Going into the hospital as a Catholic involves notifying staff of your faith upon admission to ensure access to a Catholic chaplain and receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick or Holy Communion. It is best to arrange for the Anointing of the Sick with your parish priest before admission, especially for planned surgeries. 

Key Considerations and Actions:

• Inform Hospital Staff: Due to data protection, chaplains are not automatically notified of your admission; you must ask ward staff to contact the Catholic chaplain.

• Sacrament of the Sick: This sacrament is for strength and healing during any serious illness or before surgery, not just for the dying.

• Pastoral Care: Chaplains and priests can provide Holy Communion, confession, and prayers during your stay.

• Emergency Situations: In an emergency, ask staff to contact the on-call Catholic priest immediately.

• Preparation: You may wish to bring a rosary, holy water, or a prayer book with you. 

For more information, you can refer to the Catholic Church in England and Wales for guidance on declaring your faith