Preparing to go in to hospital

This information will help you to prepare for a stay in hospital. You will feel more confident if you know that your home is secure and will be ready for you to recuperate, especially if you live on your own.

PRE-HOSPITALISATION CHECKLIST

What you need to take

Any personal items that will make your stay more comfortable
Try to limit clutter and gifts and where possible, mark all items of personal property with your name
You will have your own small locker for personal belongings. Do not leave any valuables or money by your bed unattended
Some hospitals have a safe in which you can leave valuable items if you are concerned about security. If you use this service, it is important to obtain a receipt; this will ensure that the items are smoothly returned to you on your departure from hospital.

What not to take to hospital

large amounts of money
valuable items such as jewellery or credit cards
unnecessary clothing
alcohol or cigarettes
electrical appliances. Hospitals may refuse the use of certain electrical appliances on the basis that they are unsafe, so make sure you check with the charge nurse before using them.

OTHER PREPARATIONS

Home security

Arrange with a neighbour to pick up mail or arrange for New Zealand Post to hold your mail (http://www.nzpost.co.nz/receiving-mail/hold-mail). This service is free for

Senior Citizens

Ask someone to do a daily check of the security of your home and remove junk mail
Make arrangements to have your lawns and garden maintained
Give trusted neighbours your contact details in case there is an emergency
Turn off electrical appliances prior to leaving.

Arrange help

Arrange for a friend or relative to keep in contact with you or visit you regularly when you return from hospital.

Taking time off work

Make sure you inform your employer about your circumstances and organise time off for your stay in hospital, as well as sufficient recovery time at home.

Check the provisions of your employment contract so that you are informed of how much of your time off work will be paid.

If after your operation or hospital stay you are able to work but feel more tired than usual, talk to your employer about the possibility of:

working from home
sharing your workload with colleagues
travelling to work at quieter times
using a parking space closer to your place of work
having regular rest breaks in a quiet place
doing lighter work if your job involves manual labour.

RETURNING HOME

Prepare your home

Your mobility may be restricted once you return home. In order to make your return home easier, arrange your essential items – TV remote, radio, telephone, tissues and address book – so that they are easily accessible to where you will spend most of your time when you come out of hospital.

It is useful to have plenty of easy-to-prepare food, drinks and other essential items, like painkillers, in your home.

Travelling home from hospital

All patients need someone to take them home from hospital. Day surgery patients also need a responsible adult to care for them overnight.

Patients are responsible for making their own travel arrangements home. While an ambulance will transport you to hospital if you are sick or injured, they can only take a patient home who needs continued medical assistance, such as oxygen.

Make arrangements for someone to help you get home as soon as you know the date you will be leaving hospital.

Alternatively taxis are situated outside most major hospitals and some hospitals may have a bus service.

If you have a Community Services Card you may be able to get some assistance with travel and accommodation for treatment at a public hospital that is outside of your hometown, provided you have been given a referral to that hospital.

What if I have a compliment or concern about my hospital visit?

The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights includes the right to complain. If it is a matter occurring during the visit, staff may be able to rectify it for you immediately.

If it is a more serious complaint concerning the care you have received, then a written complaint should be sent to the hospital or to the Health and Disability Commissioner. Note that there are patient liaison officers, hospital volunteers and chaplains who are happy to talk to you about your experience and pass on advice.