital and tell them. For your safety, your stay may need to be moved to another date, when you are feeling better.

Taking time off work#

As soon as you can, let your employer know you will need time away from work. They may need to find someone to cover your job while you are in hospital and recovering at home. For example, you might not be able to do any heavy lifting for a few weeks after you come out, so they may need someone else to do that work for you.

Asking questions about your stay#

If there is something you do not understand about your health or hospital visit, ask your doctor as many questions as you need to before you go in. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• Why am I going to hospital?
• Are there any possible side effects or complications from my treatment?
• How long will I take to get better?
• How long will I stay in hospital?
• What type of help will I need when I go home?

Managing home and family life#

Depending on how long you will be away, you might need to ask a friend, family member or neighbour to look after other family members, pets or plants, collect your mail and pay your bills.

Meals#

Before you go in, cook some meals or buy some frozen ones and store them in your freezer. That way you will have something ready to eat when you come home and will not have to use a lot of energy cooking for yourself. Friends or family may also offer to cook for you. If you do need to cook for yourself, keep all your food and cooking tools together so you do not have to move around too much.

Medication#

Take all your medication with you, in its original packaging if possible. Also bring a list of your medication, including how much you take, so the staff know what you use. Include any over-the-counter medication, vitamins or herbal supplements. Some medication you take may affect your treatment, and your doctor may ask you to stop taking it.

Travelling to hospital#

Think about how you will travel to the hospital: will you drive, get a lift with someone, take a taxi or use public transport? Whichever option you choose, give yourself plenty of time. You may want to arrange for someone to take you on the day so you do not have to worry about driving and parking. It is a good idea to phone the hospital the day before (or earlier, if asked) to confirm you are coming in for your surgery or treatment.

Using support networks#

Some people like to have a family member or close friend with them for support when they go in for surgery or treatment. If you would like this, ask as far in advance as possible so they can arrange to be with you on the day.

Tell your family and close friends that you are going into hospital, and ask one of them to be your main contact during your stay. Other friends and family can then contact that person for news about your recovery, rather than everyone calling you at the hospital.

It can also help to tell your main contact or carer about your wishes should something unexpected happen, such as serious deterioration or death. You may want to tell them things like:

• who you want to look after any people in your care (for example, your children, a person with a disability, or older parents)
• where your important papers are stored (for example, your will)
• who you would like to represent you if you cannot communicate
• what treatment you want
• whether you wish to donate your organs

What to take to hospital#

It can be hard to know what to bring. If you are unsure, ask the hospital staff, who can give you an idea of what you will need. Hospital rooms do not have much personal space, so take only what you need. Some items you may want to bring include:

• a notebook to record important information, such as questions for medical staff
• pyjamas and comfortable clothes that are not too tight
• a toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant and razor
• books or magazines
• eyeglasses and any hearing aid
• healthy snacks
• your address book with important details, including your local doctor’s name, address and phone number
• any equipment you need to help you move (such as a walking stick)
• any paperwork the hospital has asked you to fill out
• your mobile phone or tablet and charger

Do not bring alcohol, a lot of money, expensive items such as jewellery and watches, or too much clothing.

Leaving hospital#

Before you go home, it is important to speak with your family and your healthcare team so everyone is clear about what you need to do. Start your discharge (transfer of care) planning early so that all the support you need is organised before you leave. Your healthcare professional will develop a plan with you for your discharge and ongoing care.

When speaking with your healthcare professional:

• Make sure you understand anything you have to do before leaving, such as going over your discharge plan, picking up aids or equipment (for example, a walking stick) or filling a prescription.
• Be clear about anything you have to do at home to help you recover. This may include doing certain exercises, avoiding heavy lifting, drinking lots of fluids, changing a dressing or taking medication. Ask as many questions as you need, and take notes so you do not forget.
• Ask what activities you will be able to do once you get home, such as driving, bathing and climbing stairs.
• Understand the warning signs that would mean you need to call a healthcare professional or return to hospital.
• Check whether there are any follow-up appointments to make with your healthcare professional or an outpatient clinic. Record these dates in your phone or diary, along with any special instructions (for example, not eating before a blood test).

Forms and payment when leaving hospital#

Before you leave, complete all the necessary forms and documents, pick up your prescription medication, and arrange to pay for any services or products not covered by your health insurance. Things you might have to pay for can include:

• pharmacy items not opened when you leave hospital
• aids supplied for use at home (such as a raised toilet seat or a splint)
• pay TV, internet access, movies and non-local phone calls
• patient-requested non-emergency transport

Medication information before leaving#

Ask staff if you have any questions about your medication. You may want to:

• Make sure you know what prescription or over-the-counter medication has been prescribed, and check the dosages and instructions.
• Tell the staff what medication, vitamins or supplements you took before you were admitted, and ask whether you should keep taking them after you leave.
• Write down the name and phone number of a person to call if you have questions about your medication.

Arranging transport and home services#

It is a good idea to organise your transport home before you leave. When you get home you may feel very tired and unable to do things like cooking or cleaning. Find out about and organise any services you may need at home, such as district nursing or home help. The hospital may also refer you to a program where a group of healthcare professionals visits you regularly at home to make sure you are recovering well. You can ask about these support programs while you are in hospital.

If you will be spending a lot of time in bed as part of your recovery, put the telephone, your doctor’s number and other important numbers somewhere easy to reach from your bed.

Going home after having a baby#

Before you go home with a new baby, speak with your healthcare professionals to make sure you are ready. Some things you may want to discuss include:

• breastfeeding and recognising when your baby is getting enough milk, including expressing breastmilk
• sterilising and making up bottles safely if you are using infant formula
• changing nappies and bathing your baby
• settling your baby

Looking after your baby will no doubt be your primary focus, but looking after yourself is just as important. Ask your healthcare professional or midwife about exercises for your back and pelvic floor, postnatal depression, how to take care of yourself, support services close to home, and who to call if you need help.

Make sure you have a properly fitted baby capsule for the car trip home. This is not only for your baby’s safety, it is a legal requirement, and there are services that can check the seat is fitted correctly.

If you do not feel ready to leave#

You may feel you are not ready to go home when the healthcare professional says it is time, perhaps because you do not feel strong enough mentally or physically. Speak to your healthcare professional or the hospital social worker about your concerns. There are many options for support at home and programs to help you move from hospital back to home.

If you want to leave earlier#

You might find you want to leave hospital before your healthcare professional says you are ready. It is your choice to refuse treatment at any time and go home whenever you wish. However, if your healthcare professional recommends care that is only available in hospital, take this into account when planning the services you may need. In some cases you may be able to talk through your concerns and find a way to return home safely with some extra support.

When recovery is not going as planned#

If you feel unwell once you get home, or your recovery is not progressing as expected, review your hospital discharge plan and follow its instructions. Contact a healthcare professional if you need to check anything.

Providing feedback about your care#

If you would like to give feedback about your care before you leave, you can speak with the nurse in charge of your ward. If you have a concern about your care, you can also speak with the hospital’s patient liaison officer.

Key points#

• Some medication you take may affect your treatment, and your doctor may have to ask you to stop taking it.
• It helps to take notes so you do not forget important information.
• Looking after your baby will no doubt be your primary focus, but looking after yourself is just as important.
• It is your choice to refuse treatment at any time and go home whenever you wish.

Where to get help#