- Home
- Blog
- Companion Care Services
- Preparing for a Hospital Stay: What to Pack in the Hospital...
Preparing for a Hospital Stay: What to Pack in the Hospital Bag
Documents, personal items and practical tips for patients and companions before a planned operation or hospital admission.
Contents
Small preparations before a planned operation or admission make hospital days much easier for patient and companion. A missing document, forgotten medicine list or charger can cause unnecessary stress.
| Document | Why |
|---|---|
| ID | Registration |
| Health insurance details | Admission and payment |
| Referral or admission letter | Admission |
| Current medicine list | Continuing medicines correctly |
| Previous tests, imaging and discharge summaries | Medical review |
| Allergy information | Safe treatment |
| Emergency contacts | Communication |
Bring medicine boxes so names and doses are clear, but in hospital medicines are given by staff; do not take your own without asking.
For the patient
Comfortable front-opening pyjamas, closed non-slip slippers, toiletries and a soft towel, lip balm and moisturiser (hospital air is dry), glasses, hearing aids and spare batteries, a denture case, a light cardigan, phone, charger and a long cable, and a book, puzzles or headphones.
Leave at home: valuable jewellery, large amounts of cash, rings and watches (removed before surgery), and electrical items not allowed by the hospital.
| Companion item | Note |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and spare clothes | Long hours |
| Light blanket or shawl | Night shifts |
| Water and snacks | The canteen may be closed |
| Hand sanitiser | Infection prevention |
| Notebook and pen | Doctor updates and questions |
| Personal medicines | The companion's own |
| Phone charger | Communication |
Before surgery
- Follow fasting instructions strictly.
- Blood thinners, diabetes medicines and some herbal products may need stopping; follow your doctor's instructions.
- Remove nail polish, make-up and jewellery.
- Shower on the morning of surgery unless told otherwise.
- Write down your questions.
First day
Ask the ward nurse about companion rules, visiting hours and the call system; check bed rails and the call bell if there is a fall risk; find out when the doctor's round is.
Plan equipment (hospital bed, wheelchair, walker), medicines and home care support before discharge.
We provide professional companions in hospitals across Yalova and plan the move home with home care, nursing, physiotherapy and equipment, with companions available in Bursa, Istanbul and Kocaeli–Gebze.
