Thus far (touch wood) I have avoided hospital stays. However, speaking from a visitors point of view:

A good friend of mine has the misfortune to loose his wife to cancer. I, along with various other people, spent quite a lot of time visiting her during "the terminal phase."

Quick rant: I hate that bloody phrase! Why can't they say dying like everyone else? Rant over


To complicate matters: It's a N.H.S. hospital. The ward is right next to A&E and she has a 16 year old son + a 12 year old daughter. That means that there are all sorts of "characters" about. That mean that certain individuals, along with myself, spent a lot of time doing the close escort bit. I was specifically warned by a couple of the staff that things can get "interesting."

So:

Body armour if you have it.
Knife (legal).
Multi tool.
Baton (if legal) or something innoculess that can be used as a baton. like a magazine or newspaper.
Good book.
Surefire torch.
L.E.D. torch.
Small amount of money + change.
Shave kit, poncho liner, towel etc.

Charming pleasant professional manner (think fireman, police officer, N.C.O. Paramedic) for when dealing with the staff. Works wonders. Also tells the lower forms of life that messing with you is A Bad Career Move.