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BEFORE YOU GO

Preparing to go into the hospital can be stressful. You might feel a mix of emotions, from fear and anxiety to relief that a problem is being dealt with. Many people also worry they won’t bring everything needed to make their stay comfortable.
Whether you’re heading in for an operation, or assisting someone else in preparing for their visit, we’re committed to making the preparation process easier.
Below is a wide range of information on what to bring. We also provide information on what to do about people or pets in your care.
Last but not least, we can advise on the best way to travel to the hospital. In other words, we provide all the advice needed before your stay.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
DO ⬇️
• Check your SYMPTONS (Patient Info) . LINK (https://patient.info/symptom-checker)
• Check if you can MANAGE YOUR CONDITIONS (Patient Info) - LINK (https://patient.info/managing-conditions)
DO ⬇️
CALL:
• Your GP (They may direct you straight to a medical ward) - LINK (https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp)
• NHS 111 (A&E may ask you to call 111 first) - LINK (https://111.nhs.uk/)
• 999 Ambulance if your condition is life threatening (Check if you are registered 'high needs' with them). 999 may also send a First Responder / St Johns Ambulance).
• Pharmacy - LINK (https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/)
WHEN TO GO TO A&E (NHS) - LINK (https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-go-to-ae/)
USE THE RIGHT SERVICE - LINK (https://usetherightservice.com/)
If you believe your issue is not urgent you could check waiting times at local A&E.
USEFUL VIDEOS FOR EMERGENCY (St Johns Ambulance)
CPR ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQNNOh8c8ks
STROKE ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjQsMTY0NTAz&v=PhH9a0kIwmk&feature=youtu.be
RECOVERY POSITION ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com&source_ve_path=MTY0NTA2LDE2NDUwMw&v=GmqXqwSV3bo&feature=youtu.be
SEVERE BLEEDING ⬇️
https://youtu.be/NxO5LvgqZe0?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjQsMTY0NTAz
CHOKING ⬇️
https://youtu.be/j45WfhxK_Hs
SEIZURE ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjQsMTY0NTAz&v=Ovsw7tdneqE&feature=youtu.be
DO ⬇️
CHECK:
• Medication - Yours / Asthma / Allergy Pens.
• Equipment - Walking Aids / Glasses / Hearing Aids.
• Clothes - Nightwear / Underwear / Loose clothing / Slippers / Shoes / Coat (hospitals do have their own gowns).
• Toiletries - Toothbrush and Paste / Hairbrush / Shampoo / Body wash / Wipes / Deodorant / Sanitary and Continence items.
• Practical - Money / Cards / Headphones / Phone and Charger / Identity and Need Cards / National Insurance Number / NHS Numbers / Pen & Paper / Water and Snacks (if safe to eat and drink).
DO ⬇️
Use LINKS:
• Hospital Bag (Patient Info) - LINK (https://patient.info/news-and-features/what-to-keep-in-a-hospital-bag)
• Find NHS Number (NHS) - LINK (https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-nuber/)
• Find National Insurance Number (GOV) - LINK (https://www.gov.uk/find-national-insurance-number)
WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE I CARE FOR ?
DO ⬇️
• Contact school / carer for your children.
• Inform family / friends / neighbours. Leave them a message and contact number if they're not available.
• Set up a 'What's App' Group on your phone for key people to update people - LINK (https://faq.whatsapp.com/3242937609289432/?cms_platform=web)
WHAT ABOUT MY PETS?
DO ⬇️
• Contact a neighbour / family / local kennels / dog sitter and fostering / protection sites.
• Contact Cinnamon Trust - LINK (https://cinnamon.org.uk/)
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR MEMBERSHIP LETTERS TO HELP YOU @JOIN
A NEXT OF KIN is usually SOMEONE YOU TRUST (Patients Association) - LINK (https://www.patients-association.org.uk/next-of-kin)
They may help you to make decisions , such as:
• Sign hospital paperwork.
• Consent / treatment options.
• Best interests / confidential discussions.
• Focal point for calls.
If you have NO NEXT OF KIN then the hospital may take the LEAD in DECISIONS.
DO ⬇️
Consider WHO would be your NEXT OF KIN:
• A family member, friend, carer, work colleague, neighbour.
• Your Power of Attorney or Court of Protection Deputy (if you have one).
• Refer to the pages in this site for 'Power of Attorney' 'Court of Protection' if the patient does not have capacity.
DO ⬇️
CONSIDER:
• AMBULANCE 999 for emergencies.
• Local TAXI or UBER - LINK (https://www.uber.com/gb/en/ride/)
• St JOHN'S AMBULANCE - LINK (https://www.sja.org.uk/what-we-do/ambulance-operations/non-emergency-patient-transport-services/)
• EZEC - LINK (https://e-zec.co.uk/)
• Asking the place you're going to if they offer transport.
• Disabled Transport (NHS) - LINK (https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/B1244-nepts-eligibility-criteria.pdf)
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