Inpatients
Coming into hospital can sometimes be daunting, so to make things easier, we explain what you can expect during your stay. We aim to ensure that your stay at King’s is as comfortable as possible and that you receive all the care and support you need. Find out more information in our Welcome to our hospitals booklet.
We will send you a letter telling you when to come into King’s. It will also explain what you need to do before coming in. Please follow these instructions so you can have your treatment as planned.
Check your admission date
Check the admission date on your letter. If you cannot come to hospital on that date, let us know by calling the contact number on the letter.
Follow the instructions on the letter about how to confirm your admission to King’s. You will be either contacted by us or asked to call King’s to confirm there is a bed available for you. Do not come in without confirming that we have a bed for you.
What to bring with you
- All medicines you take. This includes any pain relief, vitamins or supplements. Please give the medication to your nurse and do not take any, including over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol. Our team will review and give you all medication that you need during your hospital stay.
- Pyjamas, night clothes, a dressing gown and slippers.
- Ear plugs and eye mask to help you sleep better.
- Clothes and socks and shoes with good grip soles.
- Glasses or contact lenses (please bring both if you have them).
- Any medical aids or devices you use, such as a hearing aid, walking stick or walking frame.
- Toiletries and sanitary products.
- Bank card or a small amount of money.
- Things to do such as books, magazines, crosswords or an internet enabled device to access our Wi-Fi.
- Headphones.
- A mobile phone, with important contact numbers, and a charger.
You will have a small locker next to your bed for your personal things.
What not to bring with you
Please do not bring valuables, such as jewellery or large sums of money to the hospital. The Trust does not accept liability for lost or damaged property unless it has been given to the cash office for safekeeping. Please speak to the nurse looking after you to ask about our cash office. For more advice, see our area about Security at King’s.
Your medicines
When you arrive, show your nurse or doctor any medicines or tablets you have been taking. If you cannot bring your medicines or tablets with you, we will make sure you get the medication you need.
Your medical team will review your medicines or tablets while you are in hospital because these might need to be changed or stopped. We will not take your medicines away without your permission. You can keep them in your locker next to your bed.
When you leave hospital you can take your medicines with you if the doctor says it is still suitable for you. We will give you a different prescription if you need it. We will give you two weeks’ supply – enough to cover you until you can visit your home doctor.