Being admitted: what to expect and what to bring

An admission feels chaotic mainly because nobody explains the sequence.

Knowing the sequence turns it from an ordeal into a process.

Before the day

• Confirm the date, time and exact entrance.
• Ask whether you must fast, and from what time.
• Ask which medicines to take and which to stop.
• Ask whether you need a pre-admission appointment.
• Ask how long the stay is expected to be.
• Ask who may stay with you.

Medicines before admission

• Never stop a medicine on your own initiative.
• Ask specifically about blood thinners and diabetes medicines.
• Ask about herbal products and supplements too.
• Get the instruction in writing.
• Bring everything with you regardless.

What to pack

• Identification and insurance details.
• Written medicine list using generic names.
• All current medicines in original packaging.
• Copies of key medical records and recent results.
• Loose comfortable clothing and non-slip footwear.
• Toiletries, glasses, hearing aids, dentures and their cases.
• Phone and charger with a long cable.
• A small amount of cash.

What to leave at home

• Jewellery and valuables.
• Large sums of money.
• Anything you would be upset to lose.
• Wards are busy places and items go missing.

Arrival and registration

• Expect paperwork, identity checks and waiting.
• You will usually receive an identification band.
• Check the details on it are correct.
• Tell staff immediately if anything is wrong.
• Keep the band on throughout the stay.

Medicines reconciliation

• Staff will go through everything you take.
• Hand over your own supply rather than self-medicating.
• Mention anything bought without prescription.
• Mention traditional or herbal products.
• Mention allergies and previous reactions clearly.
• This step prevents a large share of hospital errors.

Consent

• Read the form rather than signing to be polite.
• Ask what the procedure involves in plain language.
• Ask what the main risks are.
• Ask what happens if you decline.
• Ask for an interpreter if the form is not in your language.
• Keep a copy.

Why they keep asking your name

• Identity is checked before medicines, tests and procedures.
• It is deliberate, not disorganisation.
• Answer fully each time.
• Speak up if something seems different from before.
• Patients catch real errors this way.

Ward routine

• Observations are taken at set intervals, including at night.
• Ward rounds usually happen at a fixed time.
• Ask when that is so you can be awake and ready.
• Have your questions written down before it.
• Ask for a family member to be present for important discussions.

If you have specific needs

• Tell them in advance about mobility limits.
• Tell them about dietary requirements.
• Tell them if you need an interpreter.
• Tell them about sensory impairment.
• Tell them if you have a carer who must be present.
• Arranging this beforehand works far better than on the day.

Sleep and comfort

• Wards are noisy and lit at night.
• Bring earplugs and an eye mask.
• Ask whether night observations can be grouped.
• Say if pain is preventing sleep.
• Poor sleep slows recovery measurably.

Who is who

• Ask who is the consultant responsible for you.
• Ask who is the nurse in charge of your care today.
• Ask who to ask about medicines.
• Ask who arranges discharge.
• Write the names down; shifts change.

Prepare questions before rounds

• Write three questions the night before.
• Put the most important one first.
• Ask for answers to be repeated if you were drowsy.
• Ask a relative to attend if the news may be significant.
• Rounds move quickly; preparation is the only defence.

Keep your own notes

• Note what was done each day.
• Note any new medicine started or stopped.
• Note test results you are told.
• Note who said what and when.
• This becomes the most complete record of your stay.

Tell them about your usual routine

• Mention if you normally sleep or eat at unusual times.
• Mention any regular treatment done at home.
• Mention mobility aids you normally use.
• Small adjustments are usually possible if asked early.

Eating, drinking and moving

• Ask whether you may eat and drink normally.
• Ask whether you should be getting out of bed.
• Early movement reduces several complications.
• Ask for help rather than risking a fall.
• Ask about the call bell and keep it within reach.

Ask what today's plan is

• Ask each morning what is planned for the day.
• Ask whether any test requires fasting.
• Ask what would need to change for you to go home.

Visitors

• Check visiting hours and any limits on numbers.
• Ask whether one person may stay overnight.
• Nominate one relative as the point of contact.
• This spares you repeating updates to everyone.
• Ask visitors not to come if they are unwell.

Money and valuables

• Ask whether there is a secure place for essentials.
• Send valuables home with a relative.
• Keep only small change on the ward.
• Report anything missing promptly.

Start discharge planning on day one

• Ask what must be in place before you can go home.
• Ask whether you will need help at home.
• Ask whether equipment is needed.
• Ask who arranges it and how long it takes.
• Late planning is the main cause of delayed discharge.

The point to remember

Three things:

1. Bring all medicines in original packaging and hand them over.
2. Read the consent form and ask for an interpreter if needed.
3. Ask about discharge requirements on the day you arrive.

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