Going Into Hospital

Summary

Going into hospital can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, whether you are being admitted for physical health treatment or because you need support with your mental health. You may be unsure about what will happen, how long you will stay, what you can take with you or how you will stay in contact with people at home. Preparing for your admission where possible can help you feel more informed and give you a better idea of what to expect.

What you take with you will depend on the hospital and the type of ward you are going to. Useful items may include:

Clothing

  • Comfortable clothes
  • Underwear and socks
  • Pyjamas
  • Jumper or cardigan
  • Comfortable shoes or slippers
  • Coat or jacket

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel or soap
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Period products, if needed
  • Any other toiletries you use regularly

Health and medication

  • Any medication you take, following the hospital’s instructions
  • Glasses and glasses case
  • Contact lenses and contact lens supplies, if applicable
  • Any medical equipment or aids you regularly use
  • Important health information or medication details

Electronics

  • Mobile phone
  • Phone charger
  • Headphones or earphones
  • Tablet or laptop, if permitted
  • Chargers for other devices

Things to keep you occupied

  • Books or magazines
  • Notebook and pen
  • Puzzle books
  • Drawing or colouring materials
  • Games or other hobbies
  • Photos or other familiar items
  • A comfort item, such as a favourite blanket or soft toy, if permitted

Important items

  • Important contact details
  • Identification or documents you have been asked to bring
  • Any paperwork provided by the hospital
  • A small amount of money, if appropriate
  • A labelled bag or case for your belongings

Check with your hospital or ward before packing, as different hospitals have different rules about what you can bring. Some items may need to be stored safely or may not be allowed on the ward.

Hospitals have rules about what can be brought onto a ward. This can be particularly important on psychiatric wards, where certain items may be restricted for safety reasons. Items such as sharp objects, glass, aerosols, alcohol, drugs, weapons, lighters, razors, belts, cords (e.g. chargers), and some electrical items may not be permitted, although the exact rules vary between hospitals and wards. If you know you are going into hospital, it is useful to check the rules beforehand. If you are admitted unexpectedly, staff can explain what is and is not allowed when you arrive.

Being in hospital can also mean spending time away from your usual support network. Staying in contact with friends and family, where possible, can help you feel connected while you are away from home. Depending on the hospital, you may be able to use your phone, text, make calls or video call people, and friends and family may be able to visit during designated visiting times. Different wards have different rules about phones, visitors and communication, so it is important to check what applies to you.

You may not always want to speak to everyone while you are in hospital, and that is okay. You can decide who you want to keep updated and how much information you want to share. If you are unable to use your phone or have visitors at certain times, there may be other ways to stay connected, such as writing letters or arranging specific times to communicate.

If you know you are going into hospital, you can ask what to expect before you arrive, including what you can bring, what the daily routine might look like, when visitors can come and what the ward rules are. If you are admitted unexpectedly, you may not have time to prepare everything you would normally take with you. This is okay, and hospital staff can help you understand what you need and what will happen next.

How to help myself

Going into hospital can bring up a range of emotions, including worry, fear, sadness, frustration or uncertainty. You may feel nervous about being away from home, meeting unfamiliar people, having treatment or not knowing how long you will be staying. Try to give yourself time to adjust and remember that you do not have to feel comfortable with everything straight away. It is okay to ask questions, express your concerns and let staff know if something is making you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.

If you know you are going into hospital, preparing beforehand can help you feel more informed. You could find out what the ward is like, what you are allowed to bring, what the daily routine involves and whether there are any restrictions on visitors or personal belongings. Packing comfortable clothes, familiar items and activities you enjoy may help you feel more settled. If you are admitted unexpectedly, you can ask someone you trust to bring you any belongings you need, provided they are permitted on the ward.

Try to maintain some of your usual routines where possible. This might include getting dressed each morning, keeping a regular sleep schedule, reading, listening to music or spending time on activities you enjoy. Hospital routines may be different from what you are used to, and your ability to take part in activities may depend on your health, treatment and the rules of the ward. Finding small ways to maintain a sense of familiarity can help you feel more comfortable.

