Most people slightly overpack for hospital and forget a few genuinely useful things. This guide gives you a practical, no-fuss checklist for what to bring, what to leave at home, and a few items that make a real difference to your comfort.
Documents and essentials
These are non-negotiable. Put them together first and keep them separate from the rest of your bag so they are easy to hand over.
- Photo ID and insurance or referral documents — your hospital will need these at admission
- A list of all your current medications, including doses and what they are for. A pharmacist can print this for you if you are not sure
- Any pre-admission test results your team has asked you to bring
- Your GP’s contact details
- Emergency contact information written down, not just in your phone
Clothing
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not go over your head is usually best, depending on the site of your surgery.
- Pyjamas or loose trousers and a top — choose fabrics that are soft and easy to put on. Avoid anything tight around a potential incision site
- Button-up or zip-up top if you are having upper body or shoulder surgery
- Loose shorts or joggers for leg or hip surgery
- Slip-on shoes or slippers with a non-slip sole — you will not want to bend down to tie laces after most operations
- Dressing gown for moving around the ward
- Clean underwear for each day plus one spare
- Compression socks if your team has recommended them
Products that may help: Post-surgery pyjamas · Non-slip slippers
Toiletries
Keep this simple. You are not going on holiday. Bring what you need for basic hygiene and comfort.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lip balm — hospital air is dry and IV fluids can leave your mouth feeling parched
- Deodorant
- Dry shampoo — you may not be able to shower for a day or two
- Gentle face wipes
- Hand cream
- Any skincare you cannot do without, kept minimal
- Feminine hygiene products if relevant
- Small mirror
Do not bring: razors (unless specifically told to), nail scissors, anything with strong fragrance that might bother ward neighbours.
Technology and entertainment
Hospital stays involve a significant amount of waiting. Come prepared.
- Phone and charger — this is probably the most important item. A long cable is useful as sockets are often not close to the bed
- Earphones — essential for watching things or listening to music without disturbing other patients
- Tablet or e-reader if you have one and it will keep you occupied
- Downloaded content — do not rely on hospital Wi-Fi being reliable or fast
- A portable battery pack if your phone does not last a full day
Comfort items
These are not strictly necessary but make a real difference.
- Your own pillow — hospital pillows are notoriously poor and having something familiar helps with sleep
- Ear plugs and eye mask — wards are busy and often have lights that stay on longer than you would like
- A notepad and pen for writing down what doctors say, questions you want to ask, and medication timing
Products that may help: Sleep ear plugs and eye mask · Portable battery pack · Moisturising lip balm
Snacks and drinks
Most hospitals provide meals but the timing may not suit you, and quality varies significantly.
- Snacks that do not need refrigeration and are easy to eat: cereal bars, crackers, dried fruit, nuts
- A refillable water bottle — staying hydrated post-surgery is important and you will want water available at all times
- Squash or flavour sachets if plain water does not appeal
Note: you will be fasting before your operation. Bring snacks for after, not before.
What to leave at home
- Jewellery, including rings and piercings — you will be asked to remove these
- Large amounts of cash
- Anything irreplaceable or sentimental
- Laptop (unless your stay is very long) — the risk of it going missing is not worth it
- Anything that cannot be carried in one bag by yourself or your companion
What to do before you leave the house
- Confirm you have your documents and medications list
- Make sure your phone is fully charged
- Let someone know your arrival time and what to expect
- Have a shower with any pre-operative wash your team gave you
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing for admission
Hospital bags do not need to be large. The more you can fit in a single soft bag, the easier your admission and discharge will be.