Members of the Chamber of Health Care Professionals (MESZK) prepared a list of suggestions for putting together a hospital package to bring along should you be hospitalized for any reason during the pandemic, but especially with coronavirus.
One should expect to spend at least 7-14 days in the hospital while the pandemic lasts. Both patients and family must prepare themselves that hospitals will likely not permit visits. Therefore, it is advised that hospital packages contain necessary items for at least one to two weeks. The authors of the list suggest that everyone, sick or healthy, prepare such packages in advance, in anticipation of the eventuality that one is hospitalized for any reason.
Naturally, certain documents are absolutely essential. ID card, health insurance card (Hungarian, EU, or foreign), a passport, residence card, previous medical records, and a detailed list of drugs taken habitually. One should also have a piece of paper with the details of their next of kin or chosen contact. If one does not wish to become an organ donor, or does not want to be resuscitated, they should also have the necessary legal statements. If one is taking part in a clinical trial, they must be in possession of the information card they receive from those administering the trial.
In terms of personal hygiene, patients should bring their own:
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, and other dental health equipment they might personally require
- Liquid body wash
- Hand sanitizer
- Three bath sponges of different colors
- Shampoo and other hair products one considers necessary
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Wet wipes
- Deodorant
- Shaving apparatus
- Facial care products
- Body lotion
- Combs, hair clips, hair bands
- Nail clippers
- Medifleur or Menalind for preventing decubitus
- Sanitary pads (not tampons!)
- Incontinence pads
Items related to food and drink:
- Cutlery (ideally single-use plastic)
- Cup and/or glass
- Plate
- Serviettes
- Paper towels
- Bottle or flask with cap
- Dish soap
- Bottled water
- Biscuits
Suggested protective equipment and clothing:
- Single-use or washable mask
- Slippers
- Robes
- Pajamas
- Socks
- Underwear
- Two sets of towels
- Paper handwipes
Other necessary items include:
- Mobile phone, tablet, chargers, headphones
- If needed, hearing aid
- If needed, glasses and related accessories (not contact lenses, ideally)
- Books, newspapers, etc.
- Crossword puzzles, pen
- Any other necessary medical items such as, but not limited to:
- Walking aids for the physically impaired
- Inhaler for those with asthma or other respiratory issues
- Insulin and glucometer for diabetics
- In case of anticoagulant treatment, Clexane or Flaxiparine injections
- Any items necessary for stomas
- If personally applicable, items necessary for tube feeding
- For those with incontinency and diaper allergy, hypoallergenic diapers, specialized lotion
- In case of a chronic wound, items necessary for the requisite specialized treatment
Do not bring:
- Sharp, pointy objects
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Medicine taken voluntarily and not at the behest of a medical professional
- Materials and devices which pose a fire hazard
- Tobacco products
- Jewellery, significant amounts of cash, other valuables.
The authors remind us to always act in accordance with the directions of healthcare professionals while in the hospital.
Featured photo illustration by Zoltán Balogh/MTI
