Staying in hospital
There are times when, through an accident or ill-health, you need to stay in hospital. This can be difficult and, if your stay is more than a day or two, you may need to organise things at home. If you are going for a planned stay, then your GP should give you a choice of hospitals. Hospitals will suggest some of the things you need to think about before and during your stay:
Most hospitals have a social work team which can also help you with this and will help when you are ready to leave hospital - making sure that any support you'll need when you're home is already arranged.
Carers Emergency Scheme
In the event of an emergency admission, you may not be able to tell anyone about the person you care for. The emergency scheme allows you to make arrangements before an emergency happens.
Other things to think about
If you have a pet, you should ask a relative, friend, or neighbour to look after it while you're in hospital. If this isn't possible, ask to speak to a social worker who should be able to make arrangements.
Cancelling regular deliveries such as milk and newspapers. If your stay is going to be quite some time, you may want to let the Royal Mail know too.
Benefits and bills - if you think that you'll be in hospital for more than four weeks and you get benefits, you should let the benefits agency know. You may also want to let your gas and electricity suppliers know.
This page was last updated on 22 September 2008
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