What to bring for your hospital stay

Please have a member of your care circle bring your belongings into the hospital after your surgery is done and you have been assigned a room number.

Please bring the following to the hospital.

  • this education book
  • a current list of your medicines (The "My Medicine List" is available for you to fill out.)
  • a copy of your health care directive (if you have one)
  • driver's license or photo ID
  • Your insurance information (insurance card, Medicare card, work compensation information or all three)
  • personal care items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, denture cleaner, comb, skin care products, deodorant, make-up and shaving kit)
  • loose-fitting tops and bottoms (shorts with an elastic waistband, generous sweat pants).  You will get dressed each morning in your own clothes.
  • clothing you will wear home, including loose-fitting pants, shirt, underwear and socks
  • flat shoes or athletic shoes (comfortable, supportive with nonslip soles)
  • glasses or contacts (if you wear them) and storage containers
  • hearing aids (if you wear them), storage container and extra batteries
  • CPAP machine (if you use one)
  • reading materials (All rooms have a television and phone.)
  • phone numbers of family and friends
  • cell phone charger
  • rolling walker with front wheels (if you have one).  Your physical therapist can make adjustments to your walker for you. (Be sure to label it with your name.) If you do not have an assistive walking device, your physical therapist will help you get the medical equipment you need while in the hospital.
  • money to buy equipment to take home if needed.  It's a good idea to ask a member of your care circle to bring this to you.  Allina Health will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Please do not bring any of the following:

  • valuables
  • medicines (pills, inhalers)
  • large amounts of money
  • jewelry (leave your wedding ring at home)

Allina Health will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education Department, Knee Replacement, seventh edition, ortho-ah-90140
First Published: 10/01/2000
Last Reviewed: 02/01/2020