Things to pack for a hospital stay?

[1989jubjub]

If you've been to hospital to stay for a couple of weeks, is there anything you would recommend to pack other than the obvious?

So far apart from toiletries, clothes, etc, I've thought of: iPad, kindle, earphones, maybe colouring book (?). But I'm sure there must be more things and I don't want to get to hospital and then think "oh no I should've taken X/Y/Z".

Anything that made your stays slightly more comfortable?

Ear plugs and an eye mask to sleep

Perhaps included in your toiletries but please don't forget lip balm!

Extra long extension cable with extra plug socks

Flip flops for the showers, ear plugs and eye mask

Snacks, unless you have people coming regularly. Hospital food was inedible the last two visits I had.
I wouldn’t bother taking in pyjamas or nightdresses again. I needed a clean one every day for various reasons so would use hospital gowns instead. Dressing gown and slippers definitely though.
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Shampoos, soap, flannel, face cream, hand cream. Hospital air very drying.

I’m always so cold in hospital and get tangled up in the bed sheets so last time I brought one of those coverless duvets, was so much more snug and comfortable! Snack and drink too

Forgot about charging cable, 3ft one as the plugs are no-where near the beds.

Noise cancelling headphones and a large shawl.
I was in hospital 2 years ago and there were no lockers. Just a little cupboard where the staff could lock your valuables.

You can't take an extension lead in to a hospital ward,all electrical equipment needs a PAT testing certificate. Anyone mention notebook and pen. I've never been in either as a patient or staff a cold hospital. Be careful about taking your own bedding,that it doesn't go into the hospital laundry, while you aren't there.

Extra long charging cable to a multi USB dock, then you can just keep the dock within reach for phone/tablet/kindle in your beside cabinet and not have to reach back for the socket.

Large water bottle

Flip flops for the shower

Ear plugs, eye mask

Loose comfy clothing

Books/kindle

Crossword/ puzzle book

YOUR OWN PILLOW. Hospital ones all have waterproof under cases which crinkle noisily and are sweaty.

Lip balm!
Hair ties
Dressing gown
Slippers
Perfume (I can't stand the smell of hospital so put it on my sleeve and sniff)
I'm a tea snob so tea bags. Or coffee if that's your thing

Hospitals are always baking. I wouldn’t take my own bedding for hygiene reasons, you can’t wash it and hospitals are full of fluids and germs and you are eating in your bed sometimes. Ugh!

Ear plugs
Your own pillow
Extra blanket or dressing gown, my room was freezing
Ear buds/headphones
Eye mask
Towel
Hair turban

I've already said you are likely to loose your own bedding, what's wrong with eating in bed, haven't most people had at least tea and toast,more if you're ill in bed with Covid.

Small squirty squash

Lip balm
Own pillow
Wipes
Small mirror
Snacks
Long charging cable and USB plug
Laptop to watch programmes(no one asked to pat test it)
Hand cream
Handheld fan

Snacks
Cordial
Colouring book & pens
Puzzle books
Reading books
Headphones
Long lead charger
Ear Plugs
Eye Mask
Lip Balm
Flip flops
Afew pens (for menu ticking)
Lip balm

Actually I was given an eye mask and ear plugs on the ward. Just remembered

A favourite cosy blanket/throw

Extra long charging cable so you can use your phone on charge.

Headphones/earplugs/ eye mask.

A pack of wet wipes can be handy for a quick freshen up if you are stuck in bed.

Toothbrush and hairbrush. Extra pants (they’ll give you a gown or PJs). If you need extra warm feet, extra warm slippers. If it’s going to be a super long stay, a couple of pictures. If you’re going to need to lie down, a cheap watch which can go further up or down your arm as necessary. Sharp fingernails (a sharp pinch really distracts from the cannulation pain and they need to do it at least once every three days and while I’m at it rub the injection you get in your tummy. I’m quite thin but the bruise I ended up getting from the first one last time was larger than my hand). Moisturiser if you have a skincare routine. Phone and charging cable are absolute essentials though.

A small fuzzy blanket, it can go round your shoulders, over your knees, bunched up along your side to prop you for sleeping. (Throw it away when you go home)

anything and everything to block out noise and light so you can sleep

easy charging set up

portable battery (or rechargable) fan for hot moments

some thing to take notes on

a lot of patience

Christ, these lists are getting ridiculous! Don't forget the kitchen sink. Presumably, going to hospital for 2 weeks, some kind of major procedures involved. You need somewhere to store all this stuff. The hospitals I have worked in/ been a patient in, have a tiny locker. If you take a duvet or pillow,on your head be it, unless you are going to have your own room, and inform the staff that it's yours,you wouldn't believe how many of them I have seen go into the hospital laundry carts. I wouldn't take them home afterwards anyway.

Hairdryer. Being able to wash and dry my hair made me feel so much better orn a long stay.