Hospital "Go Bag"

Keep in mind - the idea is that the go-bag is packed and only pulled out if needed.

It might be there unused for a year (or longer)
 
Annieindublin said:
My dads got lost when they cleared his room while he was in surgery.
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My mum shared a 4 bed hospital room with a lady who took other patients personal items to her bedside area. Not her fault as she was unwell but no staff could have kept track of all the items. I was very slow to notice, oh she has the same x as Mum, to that is my Mum’s, and that and that.

Hearing aids and dentures are a nightmare. When a patient is too unwell to manage them but needs them in daily and out at night and the hearing aids need charging. We found it hard to manage, from comments like, your mum seems a bit distracted and not answering questions this morning - putting in the hearing aids really helps, and having them charged!!! To dentures being left in overnight with a risk of choking. As a family we tried to be there for lights out routine and as early as possible to ensure dentures and hearing aids were dealt with properly as they aided recovery.
 
DannyBoyD said:
Any thoughts on solid shampoo bar vs liquid?
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Based on ease of use by the patient. If you are putting a bag together for someone else they are probably an elderly relative, so can they open and shut the little bottles, will they understand the bar is shampoo and not soap? If elderly folk have surgery or an infection there can be some confusion/lack of cognition during the recovery period so simplicity of use is the main criteria I would use.

Plus are they well enough to shower independently, or with an aid, or is it just washing in bed, etc. Or will mobility/standing be an issue that rules showering out. If a patient is recovered sufficiently from an emergency hospital stay to shower they are probably discharged by that time.

I did have a teen in hospital for a few days once on IV constantly. Husband and I were sharing being there with the teen and there was a carryall in the press with all the packing. By day 3 or 4 the teen had recovered sufficiently to contemplate a freshen up but the teen was glued to the bed on their phone, sulky, uncooperative and sick of being sick as only a teen can do. Head nurse sweeps in with towels, shampoo and soap, announced a shower is happening now and no if buts or tears is going to stop her. She unhooks the teens IV and requests fresh pjs and underwear from me. I go to the press to the carryall and discover 1 lone solitary piece of underwear, and nothing else, just an empty bag.

A phone call to the husband who had packed the hospital bag confirmed he had packed for himself and the teen but when he swapped with me that morning he had taken home all his items, clothes, toiletries, electronics, laptop and left what he had packed for the teen. The patient, a solitary piece of underwear!!
 
Appreciate all the replies; even if we've wandered a bit ;)

Agreed the go-bag contents will vary depending on the person in question.

When I get to doing my own go-bag, I'll share the contents & my reasoning for selection.
 
We have had many hospital stays for my parents, mainly my dad, mum packs his bag. It’s rarely planned in advance. I think I’ll suggest having a go bag ready for him. Mum would need a daughter to pack hers in an emergency situation. Dad wouldn’t have a clue so her doing it in advance would I think be helpful. And a list of last minute stuff like hearing aid charger and glasses.
I think it’s a great idea. Even an overnight set of pjs and toiletries would be helpful. Dads last visit was a long one and over the months we bought about a dozen sets of pjs so he has plenty of spares.
 
Currently in hospital for a bit of an extended stay, some
items I find useful.
Box of Tissues,
some clinal hand wipes (Amazon Uk £8 for pack of 100)
Power bank for phone
Crocs

The next items are mainly for women
Pashmina, handier than bedjackers if you are getting blood draws, drips etc
Face cleanser,
Moisturiser
Small mirror.

Finally, if you are sharing, try to use the shower directly after it has been cleaned.
I know this will sound obvious, but make sure to use your own towel
People leave towels lying around and they all look the same.
 
I have been the 'runner' for friend in past 7 yrs with frequent stays.... I have my own bag ready for bit of work in Sept :(
I would add in lots of baby wipes and Dunnes brand do a decent larger size.
Also extra long charger cable even an extension socket for electric as socket is distant and risk of dropping tech stuff on hard floor.
Shower hat to save hair from daily wetting if not shampoo that day. Many wash products are for hair and body so one will do.
A couple of see thru zippy bags to store small items and be visible.
Defo some flipflops/footware for bathroom area.
Nail gear = scissors/ emery boards. No nail polish allowed in hospitals so maybe some remover.
Small radio and some batteries.
Maeve Binchy tip = Stamps and thank you notelets!
 
Reliably informed that coins for vending machines are very important to have.

Whilst many will now take cards there are still a good few cash only machines.

Or if you are unable to get to one yourself and need someone else to get the snack you crave.
 
I got a great phone/tablet holder for my husband. It gripped the table and had a flexible gooseneck. He could lie and watch the screen without having to hold his phone. The flexible neck made it easy to position it. Great when he couldn’t sit up after surgery.

I do realise that the go-bag is now getting closer in size to a steamer trunk
 
When being admitted for a stay in hospital take note it’s not a five star hotel midweek break. Bring an open mind. Write down any questions you need to ask. Listen to the nurses, doctors,physios, etc. And get back home asap.
 
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