Preparing for a hospital stay

If you have a hospital appointment, you should get a hospital appointment letter in the mail or by email. It tells you:

• when to arrive
• where to go to
• who you will see
• how to make contact with them.

You should keep the letter safe and take it with you when you go to your appointment.

If you need to cancel your surgery or appointment, phone the number on your appointment letter as soon as possible. Also, call them if you are running late.

If you are being admitted to hospital

Your appointment may mean that you are being admitted to hospital. You may need to stay for the day, overnight or for longer.

If you are an outpatient

If you have an outpatient appointment, you will also have an appointment letter. You are not normally being admitted and not expected to stay after the appointment.

If you have an appointment and know you will be in hospital for a time, it is good to be prepared. It will make your stay easier and more comfortable.

If you have a health condition that means you are more likely to go to hospital urgently, without an appointment, it is a good idea to be prepared for this.

Some things to consider.

• Do you have someone who can bring you things you might need?
• Do you have an emergency contact — someone to let friends and whānau know how you are?
• If you live alone, is there someone who can check on your house and any pets?
• Do you need to cancel services, such as Meals on Wheels or home help while you are in hospital?
• Is there somewhere to stay for whānau who want to be close to you while you are in hospital?
• Can someone take you home when you are discharged (sent home)?

The National Travel Assistance scheme can help with the costs of travel and accommodation for health appointments a long way from home.

National Travel Assistance scheme (internal link)

If you know you are going to stay in hospital you will find it useful to pack:

• night wear
• comfortable clothes for a few days, and a bag for laundry
• comfortable, supportive, non-slip shoes or slippers, to help avoid falls
• toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste
• dentures and their cleaning container
• glasses or other reading aids
• hearing aids with the case and spare batteries
• a pen, book, magazines, tablet, laptop or mobile phone, and chargers
• headphones so the noise does not bother other patients
• your medicines — including any bought at the supermarket or pharmacy, and alternative and natural therapies
• your medicines card (Yellow Card) if you have one, or a list of medicines
• health aids such as a CPAP machine, inhaler or walking aid
• documents such as your power of attorney or advance care plan, if you have them — these let people know what you want to happen if you cannot communicate with them easily.

It helps if you can put your name on your personal possessions and items you rely on, such as a walking aid.

• Jewellery and valuables — you can wear a wedding ring or pounamu.
• Cash — only bring a small amount.
• Alcohol, illicit substances, tobacco or vaping equipment — none of these are allowed to be used in hospital or within its grounds.
• Anything unnecessary — there is not much storage around a hospital bed.

Hospitals do not accept responsibility for the security of personal items. Ask ward staff to lock away any items that are valuable to you.

If you require support when you go to hospital, the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) states that you are entitled to have your needs met. Support needs may include:

• access to an interpreter or New Zealand Sign Language interpreter if you are deaf or hearing impaired
• mobility support to transfer in and out of a wheelchair or to move around and access hospital services
• any dietary requirements you have
• written information — if you need to make a decision and it is better for you written down, you can ask for it in writing
• female health specialists and support staff.

You can nominate a key support person for emotional and practical support — a spouse, friend or close whānau member for example. They can stay with you for longer than the normal visiting hours and be present at meetings about your treatment and care, and support you in making decisions.

Everyone using a health or disability service has the protection of a Code of Rights. | Kei ngā tāngata katoa te haumarutanga o te Tikanga Mōtika me ka mahi te ratonga hauora, hauātanga rānei.

Health and Disability Commissioner — Code of health and disability services consumers’ rights  (external link)

Bring everything with you that you will need, especially if staying overnight or longer.

If you have an appointment for surgery or hospital admission, go straight to the clinic, unit or ward shown in your appointment letter.

If you find the directions difficult, ask for help at the main reception desk. There may be volunteers there who can help you.

When you get to your ward or clinic, you will be introduced to the staff caring for you. Check with the receptionist or clerk they have your correct details, such as your address, phone number and current healthcare provider.

As part of being admitted, you will get an identity bracelet with your name and other details on it, to help the staff know who you are. It will be checked often, and before having tests and treatments. Always wear it while you are in hospital.

If you are having surgery, your appointment time is not the time of your surgery. Your surgery will happen after your preparation is complete. Be prepared to wait.

If you will be having a general anaesthetic, about a week before your appointment a nurse will contact you and ask some questions. This is to make sure you are still fit, willing and able to have your procedure.

You will also be told how to prepare for your surgery. This is a good time to discuss transport and support arrangements, including for discharge.

If you are having a local anaesthetic, you will only be contacted if there are any necessary instructions.

Emergencies sometimes mean the hospital might need to delay (postpone) your surgery at short notice. This could happen even after you have been admitted to hospital.

Our staff will do everything possible to avoid this. But if your surgery appointment is postponed, and your surgery is absolutely essential, you will be re-booked for the next available time.