Hospital admission & surgery preparation checklist

Before admission day

• Get written instructions from the hospital about fasting, arrival time, and which medicines to pause or continue — follow your doctor’s advice, not general rules
• Confirm the estimated cost, deposit, and what is included in any package
• Check insurance pre-authorization requirements
• Ask whether pre-operative tests must be done in advance
• Arrange someone to accompany you and to take you home

Paperwork

• Photo ID, insurance documents, and payment method
• Admission letter or doctor’s advice slip
• All recent test reports and imaging
• List of current medicines and allergies
• Emergency contact names and phone numbers

What to pack

• Current medicines in their original packaging
• Comfortable, loose clothing and non-slip footwear
• Toiletries, towel, and a phone charger
• Glasses, hearing aids, or dentures with labeled cases
• A small amount of cash; leave jewellery and valuables at home

Questions to ask the team

• Who is my responsible doctor, and when do they visit?
• What are the visiting hours and rules for attendants?
• What should I expect after the procedure, and how long is recovery?
• What do I need before discharge (discharge summary, prescriptions, follow-up date)?

My notes