Essential items to bring to hospital include

• Any medications you regularly take, in their blister packs/ original containers. This includes contraceptives, HRT and vitamins,
• Prescriptions for your medications if you will need more during your stay,
• Recent x-rays relevant to your admission,
• Health insurance details if you are going to a Private Hospital, Veterans affairs or third party details if required,
• Medicare Number, Pharmaceutical benefits card and Pension Cards as appropriate.

Personal Items you should bring in include

• Short nighties or pyjamas. Loose is best as they make it easier to get up and down ifyou need to se a pan and will allow for swelling. Silky materials work well as they can make it easier to move around the bed,
• Fitted slippers. If your leg is likely to swell, a larger size will be easier to get on and off,
• Dressing Gown,
• Some patients like to bring in their favourite pillow, sleeping masks and earplugs
• Loose light clothing like a tracksuit or shorts. If you dress and act like you are well, you will feel better,
• Any aides or equipment you usually use,
• Light reading materials. Often it is difficult to concentrate so heavy reading may not work well,
• A small pad and pen can prove usefulto jot down questions as you think of then and write any information and thoughts,
• Toiletries you like to use.Talc, facewasher, brush/comb, cosmetics, tootpaste/ toothbrush, mirror,
• A pack of baby wipes can be useful to help wipe your hands after eating,
• Small amounts of money for any incidentals

Do not bring in any valuables. Unfortunately things do go missing from patients rooms. You will spend large amounts oftime out of your room without much notice, so leave valuable things at home or get them locked in a drawer or in the hospital safe.