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The Sick List

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Gifts What to pack

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What to pack for hospital →

← Back to all hospital bag lists

PACK NOW

I need to pack a hospital bag NOW

You don’t need to sort everything out right now. You just need to pack a bag.

Packing now

Phone
Charger / long charging cable + plug
Glasses / hearing aids if relevant
Underwear + socks
Pyjamas / nightwear
Warm layer
Slippers or grip socks
Toothbrush + normal toiletries
Bank card
Notebook + pen
List of current medications
Regular medications

If you have another five minutes

Own pillow AND pillowcase
Lightweight blanket
Bath sheet
Hanging wash bag
Easy-drinking water bottle
Headphones
Ear plugs
Eye mask
iPad / tablet, if you have one
A spare waterproof bag for dirty clothes coming home
Something low-concentration to do

Can’t find something on the list? See what we’d recommend for an overnight or short hospital stay →

Practical patient-made help, not medical advice. Ward rules and your clinical team always come first.

Hospital bag tag inserts Ward-round notes

The Sick List

Stuff that actually helps when you're ill — built by patients who've done the long stays, the day surgeries, the infusions and the 3am ward noise.

Situations

A&E or unplanned admission
Day surgery
Overnight or short stay
Longer hospital stay
Treatment or infusion day
Recovery at home
Caring for someone at home

Needs

Comfort & dignity
Sleep & noise
Washing, grooming & feeling human
Clothing & mobility
Boredom & distraction
Tech & entertainment
Drinking & dry mouth
Organisation & advocacy

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it never changes what we recommend. Nothing here is medical advice; always check with the ward before bringing food, drink or electrical items.