What I put in my hospital bag by the door.

[Gandalf2]

Hard to prepare for the unexpected and not all needs are the same but my experiences have led to me packing the following .....

Fleece blanket (hospital blankets are more like tablecloths)

Fleece dressing gown - doubles as a blanket

Nail clippers

Silicone ear plugs (there can be lots of noise during the night)

Mobile phone and charger

MP3 player but use headphones

Diary and pens

Slippers

Pyjamas

Torch (flashlight in the US)

Trainers for exercise walks on the ward's quieter corridors

Watch that tells the time, day and date

Books to read

Spectacles

Underwear

Blunt ended scissors

Electric toothbrush and charger

Pain relief (don't rely on the medics assessment - but use responsibly)

Soap and face flannel

[OldGnome]

Hello Gandalf2,

It sounds like you have been to the hospital before and therefore know exactly what you need to bring, and what's allowed in the hospital there. It's sad to hear that the blankets there are the same as they are here, about as thick as phyllo dough and not much warmer!

Reading through your list, I must confess that one item caught my attention and immediately filled me with shock and bewilderment. It was the torch! I mean, what hospital would allow a torch to be brought in? They are rather hot and dangerous items after all!

Then I realized that a "torch" in the UK, is a flashlight! Here in the US a torch means a fiery tool used to weld metals!! After I realized that, I laughed for quite a while!! I must keep in mind that this site is based in London, after all!!

I should have spelled "realized" properly to be "realised" too! I apologize. Oops, make that apologise! 😀

If you have a special blend of tea that is not served at the hospital, perhaps it would be wise to pop some in your hospital bag, as well. Although I am not a tea fan, I would imagine that hospital tea is like hospital coffee with regards to quality. And that is certainly not the best!

Hoping that your bag is filled as you wish, but that it is never needed. Take care!

[Gandalf2 in reply to OldGnome]

Thanks OG, the subtle differences in language and meaning between the US and the UK are fascinating. These connections are a source of affection over the years despite the horrors and injustices the US endured during your war for freedom and independence. Keep that flag flying! MAGA24