Little Tips When Preparing For A Hospital Stay

Can I pick my own hospital to go to?

You typically have a choice of which hospital to attend to and which medical team you'd like to treat you if your doctor refers you to a hospital consultant. You can select the hospital or clinic of your choice and schedule your first outpatient visit via the NHS e-referral system (formerly known as Choose and Book).

You might find it helpful to consider the following while selecting a hospital or medical group:

• Know somebody who has received care there? How did they feel?
• How quickly can someone spot you?
• How simple is it to drive there or take public transportation there?
• Are the location and hours of operation convenient for guests?
• Is there adequate and affordable car parking?

When receiving scheduled treatment, you'll frequently be contacted by phone or in-person for a pre-admissions assessment appointment. During this appointment, you'll receive guidance on:

• if you should eat or drink anything on the day of the examination or treatment
• if you ought to take your typical medication that day
• how long you anticipate staying
• methods to facilitate your own healing
• if you'll require company the first night you spend at home.

What if I require transportation to the hospital?

You might be eligible for free NHS transportation if your health makes it impossible for you to use the automobile or the public transportation system. For your initial hospital visit, speak with your GP, who can make arrangements for this. You might possibly be able to get in touch with a nearby volunteer driving service.

You might be qualified for assistance with hospital transportation fees if you get certain benefits or have a low income.

What should I bring with me to the hospital?

As well as nightwear and toiletries, remember to pack:

• Your appointment card or admission letter,
• some cash for phone calls or purchases from the hospital store,
• all of your regular medications in their original packaging,
• if possible, a notebook and pen to jot down any questions you have,
• your address book, which should include the name and contact information for your general practitioner,
• and some reading material to pass the time, such as books or magazines.

It's a good idea to take a bath or shower, wash your hair, trim your nails, and put on clean clothes before visiting the hospital.

How can I organise my home so it’s ready for my return from hospital?

If your hospital stay in planned it’s a good idea to make a few arrangements so that your home is ready for your return from hospital.

These are some tips:

• Think about where you'll be spending most of your time when you come out of hospital and put items you use regularly, such as your TV remote control, radio or box of tissues in easy reach.
• Stock up on drinks and foods that are easy to prepare – such as frozen ready meals.
• Check you have other essential items including basic painkillers for when you return.
• Ask a friend or relative to stay with you or visit you when you return from hospital.
• Check your home insurance to see whether the terms change if your home is unoccupied for a certain period of time. It's also a good idea to ask someone you trust to check on your home while you’re away.

What happens if I’m admitted to hospital in an emergency?

If you have a fall, a suspected heart attack or a stroke, you may be taken to a hospital A&E department.

The hospital will assess you and decide how best to treat you, taking into account your general health and how it might have contributed to your current situation. Once you’ve been assessed you may be:

• treated and then allowed to go home if support can be provided at home
• moved to a Clinical Decisions Unit (CDU) to be monitored or have tests done to help medical staff decide if you need to be admitted to hospital
• admitted to hospital.

If you're admitted to hospital and have agreed to the treatment you need, the staff should be able to give you an estimated date of discharge.

Will my benefits stop while I’m in hospital?

Your State Pension doesn’t change, no matter how long you’re in hospital. But some payments are suspended if you're in hospital for more than 28 days:

• Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment. 

If you transfer from hospital to a care home or community hospital for free short-term support known as intermediate care, this counts towards the 28-day limit.

If you receive Pension Credit, suspension of these benefits can affect the amount of Pension Credit you receive. When you leave hospital, you may be eligible to receive these benefits again. However, if your Pension Credit award stops and you're part of a couple where one of you is under State Pension age, you may not be able to reclaim Pension Credit. 

Contact the office that pays your benefits to let them know you're in hospital. Then let them know when you leave hospital. You’ll need to quote the number on your award letter for the benefits you receive.

If your stay in hospital is funded entirely by yourself or privately, you should continue to receive these benefits. You should contact the office paying your benefits to let them know.