Preparing for your hospital stay

Documents and health information

Your care team may ask many questions about your health, including past and current conditions, whether you have ever had an operation, what kind of medicine or supplements you may be taking, whether you use any substances, and whether you have any food or drug allergies.  

Ask questions if you need more clarification or information. We want you to understand your condition and treatment. Here are some examples of documents and health information to bring: 

• Two pieces of personal ID (BC Service Card/Care Card, driver’s license, or other government-issued identification) 
• If you do not speak English, bring someone to assist you. If you need an interpreter, please let us know
• Your extended health-care insurance ID card (e.g., extended health care) if you have one
• ICBC or WorkSafeBC information if it's relevant to your hospital admission
• All your medications in original containers (including non-prescription medications. DO NOT bring your opioid pain medications to the hospital) 
• List of your current medications, including nonprescription drugs and herbal products
• If you have documented your wishes about the health care you may receive now or in the future, in an advance directive such as a representative agreement, a living will, or a similar document, bring this to the attention of your family and health care providers.  

Personal items

• Washable, comfortable loose clothing and a change of clothes to wear when you go home 
• Glasses, dentures, retainer, mouth guard, hearing aids, and spare batteries (in the case with your name on it) 
• Your house keys
• Toiletries and self-care items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, hairbrush
• Nightwear (i.e. pyjamas)
• Socks and undergarments
• Any medical devices you normally use (i.e. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine or BIPAP machine, blood glucose monitor, etc.)
• Bathrobe
• Comfortable non-slip footwear that you can put on (i.e. slippers)

If you are coming to the hospital to have your baby, you should also bring: 

• A few baby outfits and blankets
• A few snacks and drinks
• Extra pillows and sleep linens
• A CMVSS-approved car seat
• A package of pre-moistened baby wipes

Equipment

If you own any of the following pieces of equipment, your care team may ask you to bring them with you: 

• a wheelchair 
• wheelchair cushion 
• walker 
• CPAP/ BIPAP machine 
• cane 
• crutches 
• splints 
• self-care aids 
• any medical appliances you use, e.g., a blood glucose monitor

• Don't bring large sums of money or credit cards. When you're discharged, arrange to have someone bring your credit card or chequebook when they pick you up so you can pay for things like a private room or equipment. If you rent a TV or phone payments are due at connection time. Pay-by-phone is also available at VCH's larger hospitals.
• Don't bring valuables such as electronics or jewelry. Rings and watches you usually wear should be left at home. VCH cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen items. In emergencies, VCH hospitals can store some small valuables for a short time. Ask the admitting department or your nurse.
• Don't bring or wear perfume, cologne or aftershave in a VCH facility. Remind visitors to avoid wearing these products or sending flowers with strong scents. Some people are highly allergic to fragrances and can suffer severe reactions.

Consider choosing a family member or close friend to be your main contact while you're in the hospital. This person can be responsible for relaying information on your condition and updates to the rest of your friends and family, helping reduce the number of calls to the nurses' station. 

Let your designated contact know the hospital’s main switchboard telephone number or the phone number of your unit, if available. Nurses can share details about your general condition but they can't give that information over the phone in order to protect your privacy. Depending on your unit or room, you may be able to take telephone calls yourself.

For hospital contact information, visit our find a location page.

We understand that making travel arrangements to receive health care treatment can be difficult for patients and their families. There are services which are available to support you and your family. 

Learn about about travel, transportation and accommodations.

You will need to arrange your own transportation home. 

If you were brought by ambulance from an outside hospital, you still need to arrange your own transportation home. Ambulance services are not used to return patients to their homes. Patients are usually discharged directly home and are not returned to the original hospital. 

Check the travel and accommodations webpage for information and resources to help you and your loved ones plan travel, transportation and accommodation to stay connected while accessing health care services. Also remember to bring your government photo ID (Remember: you cannot board a flight without your ID).