How to build a hospital comfort bag

Wynn Hospital has never been a popular place, even before it existed. Many local residents expressed disagreement with the idea of building a whole new hospital downtown instead of improving the two existing hospitals. There were even protest signs and at least one activist group on facebook.

Now that the new hospital has been here for a while, many of the concerns have proven to be legitimate. Many people are reporting adequate, even excellent treatment, but there are also numerous reports of dangerous misdiagnosis, callous or even verbally abusive treatment from staff, and a lack of communication.

But love it, think it’s just okay, or hate it, you and/or someone you love may wind up admitted there to deal with a temporary or permanent health issue at some point. There are no guarantees that the experience will be pleasant but packing a comfort bag and keeping it someplace easily accessible in an emergency or other time of high stress can help make the experience tolerable.

Cheap, full coverage, comfortable undewear

Purchase as much comfortable cotton underwear as you can. If your hospital stay lasts for four days, you’ll want at least ten pair. If it extends to a full week, you’ll want fifteen or so. Hospital blankets are heavy, and the rooms tend to be a bit warm. You will likely sweat through whatever you’re wearing in the hospital bed, and will want to change your underwear morning and night. You also want an extra pair or two in case you spill something that seeps through your hospital gown.

When shopping, gather the cheapest items you can find. Things get lost in the rush to leave the hospital, and you don’t want to risk leaving the underwear you actually wear from day to day behind.

Sports bra or undershirt

For many women, going without a bra grows uncomfortable after a day or two, but most bras are not comfortable enough to wear in a hospital bed. If you need to put a bra on during the day to prevent back pain, add a supportive but soft sports bra to your hospital survival bag. A sports bra also adds a little coverage for those times you’re asked to get up and walk around the hallway. For men or for women who can go without a bra, an undershirt can help add a little coverage under your hospital gown when you need to walk outside of your room.

Modest shorts or leggings

Sweat pants will likely prove much too hot to wear under hospital bedding, but sitting in just your hospital gown and underwear will be awkward when people come to visit you, or when you need to walk outside of your room. Pack a pair of light leggings or a pair of shorts to wear during those times instead. If you can find a reasonably priced pair, choose shorts designed for exercise. These will be the most comfortable under warm bedding.

Fully stocked personal hygiene kit

Invest a few dollars in a folding toiletry kit you can hang up in the bathroom. Fill the kit with travel size bottles of shampoo, a bar of soap or travel body wash, deodorant, and a disposable razor if you shave. In addition to the razor, take an electric shaver. If you are injected with blood thinners to prevent clots, you will not be able to shave with your razor. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and hair brush or comb.

The hospital does have all of these items in stock for patients. You should be able to ask your nurse for any basic personal hygiene items. If you get one of the many skilled, caring nurses who work at Wynn Hospital, they will bring you anything you need. That is, unless a hundred different things come up on their way to the supply closet. There is also the possibility that one of the more difficult staff members will be on duty during your stay. It is better to just provide your own items for the bathroom.

Electronics

Most people carry their cell phones with them at all times. If you are one of those people, make sure you have an extra charger packed in your hospital bag. If you carry a purse, backpack, or briefcase with you everywhere, and your charger stays in there, you can skip this step. But if you keep your charger plugged in by your bed or desk, or if it is kept in a drawer, pick up an extra one for your hospital bag.

If you have a friend or family member who can bring your laptop as soon as you have recovered enough to use it, there is no need to purchase a second laptop to pack in your bag. But if there isn’t anyone available to bring you things, you may want to consider purchasing the smallest, cheapest laptop available and tucking it and its charger into your bag.

Comfort items

Making sure you can walk down the hall and have a visitor without humiliation, keep yourself clean, and keep yourself comfortable enough to get your rest in the hospital bed are the most important things to think about when facing a hospital stay. But if there is room in your bag, consider adding a comfort item or two. You may want to pack a journal and pen, cards, small games or puzzles, a devotional, or some fun socks to replace the gray hospital issue slipper socks. Add a small pillow or stuffed animal to make the bed a bit more comfortable.

All of the items suggested above can be purchased through Amazon or at local stores.

by Jess Santacroce, Writer & Editor, The 315

Photo: stock photo

Inspiration: Wynn Hosptial features prominently in Jess' current novel in progress. The article is one written by Heather in chapter 4.