[PL] How do I send a package to the hospital?

Staying in hospital is a difficult experience for many people. Patients often feel lonely, stressed and disconnected from everyday life. In such a situation, the support of loved ones is particularly important. One way to show care is to send a parcel of essentials, snacks or a personal letter. Such a parcel can significantly improve the well-being of the sick person, but a few important rules need to be kept in mind so that it actually gets into their hands. Find out how to send a parcel to the hospital!

What can you send to the hospital?

Before you pack anything, it’s worth checking the rules and regulations of the hospital you want to send a parcel to. The rules can vary from one facility to another, and also from the ward where the patient is staying. The best thing to do is to call the duty station or porter’s lodge and ask about the applicable guidelines.

Usually, everyday items such as change of clothes (pyjamas, socks, dressing gown), basic hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tissues), and small personal items – a book, crossword puzzles or glasses – are allowed.

When it comes to food, hospitals are very careful. Only hermetically packed items that do not need to be kept in the fridge, such as rusks or biscuits, are sometimes acceptable. Before sending them, it is worth making sure that the patient can take them at all – some hospital diets are very restrictive.

It is absolutely forbidden to send medicines, sharp objects, valuables and perishable products such as fruit, dairy or meat. In most cases, you should also not send cash or electronic devices, especially those that need charging.

How do you pack a parcel so that it arrives safely to the person in hospital?

Plastic bags or small cardboard boxes work best. Some facilities recommend using transparent packaging to make it easier for staff to check the contents. The package should be neat, lightweight and easy to carry.

For items that may be damaged, such as cups or jars, items should be properly protected. Bubble wrap is a good option to prevent fragile packages from breaking.

The package should be clearly labelled with the patient’s name, ward name and, if known, room number. It is also worth adding the note: “Parcel for patient” and the date of delivery. If the parcel can be collected by a member of staff, the contact number of the person who is sending it is also useful.

How do I send and deliver a parcel to a hospital?

Wondering how to send a parcel to the hospital? There are three ways you can do this. The safest way is to hand over the parcel in person at the admission desk or gatehouse. Most hospitals set specific hours when parcels are accepted. Sometimes these are two to three hours a day, so it is worth calling ahead and checking the schedule. The second option is to ask someone living near the hospital to deliver the parcel in person. The rules are the same – proper packaging and description is important.

A third option is to use a courier service or the Polish Post Office. Not all establishments accept external parcels, so it is essential to check this before sending the parcel. When sending by courier, it is a good idea to indicate the time of delivery and to write on the parcel that it is for a patient of a particular ward. It is also a good idea to include the contact number of the person receiving it. Additionally, when donating food, it is a good idea to check how to send food by courier.

Are parcels sent to a hospital facility inspected?

Yes, in most hospitals parcels are checked by medical staff, usually in the presence of the patient. The purpose of this inspection is to make sure that no dangerous or prohibited items have gone in. It is therefore a good idea to pack everything in a clear and orderly manner. If you try to smuggle in medicines, a phone or other prohibited items, you expose the patient to unpleasantness.

Parcels and the sanitary regime

In situations of higher epidemic risk, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rules for accepting parcels may be tightened. Often there are then specific delivery times, special packaging requirements (e.g. plastic bags only) and sometimes even the need for advance notification. It is also sometimes the case that parcels are held for several hours before being handed over to the patient to minimise the risk of contamination.

This is why it is important to check your hospital’s current policies before sending a parcel. The latest information is usually available on the facility’s website or by calling the registration phone number.

How often can parcels be sent to hospital patients?

There is no single rule, but it is worth exercising moderation. Too frequent parcels can be a hassle for staff and difficult for the patient to store. It is a good idea to ask the patient what he or she is missing and only send essential items, preferably once every few days. This regularity keeps you in touch and attentive without overburdening hospital logistics. It is also a good idea to know how to pack clothes for shipment so that they do not get crumpled.