If you are admitted for elective inpatient surgery, this will be undertaken in one of our acute sites, at either University Hospital of North Durham or Darlington Memorial Hospital. During your stay we will do everything we can to make sure we offer you and your family all the support you need, and that your stay is as comfortable as possible. We ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally, and with dignity and respect. Experience of care, clinical effectiveness and patient safety are our priority. We aim to involve patients fully in their own care, making decisions in partnership with clinicians to provide positive outcomes.

From your first visit through to any follow-up treatment, and until you leave our care, as an inpatient or an outpatient visiting one of our clinics, your welfare and care is extremely important to us.

We acknowledge that preparing to come into hospital can be an anxious time for patients and their families. If you or your loved ones require any additional information about your time in hospital, the procedure or investigation you may be attending for, or the condition for which you are being treated, please get in touch.

We advise patients to bring as little property into hospital as possible (particularly valuables), but, if you know you're being admitted, you may wish to consider the following suggestions:

Documents and paperwork

Ideally, you should bring all the necessary paperwork you have been given relating to your condition. All the medications you are currently taking, and a list of telephone numbers of family and friends. If you have a written power of attorney or living will, please bring those along with you too.

Toiletries

You may wish to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, soap, shampoo, a comb or hair brush, and any other toiletries that you may need. Please avoid perfumes or highly scented products. Lip balm is also a good addition to your toiletry bag.

A small amount of money

You may need a small amount of money to use at vending machines, or to buy something from our on-site facilities. We don’t recommend bringing credit cards or large amounts of cash with you. We would also recommend leaving all jewellery at home.

Clothing

Please bring comfortable clothes with you (you'll be able to wear your own clothing if you wish). We recommend bringing a supply of loose-fitting underwear and comfortable socks. Nightgowns or nightshirts are better than pyjama sets, and short-sleeved shirts are best to accommodate any intravenous (IV) lines you may require. A cardigan-style sweater or bed jacket may help with your comfort. Make sure you have slippers to walk around in and one pair of regular shoes (in case you can walk outside). Don’t forget to bring your spectacles.

Something to occupy your time

You may wish to bring books or magazines with you, to help pass the time, or pens and writing paper for making notes or journaling.