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Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

The other day, I had to take a trip to the hospital, and it was quite amazing. It was a new challenge, and I do love challenges. As we age, some of us have a tendency to pop in and out of the hospital for various reasons, minor and major. As I had not been in the hospital for quite some time, I was not really prepared. The following are some observations and some suggestions to make a visit more comfortable and less stressful.

The retirement village where I live requires us to have a list of medical information on the inside of our pantry doors, inside an A4 plastic sheet, and any important medical information that may be required. I have included a copy at the end of this article with the sort of information that’s a great benefit if the ambulance is called and you are busy, being too ill to answer half the questions: medical information, Medicare number, next of kin, and a lot more. Also of great importance would be an ACD (Advanced Care Directive) if you wish to have one. This information can be handed to the paramedics when they arrive. Also include a list of your medications, prior surgeries, and allergies. So be prepared. You will be asked for your Health Fund and Medicare information, as well as your symptoms and previous medical treatments and medications. I was not in a very good state to answer these questions, so handing over a form with the information made for a good deal less stress.

When it’s been decided that you’re going to the hospital, you may be offered a choice of hospitals or not, depending on how busy the hospitals are. Do not think big hospitals mean better nursing. I went to my small local hospital, Ryde Hospital, and received outstanding care. I could not have been treated better, even in a bigger hospital.

You will likely not have a room to yourself. Image Credit: Shutterstock

This is when we need to learn patience, kindness, and understanding. By all means, tell them how you feel about your pain and how severe it may or may not be, but consider that these professional nurses have trained to care for you. I heard lovely comments, and I heard a lot more verbal abuse as well, as these amazing nurses went about caring for people… it seemed a little strange to be expecting nurses to be kind, caring and professional while being profoundly abused. Thankfully not everybody was like that.

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[PDYR]

This article is brilliant, thank you. I volunteer in Pal Care and I see how staff can be treated badly, fortunately most patients and visitors are lovely. I also live in a village and I made Go Bags for my husband and I. Our emergency button people are aware that we have them, where they are kept if we are unable to speak when an ambulance is called. In the side pocket it also has all medication medical history etc annd in the bag we have enough items for two days. Pam

 

[Benny's Light]

Thank you for this. What great advice. I was very sick some years ago and not thought I would pull through the night. The experience of hospital for nearly five months was very eye opening. You are right that if you treat the staff well that they too will reciprocate. I was lucky, the care I received was exceptional and this was in a large public hospital in NSW. You are right that going home can be a bit of a shock and readjusting takes time especially when your body is not quite up to doing things as you used to. I learned most of all that asking for help was ok. I was always a strongly independent person who would never ask for help - now I do. I have a folder in an accessible location with all my information and history in case I ever have to go to hospital again. This is essential to avoid having to go through information when you least feel well enough to do so, it also ensures that nothing is missed. God bless you for the practical and thoughtful advice from your lived experience.

 

[Jo Piper3]

Thank you (again) Joy for another wonderful, helpful article.

 

[Shazann]

Thank you Joy, your article was very informative. I will use your advise and make it a priority to get my information together. One never knows when it may be needed.

 

[Dynamo]

Thank you for your well written and very helpful advice.