It’s always a good idea to have an emergency overnight bag on the ready, especially if you need to see a medical professional in the midst of a pandemic like COVID-19. There’s always a chance that your doctor will advise you to stay in the hospital overnight or for a few days to monitor your health. I’m thinking about this more and more since I had to recently go to hospital 3 times with horrendous pain in the right side of the middle of my back. They never found out what it was and it did eventually ease, after feeling really ill and the worst pain I’ve felt since giving birth.
In these circumstances, having an emergency overnight bag on hand can save you a lot of stress and anxiety. This bag should contain everything you need to make an unexpected overnight stay in a hospital a more comfortable experience. Here’s a list of what I think should go into the bag:
Pyjamas. Since you might be staying in the hospital overnight or over the course of several nights, it’s best to pack some clothes to sleep in. After all, the clothes that you showed up in may not be appropriate for sleeping, and the gowns provided by the hospital can be a bit too thin and drafty. Pack comfortable sleepwear for women (or men) by going for loose and comfy pieces that will keep you warm and help you get a good night’s sleep.
Your mobile devices. You’ll need a way to contact your loved ones, get information, and keep yourself entertained while you’re in a hospital. By bringing your phone or other digital devices, you’ll have an easier time getting in touch with people and keeping boredom at bay. While you will likely have these devices on your person anyway, don’t forget to pack the chargers in your overnight bag.
ID. While there’s a good chance that you have ID in your purse, it’s still smart to pack some extra documents for identification in your overnight bag. You might end up needing to present them and you can save yourself the trouble of having someone fetch your papers for you.
List of medicines. If you regularly take any type of medicine for your health, it’s best to have a list of them ready when you go to the hospital. That way, the medical staff will be better-informed in diagnosing and prescribing medicine or in providing you with treatment if needed.
Warm jumper or jacket. The rooms where patients stay in the hospitals are often kept at low temperatures to inhibit the growth of bacteria. That being said, your hospital room can get very cold, and it’s best to bring something that will keep you warm during your stay. A nice, thick sweater or jacket should do as you can wear it multiple times during your stay.
Your own pillow. Sometimes, the hospital pillows might be too firm for your liking. Moreover, some of them might even be covered in plastic. For your own comfort, it might be a good idea to bring your own pillow with you. If your pillows at home tend to be larger and on the bulkier side, you can bring a soft u-shaped travel pillow instead. It’s a lot smaller, but it will still keep you comfortable.
Basic Toiletries. This would include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap in case you need to shower or freshen up at the hospital. To make packing easier, have a small bag with extras of these products handy so you can just put it in your overnight bag without having to go through your bathroom.
Skincare products. Being in a different environment can be bad for your skin and can cause you to break out or make your skin feel dry. Pack some facial wash, moisturizer, and body lotion in your overnight bag so you can give your skin some TLC even while you’re at the hospital. It might not seem like a big deal, but taking care of your skin during your hospital stay can help you relax and keep your skin hydrated.
Earphones or headphones. Sometimes, it can be hard to focus or fall asleep in the hospital because of the background noise. Drown out the sounds from medical equipment or loud hallway conversations by listening to music or a podcast on your earphones or headphones. One with a noise-cancelling feature is even better.
Some good books. A hospital visit may be the best time to immerse yourself in a new book. Pack a book or two into your overnight back. If you’re worried about space, you can also bring your Kindle along. Make sure that you have a few ebooks downloaded that you would like to read.
Flip-flops. Unlike other kinds of footwear, flip-flops do not require you to bend over or crouch down to get them on. You can simply slip your feet into them and you’re ready to move around. It’s much easier than walking around your room barefoot or in socks because you didn’t bring anything else besides your outdoor shoes.
A hospital visit can be a terrifying experience when it’s unplanned, but you can prepare for such events in advance. With this list, you can easily put together an overnight bag that will make a surprise stay at the hospital less of a hassle.
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