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Personal belongings: few, clean, wipeable

Personal belongings make a hospital room more comfortable, but they can also carry dust and germs. This section explains what to bring and how to keep it clean.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A wooden toothbrush in a cup beside a bar of soap
Figure 1.Few, clean, wipeable things

01Short answer

The principle: few items, and ones you can wipe. Useful: phone and charger, tablet, a book, your own soft toothbrush, a comb, comfortable clothes, shoes or slippers, glasses and a notebook. Wipe everything regularly with a disinfectant wipe (one suitable for electronics). Toothbrush, towel, razor and cosmetics are personal only; do not share them. Soft toys, rugs and lots of cushions collect dust, so ask before bringing them. Keep valuables at home.

02Simple explanation

Few and wipeable.

Wipe regularly.

Personal items: do not share.

Soft toys: ask.

03Scientific explanation

Infection control: frequently touched surfaces and objects play a part in spreading germs.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Phone

The phone is the most-touched item; wipe it daily.

Children

A favourite toy should be washable and washed often.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PhoneThe phone is the most-touched item; wipe it daily.
ChildrenA favourite toy should be washable and washed often.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Disinfection
Reducing germs on a surface.
Wipeable
Able to be cleaned with a wipe.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Bring little.
  • Wipe.
  • Do not share.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I bring books?

Yes, clean ones; not old dusty books.

Can we bring a toy?

A clean, washable one, if the team agrees.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I bring books?

  2. Can we bring a toy?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, 2009. Guidelines for preventing infectious complications among hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients: a global perspective
  6. Macmillan Cancer Support. Support with cancer and anxiety
  7. Macmillan Cancer Support. Work and cancer
  8. American Cancer Society. Physical Activity When You Have Cancer
  9. Cancer Research UK. Exercise guidelines for people with cancer
  10. NHS. Falls
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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