Coming into hospital can sometimes be daunting. So to make things easier, we explain what you can expect during your stay.

We aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and to ensure you get all the care and support you need.

Find out more information in our Welcome booklet

What to bring with you

• All medicines you take. This includes any pain relief, vitamins, or supplements. Please give the medicines to your nurse and do not take any, including over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol. Our team will review and give you all medicine 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.

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 medicine 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.

Sometimes, the medicine you bring into hospital with you is no longer suitable for you when you leave. One of our pharmacists will check which medicines you still need so you can take them home with you.

Food and drink

See information about food and and drink available on our wards

Wi-Fi

Free patient Wi-Fi is available at Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington Hospital, and King’s College Hospital. Patients and visitors can access the internet free of charge 24 hours a day.

To access the Wi-Fi, select the ‘NHS Wi-Fi’ network from your mobile, tablet or laptop. Accept the Terms and Conditions, and click ‘connect’. Patients and visitors accessing the Wi-Fi can use the service to find out information about the hospital, as well as use the internet more widely.

For further information, contact the Wi-Fi Helpdesk on 0344 848 9555.