Hospital Bag

Mine has been packed since a serious fall last Autumn. Makes perfect sense to me. Saves my children a lot of running around and possibly expense, and just makes things easier all round.

Thanks for all the additional sensible suggestions here eg list of medication.

It's not gloomy. It's practical really.

I think it's a good idea, and I keep meaning to do it! My husband keeps a financial sheet updated for me, cos I get mixed up and forget what s where money wise. I'm going to pack a bag for each of us again, along with some toiletries. Also, I
Ll put in some trousers and a top cos hospitals like u up and dressed these days. Glad u reminded me.

I was told that DS's late MIL, as mother to three lively teenage boys, always kept 1 suitcase packed with clothes that would fit her sons or husband should a hospital stay occur.

Totally agree! Not ready to be THAT ready(yet)!

I see the sense in this but I doubt I'll do it! I'm the person who got whisked into hospital with acute appendicitis and took just a purse and a pair of sunglasses(!) as I didn't dream I'd need to be admitted. . Mind you, my dh then brought in a dishcloth in lieu of a face flannel!

I have a set of nice nightwear with matching dr gown and slippers put away together. I should make up into proper bag with other things mentioned. I would see it as insurance that might never be needed in emergency! It reminds me of a 'go bag' that we had when babies where small with nappy gear, clothes etc. I keep a mini suitcase on the ready as may need to do a flight in a hurry as have very elderly mother in different country so bag will have passport and money, spare mobile/charger/foreign sim etc.

I would add in some stamps and notelets to write a few thank you notes. Defo earplugs and mini music/radio player/earphones. I use that sippy bottles at home for drinks during night, dont spill and can be taken lying down. Yes would ask visitors to bring some ice cubes and some lemon slices

Great idea, but I would feel as though I was tempting fate if I did it.

Don't take any expensive items that may be stolen,I know it sounds awful but you can't watch everything and everyone you may have to go for tests or the bathroom and some people can be light fingered

No one seems to question people wandering about,we used to say anyone could put a white coat on,brandish a stethoscope and pass along a ward with no question!

Seems a very good idea, but wonder about what size bag/case to get. Looks like too much for an overnight bag. Any suggestions? Thanks.

As I never got round to packing my bags until I was well into labour when I had the children I think it unlikely that I shall ever get this organised. Also, if you keep it a secret, who would know it exists when you need it?

I remember my husband bringing in something to wear home after I had my 2nd baby....a figure hugging blue dress that I hadnt worn since the first year of marriage. Reason for bringing that dress, he liked it and I liked blue

Such good ideas you have all come up with, I have never thought about such a bag, let alone the contents thank you very much, will start on a list, then keep going.Hey I am a Nurse, so should have thought of this, thanks everyone.

PS Also have full list of all DH's meds plus a few days supply of all of them in the case as some appear difficult for hospitals to organise quickly.

I ought to, I live on my own, last year I was rushed into Hospital late evening with Severe Pneumonia, I have all my tablets in a bag on my Dining table for ease, handbag has my diary in with my DD's phone no. Went in with nothing else but as I was so ill DD had time to get me a bag together when I was transferred to local Hospital. I am sorting through my Bedroom so I think this has to be a priority - just essentials like PJs & Toiletries, underwear, books, glasses go in handbag as I need them for reading (essential for form filling). Hope not to need "Emergency Bag" anytime soon

Have had a bag packed for DH for quite a few years now as he's had a couple of emergency admissions. He has always found a packet of wet wipes useful and also a few drinking straws for the bottles of water as not always able to sit up properly to drink. Also have a couple of zip lock bags to be used as trash bags for used tissues etc as don't seem to get those in local hospital

The TV programme about the cleaner unp!ugging life support machines was Frost. I always keep a bag packed for DH as I often have to call an ambulance for him. We also have the Lion's canister in the fridge with his current prescription and medical history with a sticker on the inside of the front door.

Er....NO
If I 'just in cased' for every potential just in case, I'd go mad. Sufficient unto the day etc.

God grief no! I'm not pregnant...seems a bit over-cautious & morbid to me. Sorry

I was recently in hospital and I found that ear plugs were fabulous, and I also took an eye mask, just in case. Light does affect my sleep but not as much as noise!

Good Grief! Never even occurred to me. No I shall NOT be doing this- too much like tempting fate!

The Cleaner Unplugs Essential Life Support every Friday Morning Story - wasn't that used in a TV episode? Either the McCall Ladies Detective agency story, or Morse??

Tessa101 Sudden emergencies strike those living busy happy lives too! - and they may be welcome emergencies as well as worrying ones - see radicalnan's post at Tue 18-Oct-16 09.

I've had a bag packed for just over a week, due to cancelled surgery. It's sitting in the spare room and looks up at me like a reminder every time I go in there. Grrrrr! I'm not -bitter. stressed.

Just to fill in the KatyCrunch story, it did happen, but not in this Country. In South America it was noted that the patients in the bed nearest to the door (a high dependency bed) were dying once a week around the same time. CCTV was set up, and revealed the cleaner coming in, unplugging the life support to hoover the ward, and then plugging it back in when she had finished. No more patients died on Friday mornings after that!

I have decided to fill out a power of attorney, one financial and one for health. Can't get as far as a bag for hospital!