Does anyone have a friend or relative (or maybe yourself) who has a chronic illness, and for who you would be responsible for taking to the hospital should the need arise? I'm trying to think of what the person with the illness should keep packed in a kit to facilitate a non-life-threatening, but unexpected trip to the hospital, perhaps for an overnight stay. Also, what should the peron who might be responsible for transporting them keep in a kit? I guess there's the usual stuff like toiletries and a change of clothes. What else?

You may want to start with this ARC web site for persons with disabilities. You will need to copy and paste the entire web address to get to the site. Pete

]http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0],1082,0_603_,00.html

Photos of loved ones. Religous text or paraphenalia, though staff have no sense of humour. I checked " all of the above" and the combination of a mudclown kachina, bronze buddha and celtic cross had the filipina nurse worried during my brief stay. Redundancy in survival in all preparations!

Based on 14 years working at a large hospital I'd say that books, magazines, crossword puzzles etc would be top of the list. Whatever the person likes to do to so they don't get bored. It's very helpfull to have a notepad and pen/pencil to take notes when the Dr. comes by in order to help get the info to the family. Favorite foods or juices, if allowed. A small radio or something to listen to with head/ear phones. Some people like to use the time to catch up writting cards and letters. Whatever religious books, etc of course. Make sure the person knows how the phone works. I've seen some people do small craft/sewing projects.

Good URL. On a semi-related note, I like the Disaster Supplies Calendar:
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/apendixb.html

This give you supplies to purchase each week over a five-month period.

Outstanding list in general. There are some items I would change or add, but overall a good start for most persons. Pete