Staying connected with friends and family can help you feel less isolated while you are in hospital. Depending on the ward’s rules, you may be able to arrange visits, make phone calls, send messages or have video calls. If you cannot use your phone or receive visitors, ask staff about other ways to keep in touch. You can also let people know how much contact you would like, as you may sometimes need time to rest or prefer not to talk about your treatment.

Make sure you understand what is happening with your care as much as possible. You can ask staff to explain your treatment, medication, appointments, ward rules or anything else you are unsure about. If you find information difficult to understand, you can ask for it to be explained differently, written down or repeated. You can also ask whether a parent, carer, trusted person or advocate can support you during discussions about your care. If you have communication, sensory, cultural or accessibility needs, let staff know so they can consider appropriate adjustments.

Try to look after your physical and emotional wellbeing during your stay. Follow the advice of your healthcare team about medication, food, fluids, sleep, movement and rest, as this will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are experiencing pain, side effects, difficulties sleeping, anxiety or changes in your mood, let staff know. You do not have to wait until something becomes particularly difficult before asking for help.

Try not to put pressure on yourself to recover, adjust or cope in a particular way. Some days may feel easier than others, and your energy, mood and ability to take part in activities may vary. Rest when you need to, follow the advice of your healthcare team and let staff know if your symptoms or emotional wellbeing change. You do not have to manage every part of being in hospital on your own. 

Being in hospital can sometimes feel as though you have lost control over parts of your everyday life. Where possible, try to identify small decisions you can still make, such as choosing what to wear, deciding how to spend your free time or expressing your preferences about your care. You may not always be able to make every decision, particularly if there are medical or safety restrictions, but your views and experiences still matter.

If you are finding your hospital stay difficult, speak to a member of staff or someone you trust. You may feel homesick, lonely, bored, frightened or frustrated, particularly if your stay is longer than expected or you are unsure about what will happen next. Hospital staff can help you understand your care, explore what support is available and discuss any concerns you have. You can also ask about psychological support, activities or advocacy services if you feel these would be helpful.

How to help a loved one

Going into hospital can be frightening or overwhelming, particularly if someone does not know what to expect. Try to listen to their concerns and give them space to talk about what they are experiencing. They may be worried about their health, treatment, being away from home, meeting new people or having less control over their usual routine. You do not need to have all the answers; sometimes simply listening and taking their concerns seriously can be helpful.

Help them stay connected with the people and things that are important to them. If they are able to use their phone, regular calls, messages or video calls can help them feel less isolated. If visiting is allowed, arrange visits where appropriate and check the hospital’s visiting rules. If they cannot use their phone or have visitors at certain times, consider other ways of staying connected, such as letters, photographs or sending messages through other people.

If they are unsure about what they can bring into hospital, help them find out what the hospital or ward allows. You could help them pack practical items such as comfortable clothes, toiletries, medication, chargers, books, activities and familiar belongings. Avoid bringing items that may not be permitted, particularly on psychiatric wards, and check with the hospital if you are unsure.

Try to support their independence and choices where possible. Being in hospital can mean having less control over everyday decisions, so giving them opportunities to make appropriate choices can help them maintain a sense of control. This could include helping them choose what to pack, what activities they would like to do or who they want to keep in contact with.

Be mindful that their mood and needs may change during their hospital stay. They may have days when they want lots of contact and other days when they need more space. Try not to take this personally. Their energy, symptoms, treatment and emotions may all affect how much they feel able to communicate.

You can also help them communicate with hospital staff if they are finding it difficult to explain what they need. Encourage them to ask questions about their treatment and care, and where appropriate you can help them remember information or write down questions before appointments or discussions. If they want you involved in their care, they can let staff know that they would like you to be included, although there may be limits on what staff can share because of confidentiality.

Take their feelings seriously, even if you do not fully understand them. They may feel frightened, frustrated, lonely, bored, angry or upset about being in hospital. Avoid telling them to simply stay positive or suggesting that they should be grateful for receiving treatment. Instead, acknowledge that being in hospital can be difficult while reminding them that they do not have to manage the experience alone.

If you are concerned about their physical or mental health, tell the hospital staff rather than trying to manage everything yourself. If they tell you that they feel unsafe, are experiencing significant distress or are thinking about harming themselves, let a member of their healthcare team know as soon as possible. You can support them without taking responsibility for their entire care.

