Is this silly?

[BulbTherapy]

DSis and I were discussing whether it would be a good idea to have an emergency bad prepared incase we need to go into hospital with little or no warning. Nothing huge, just toothbrush, clean underwear, pyjamas, charger etc.

We weren't sure if this would even be allowed due to cross infection risks, but with visitors and travel bans it's not as if anyone would be able to drop anything off?

It seems sensible to me but I haven't seen anyone else discussing it so wonder if I'm missing something glaringly obvious.

Bag, not bad.

Shielding people have been advised to have a bag prepared incase they are admitted. So on that basis, you should be fine if that's what you want to do.

You can pack a bag if you want. From what I gather though, if you have to go to hospital it will be a situation where none of those things will matter or be used

I’ve got a bag packed, but that’s nothing new for me. Ever since I was admitted with a head injury 6 years ago, I’ve kept a rucksack with some essentials in (phone charger, toothbrush and travel sized toiletries, hairbrush, towel, couple of changes of leggings, underwear and T-shirt’s, cheap slippers, pen and paper, cheap earphones, earplugs and some loose change), as my friend had to go rifling through my house to bring me these things last time, so it’s easier all round. Ds also has the numbers in his phone of who to call to take the dog and the parrot, as that was an issue last time, and there are instructions printed inside the pet food cupboard with details of food and meds etc.

I have a spinal condition though, which occasionally gets so bad I’ve had to be taken to hospital for scans, so it makes me feel happier knowing I’m prepared if need be.

If you get admitted into hospital with covid you’ll be in a very bad way.

My sister works in a covid pod and said that all her patients are on ventilators struggling to breathe, essentially on their death beds. They would have been too ill to use their phones so chargers are redundant, particularly if they’re sedated!

Also I think your own clothes are useless as you’ll be in a hospital gown I believe. Doubtful you’d need a range of clothes. Staff have better things to be doing to change your leggings t shirt etc whilst you’re sedated.

I haven’t packed a bag but if I did I wouldn’t pack anything I’d like to keep due to the chance of it being incinerated.

Maybe not worth it then.

Though I suppose in the absence of visitors if I was admitted for anything else it might be handy anyway.

Thanks for the perspective everyone. Obviously wasn't under the impression I'd be admitted and have a jolly time playing on my phone and lounging about. I can't sleep and sometimes mentally organising these things in my head helps me feel in control, even if I don't act on them in the morning.

Would they actually incinerate things Spud?

A spare set of clothes (loose fitting, button down the front top) are very sensible for days before release, and going home in. You could have your clothes cut off you when you go in.

Not everyone that goes into hospital with Covid is on a ventilator straight away - this is absolute bollocks. Not everyone ends up on a ventilator either (often it's CPAP). Look at Boris for a current example.

Do pack a spare phone charger, pen and note pad (if you are ventilated this is the best way to communicate), clean knickers (for when you are getting better), dry shampoo, comb, any medication (week's supply), highly recommend a cheap razor blade in there, lip balm, hand cream, loose change and a ten pound note, list of phone numbers of relatives and advanced care plan etc., lock code for your phone somewhere visible at home in case anyone needs to access it. Cheap headphones are good. Pack of gummy bears / harribo.

Don't take a bra or pyjamas - not needed at all. Neither is toothbrush and paste, they will give you sterile ones. Guess you could take unopened ones in with you.

Oh, also make a list of the contents so the staff don't have to - keep it right at the top of the bag and sign it and print your name on it now.

That will save a shit lot of time.

If you’re a healthy person you’re more likely to be taken to hospital following a car accident than because of the virus. And if you are admitted because of the virus you’re unlikely to be leaving your teeth and combing your hair - you’ll be barely able to breathe.

My sister works in a covid pod and said that all her patients are on ventilators struggling to breathe, essentially on their death beds.

That's all her patients. Not all patients though. I know someone who was admitted with covid. She was in 3 days. She was ci cigs and not ventilated. She was struggling when at home. She has been sent home with inhalers and I believe steroids. She is doing much better and is recovering.

To say that no one who goes in would want their mobile phone is ridiculous. Not everyone who goes in is sedated and ventilated.

To say that no one who goes in would want their mobile phone is ridiculous. Not everyone who goes in is sedated and ventilated.

Trust me, the first thing you want when you come out of sedation is your mobile phone to communicate with family.

While I didn't do a bag for hospital, I’m looking after my father. I’m doing his shopping for him and making sure he is ok .

So In case I have to self isolate and can’t get to him . I’ve prepared him a bag of essentials that he might need.
He calls it his SAS Go bag😂 I put toilet rolls, Cans of soup, uht milk ,Tuna and Sardines, Biscuits, Tea bags,Coffee, shower gel, cans of his favourite cider 😂 orange juice cartons & bottled water and a few other things that I know he likes.

I put enough to last him 10 days - two weeks .
It’s under the stairs and he’s under strict orders not to touch it.

A man that I’m doing food deliveries for from a face book group has done the same thing in case I can’t get to him .

If it makes you feel more prepared do it.

I had to go to A&E with pregnancy related emergency once and got in a flap finding a pair of shoes while nearly passing out