Have you got a "Grab bag" ?Everyone needs one!

Surprising how many posters have a bag for their partner. Obviously trusting their dearly beloved to know just what they might need! Such loving trust…..

I have one and would add to get a phone charger with a good long lead and possibly a power bank also (remembering to charge it periodically)
A soft wrap for round my shoulders or over my feet
My list of medication (VERY short now I have my shiny new hip ?) - I take the printed list that comes with my repeat prescription.

Never heard of this...? You GNers are really organised!
Even though I have been in hospital 4 times in the past year, would never think of this.

What a good idea and such practical ideas for essentials. Thanks to all contributors. I will deal with this tomorrow.

oh what a good idea. I have not got a hospital grab bag so am going to make a list now

This was a tip given to me by my mother in law when we were first married. She didn’t want to rely on husband and sons in an emergency and had done it for years. Luckily it was years before I used it, but this started off a number of hospital stays, and I was so pleased. Every few months I take the nightwear out and give it a wash to freshen it up, and update the prescription list. Amongst the obvious item I include a pack of disinfectant wipes for my locker. It’s surprising the number of times locker drawers aren’t cleaned properly.

I also have a section of my nightwear drawer labelled, if I need clean things bring these! Oh, and I have a list of previous operations and procedures/personal details/ relevant telephone numbers - in fact all the things you get asked on admission. I recall two occasions when I wasn’t well enough to give the details (and certainly would not have been well enough to pack a case or instruct anyone else to do so.)

Final thing, if you are not taking an iPad or similar, a pad of paper and a pen. You lose all sense of time in hospital, and forget what you want to ask the doctors, as well as family.

Sorry should have read “so pleased that I followed her advice”

Panti liners ( if you use them) ?

Can I suggest contact details of next of kin.... and power of attorney...

I had a bag packed like this when my father was very ill. I knew that if I was called to go there urgently, I would need to stay, as he lived a distance away.

No, we don't, but perhaps it's a good idea. We live in a small town, with hospital only 5 minutes away, so we wouldn't really need all the items. But a proper list of medications is a good idea. My DH has several, and he has a list printed out.

I have taken photos that I keep on my phone of lists for medication, eyeglass prescriptions, and ID. This is handy for travel, and can be accessed at any time.

Yes I have one also as I have regular stays in hospital some of them quite long.. As well as the regular items like toiletries etc I have also packed a small multi-tool, really glad I did as my laptop charger stopped working on my last visit. I also have packed some of those small packs of laundry sheets. Great for washing out your smalls during long stays.(see photo). They take up hardly any room and the ones I buy are environmentally friendly too.

Sorry I should have said the laundry sheets were travel size if anyone wanted to look for them.

If you use hearing aids.... batteries or the hearing aid charger.

You’ve just reminded me Fleur20, on a more serious note might I suggest a Respect Form,, especially if you have a serious illness. For those who don’t know what one is it’s a form that notes down your wishes, things like what you hope treatment will be going forward (important for me having cancer) and more importantly if you want to be resuscitated should the situation arise.if you don’t have one you can ask your District Nurse about one or when in hospital you can ask for one also. For me it’s the most important thing in my Grab Bag.

Good idea for those in poor health, but I really disagree that “everyone needs one”.

You never know, argymargy. Someone can be in apparent good health and have a stroke or heart attack - or an accident.

argymargy

Good idea for those in poor health, but I really disagree that “everyone needs one”.

I had my first heart attack in the middle of the night, there had been no indication that anything was wrong with my heart.
None of us can be absolutely sure, we won't need to go unexpectedly to hospital.
It was in the middle of the pandemic and DH wasnt allowed anywhere near the hospital.
Thank goodness I did have a grab bag or I would have been scuppered.

What a brilliant idea! We have a key safe too so nominated folk could get in.
As my lovely sister retired nurse says “prepare for the worst and hope for the best”!
Will assemble one soonest-told DH; little reaction! I’m the one who has to do these things! ?

What a fantastic idea. I will definitely do it, starting this weekend. So I need to find a bag, spare nightie, etc...etc.
Brilliant. I'll make a list.

I came off holiday with chest pains I was sent from the doctors for a scan at the hospital. I was kept in for three days my DH just went in a panic didn’t think to take anything in for me.
When I returned home I went straight out and got a suitable bag filled it with the necessary things. To be prepared Just in case it may happen again. I did the same for DH it saves a panic at a stressful time when you don’t need it.

argymargy

Good idea for those in poor health, but I really disagree that “everyone needs one”.

you can be in good health one minute and not the next! that's the point.

I never thought about a snack, good idea. The second time I was rushed in was after an accident at the swimming pool. I was still in my soaking wet costume and was left in it for hours at A&E, never been so uncomfortable. They did admit me just after the evening meal had been served and I hadn't eaten for about nine hours by that point. I had to wait until the next day before any food was forthcoming and couldn't sleep because my tummy was growling with hunger all night.
Some sort of energy bar would have been a Godsend.

Excellent idea. I shall make one up today.

Incidentally, can one not expect the ward to provide knickers , sanitary wear , and gowns?

What a good idea! I'd not come across this before. Thank you