Myth buster

Myth: Going into hospital means you have done something wrong
Truth: Going into hospital does not mean you have done anything wrong. You may need hospital care because of a physical health problem, an injury, an illness or because you need support with your mental health. Needing treatment or support is not something you should feel ashamed of.

Myth: You should know what is going to happen when you arrive
Truth: It is completely normal to have questions about what will happen in hospital. You may not know what the routine will be, what treatment you will receive or what the ward will be like. You can ask staff to explain things and ask questions whenever you need to.

Myth: You have to take everything you own into hospital
Truth: You only need to take the things that are useful and allowed on your ward. Hospitals have different rules about belongings, and some items may be restricted or need to be stored safely. Checking what you can bring before you arrive can help you avoid bringing things that cannot be used.

Myth: You cannot use your phone or speak to people outside hospital
Truth: Rules around phones and communication vary between hospitals and wards. You may be able to use your phone, make calls, send messages or have visitors, although there may be specific times or restrictions. Staff can explain the rules that apply to you.

Myth: You have to be positive about being in hospital
Truth: It is okay to find being in hospital difficult. You may feel frightened, frustrated, lonely, bored, angry or worried about what is happening. Having difficult feelings does not mean you are not grateful for your treatment or that you are not trying to get better.

Myth: Being in hospital means you lose all control over your care
Truth: Being in hospital can involve rules and routines that are different from what you are used to, but you can still ask questions, express your preferences and talk to staff about your concerns. Where possible, you can be involved in decisions about your care.

Myth: If you are struggling in hospital, you should keep it to yourself
Truth: You can tell hospital staff if you are frightened, overwhelmed, uncomfortable or unsure about something. Letting staff know what you are experiencing can help them understand what support you need.

Myth: You should be able to cope with hospital on your own
Truth: It is okay to need support while you are in hospital. Staying connected with friends, family or other people you trust can help you feel less alone, and you can also ask hospital staff for emotional or practical support when you need it.

Myth: Once you leave hospital, everything will immediately go back to normal
Truth: You may need time to adjust after leaving hospital. Your health, routine, relationships or emotions may have changed during your stay, and it can take time to settle back into everyday life. It is okay to need ongoing support after you leave.

Support

If you are going into hospital, it is okay to ask for support before, during and after your stay. You may have questions about what will happen, feel worried about your treatment or find it difficult to be away from home. You do not need to manage these feelings on your own.

Your hospital team is there to support you with your physical or mental health. If you are unsure about your treatment, medication, diagnosis, ward routine or what will happen next, you can ask a member of staff to explain it to you. You can also let staff know if you are experiencing pain, distress, anxiety or other difficulties. If you do not understand something, it is okay to ask for it to be explained again or in a different way.

You can also speak to someone you trust outside of hospital. This could be a parent or carer, family member, friend, teacher, tutor or another trusted adult. They may be able to help you talk through your worries, stay connected with you during your admission or support you when you return home.

If you are in hospital because of your mental health, you may have access to additional support from professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists or other members of the mental health team. The type of support available will depend on the hospital, ward and your individual needs.

If you are finding it difficult to communicate with staff or understand information about your care, you can ask whether there is someone who can help you. You may also be able to request reasonable adjustments if you have a disability, are neurodivergent or have other communication or accessibility needs.

If you have concerns about your care, treatment or safety, tell a member of staff you trust. You can ask how to raise a concern or make a complaint if something does not feel right. You can also ask someone you trust to support you when discussing your concerns.

Support does not stop when you leave hospital. You may have follow-up appointments, medication, treatment or other support arranged for you after discharge. Make sure you know who to contact if you have concerns after leaving hospital and what to do if your symptoms or wellbeing become worse.

If you are struggling emotionally, feel unable to keep yourself safe or are experiencing a mental health crisis, tell someone as soon as possible. If you are already in hospital, speak to a member of your healthcare team. If you are not in hospital and need urgent help, you can contact NHS 111 or seek emergency help if you are in immediate danger.

