Be like a Boy Scout, and be prepared…..

A few days ago, I mentioned in a post the TVNZ story of an elderly gentleman, who had the unfortunate experience of being discharged from Wellington Hospital, after an emergency admission, wearing only his shortie pyjamas, had no money with him, and was told to take a bus home.  Even on a good day, I would find it a bit daunting trying to persuade a bus driver to give me a free trip home.  

Now, Wellington, while a very pleasant city in Summer, a  tropical paradise it ain’t.
Right now, it is Spring, and when the winds are not howling up from the Antarctic, the rain is pouring down, with the odd small earthquake thrown in to add a little spice to life.  

So, here is a word of advice on being prepared for unexpected trips like this.  My hospital visits became almost a shuttle service by ambulance a couple of years ago.   I am now a seasoned traveller and I always have a small bag packed, just in case.  In it, I put things like toiletries, comb and small mirror, etc and a set of clothes to wear home, as well as night attire and slippers or shoes.  I have a small radio and earphones, cellphone  and a few dollars  Then, when the unexpected need arises, the ambulance crew just picks up the bag and it goes with me in the ambulance.  I also have a file with a list of my doctors, current medications, medical notes, family contacts etc, which makes admission to the hospital go a lot faster. The reason I take a change of clothes is that I usually arrive in hospital in my pyjamas and need clothes to go home in.


Do this, and on that unexpected day, you’ve got it covered.