Health & Wellbeing guide

Prepare for a planned hospital stay

Get ready for a planned operation or hospital admission: pre-assessment, paperwork, packing, home and work arrangements and planning for going home.

Time needed: 2–3 hours over the weeks beforeUpdated: 28 September 2026

A planned stay in hospital is easier when practical matters are sorted in advance. Good preparation reduces stress and helps your recovery at home. This guide covers the practical side only; always follow the specific instructions from your hospital team.

Step by step

  1. Attend pre-assessment and read your letters

    Many planned procedures include a pre-assessment appointment to check your health and explain what to expect. Read every letter carefully, noting the date, arrival time, where to go and any instructions about eating, drinking or medicines. If anything is unclear, contact the number on the letter.

Members

The rest of this guide is for members

This guide continues with 4 more sections. Unlock this guide and all 207 ABCDayZ guides with checklists, troubleshooting and next steps.

£3.99 for 1 month or £29 for 12 months. One payment, no automatic renewal.

Unlock all guides

Already a member on another device? Open your personal access link. Bought Programming with AI? Your first month is included.