Therapy interventions

Therapy may be offered as part of your care if you are in hospital, particularly if you are receiving support for your mental health. The type of therapy available will depend on why you are in hospital, your individual needs, your age and the services provided by the hospital or ward.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – This can help you explore the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It may be used to help you understand and manage difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, distress or worries about your health and treatment.
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – This can help you develop skills for managing intense emotions, coping with distress and improving relationships. It may be particularly relevant if you experience strong or rapidly changing emotions or difficulties managing impulses.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – This can help you make space for difficult thoughts and feelings while focusing on what is important to you. It may help you develop ways of responding to difficult experiences rather than feeling that you have to get rid of uncomfortable emotions immediately.
  • Supportive counselling – This can provide a space to talk about your experiences, emotions and concerns with a trained professional. This can be particularly helpful when being in hospital has brought up feelings such as fear, sadness, anger, uncertainty or loneliness.
  • Psychoeducation – This can help you understand your mental or physical health difficulties, treatment and recovery. Having a better understanding of what you are experiencing can help you recognise changes in your wellbeing and become more involved in your care.
  • Family therapy – This can help you and your family communicate about what is happening and understand each other’s experiences. It may be particularly useful when your hospital admission has affected family relationships or when you are preparing to return home.
  • Occupational therapy (OT) – This may also be available, particularly during longer hospital stays. OT can help you maintain or develop skills for everyday activities, routines, independence and returning to life outside hospital.

Therapy is not always the same as treatment for a physical health condition. Psychological support can help you manage the emotional impact of illness, injury, hospital admission or recovery, even when the main treatment you are receiving is medical. Not everyone who goes into hospital will need or be offered therapy. If you think talking therapy or psychological support could help you, you can ask your healthcare team what is available and whether it would be appropriate for you.

Helplines

Samaritans

Samaritans is a charity providing emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope or needs someone to talk to. They are there for people experiencing all sorts of difficulties, including stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationship or family problems, bereavement, feeling overwhelmed and concerns about mental health or suicide.

Phone: 116 123
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Website: www.samaritans.org

Childline
Childline is a free service for young people to talk to a counsellor about anything. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Childline is available to anybody who is 18 years old or younger.

Phone: 0800 1111
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
You can also find helpful resources, speak to a counsellor online or send a message on their site.
Website: www.childline.org.uk

For adults concerned about a child, the NSPCC can be contacted 

NSPCC

NSPCC is a children’s charity that works to protect children and prevent abuse and neglect. They provide support and advice for adults about child abuse, neglect, child safety, online safety and children’s mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Phone: 0808 800 5000
Opening times: 10 am–4 pm, Monday–Friday
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Email opening times: 11 am–4 pm, 7 days a week
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk

YoungMinds

YoungMinds is a national charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. They provide information, advice and support for parents and carers who are concerned about a young person’s mental health, and help people understand mental health difficulties, find appropriate support and access useful resources. Their Parents Helpline can provide information, advice, emotional support and signposting to other services. 

Parent helpline: 0808 802 5544 (9:30 am – 4 pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9:30 am – 6 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Email: parents@youngminds.org.uk
Webchat: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline/

Shout

Shout is a free, confidential text messaging service that provides support to anyone who is struggling to cope. It can help with a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, low mood, loneliness, relationship difficulties, bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, feeling overwhelmed and other mental health challenges.

Text: SHOUT to 85258
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Website: www.giveusashout.org

NHS 111 (Option 2)


NHS 111 is an NHS service providing urgent medical and mental health advice and support. It can help with mental health concerns, emotional distress, anxiety, low mood, suicidal thoughts and other urgent health problems. 

Phone: For mental health support, call 111 and select the mental health option (option 2).
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mind

Mind is a mental health charity providing information, advice and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties. They cover a wide range of mental health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, loneliness, coping with difficult experiences and managing everyday life. Mind provides information to help people understand what they are experiencing, know their rights, find appropriate support and feel less alone.

Phone: 0300 123 3393
Opening times: 9am–6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: www.mind.org.uk

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a charity providing support for people who are struggling with their mental health or experiencing emotional distress. They support people with issues including low mood, anxiety, loneliness, stress, suicidal thoughts and difficult life experiences.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58
Opening times: 5pm–midnight, every day
Webchat: 5pm–midnight, every day
WhatsApp: Available through the CALM website
Website: http://www.thecalmzone.net