When you need to come into hospital as an inpatient, we’ll send you an admission letter. This letter will tell you:

• The date you need to come to hospital.
• Where to go when you arrive.

Your privacy, dignity, and religious or cultural beliefs are very important to us and will always be respected. If you have any special requirements, such as facilities for washing or praying, please call the number on your admission letter to let us know. We’re here to help.

To keep everyone safe, please tell us within 72 hours of your admission if you have:

• A cold or cough.
• Diarrhoea.
• Been sick (vomiting).
• Been in contact with someone who has an infection, such as COVID-19 or chickenpox.

We understand that sometimes things change. If you’re unable to attend your admission, please tell us as soon as possible. If you don’t contact us, it could affect your position on our waiting list.

To help you get ready for your stay, here’s a helpful list of what to pack. Please also check your admission letter, as it might include other items we’ve asked you to bring.

Essential Items:

• Any medications you take at home, including herbal remedies, and your current prescription list.
• Toiletries like soap, shower gel, shampoo, and a shaving kit.
• Your toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Dentures (if you use them).
• Well-fitting footwear.
• Nightwear (e.g., pyjamas, underwear, dressing gown).
• Clothes to wear during the day.
• Clothes to go home in, including shoes.
• Books, magazines, or newspapers to help you pass the time.
• Hearing aids, walking aids, or glasses (if you use them).

Please Do Not Bring:

• Valuables such as large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, or high-value electronic items.
• Flowers.
• Food or drink that needs to be kept in the fridge.
• Large bags or suitcases as space is limited.

You’re welcome to bring your phone or tablet, but please do so at your own risk. We offer free WiFi. To avoid disturbing other patients, please use headphones and be mindful of your screen’s brightness.

We’ll provide you with a small bedside locker for your belongings. However, please note that we cannot accept responsibility for any items lost during your stay.

If you expect to be in hospital for a while and usually receive a pension, benefit, or allowance, please contact your benefits office to let them know about your hospital stay.

Please remember to let your family and friends know that you’re coming into hospital. Give them the hospital switchboard number so they can get in touch if needed. Don’t forget to tell them which of our hospitals you’re coming to and which ward you’ll be staying on.

The trust recognises that on occasions patients and their families may wish to take photographs or video themselves while in hospital, e.g. the birth of a baby or for keeping in touch with relatives. As far as possible we would like to accommodate those wishes, but in doing so we must take into consideration the needs and feelings of other patients and staff in that clinical area or ward. Please view our Patient photography/video guidelines here.