Life on the ward

All staff will try to make your life in hospital as normal as possible. For instance, you will be asked by what name you prefer to be called and you will be able to sleep until 8:00 am unless you need any treatment before then.

Transfers between Wards
In certain instances, you may have to be transferred between wards, for instance, if you require specialised rehabilitation after your initial treatment or require more intensive care. This may also occur when emergencies arise with other patients. We try to keep transfers between wards to a minimum.

Leaving the Ward
In order to provide the best possible care it is important that you remain on the ward, in close proximity to specialist clinical staff. Patients who leave the ward do so at their own risk. Risks include delayed and/or omitted treatments, deterioration in your condition and potentially opening yourself and others up to infection.

Smoking

Preventing Infections
We are committed to reducing the risk of infections to patients, visitors and staff. Patients and visitors also have a role to play in preventing the spread of infections. Click here for more information about Infection Control.


Disabled Facilities
A range of facilities exists within the Trust for disabled staff, visitors and patients, which are all fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
In particular, the following items are available throughout the site:
 

• Allocated car park spaces

• Toilets for the physically disabled in all areas

• Induction loops to assist the hard of hearing

• Visual Fire Alarms for hard of hearing in a range of areas

• Passenger Lifts to all floors with voice indicators

For information on the location and use of these facilities please ask a member of staff.

Meals and Nutrition

Surgery/Procedures
If you are due to have an operation, please carefully read the following:

Consent
Prior to you undergoing any procedure or operation a staff member has to obtain your agreement. He/she will explain the procedure/operation to you including details of what to expect and any possible risks/side effects. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your procedure/operation and be required to sign a consent form.

The Anaesthetist
The anaesthetist will come to see you on the ward usually on the morning of surgery. You will be asked questions regarding your general health and medications you take. Your anaesthetist will explain what type of anaesthetic you will receive plus any possible risk/side effects of the anaesthetic.

Nil by Mouth
If you are coming in for a morning operation you will need to stop eating at midnight the night before (you should not chew gum as this is similar to eating), you can have water to drink until 6:00 am. If you are due to have an operation in the afternoon you can have a light breakfast (a slice of toast lightly buttered) before 6:00 am and drink water until 10:00 am. If you are taking medications, the ones you should continue to take will be discussed with you at the pre-admission visit.

Theatre Checklist
A member of the ward nursing staff will go through a checklist prior to your procedure/operation to ensure all your details are correct and you are ready to have your procedure/operation.

Theatre Journey
Shortly before your operation a member of theatre staff will come to the ward to escort you to theatre. They will go through the theatre checklist with the ward nursing staff and check your consent form, wristbands and notes. You will walk with the member of theatre staff to theatre (which is why it is essential for you to bring a dressing gown and appropriate footwear). If due to medical/surgical reasons you are unable to walk to theatre, you will be taken to theatre on a theatre trolley/chair.

Post Operation/Procedure
After your procedure/operation you will be transferred to a recovery bay where a nurse will care for you until you are well enough to return to the ward. You will be transferred back to the ward on a trolley or bed and allowed to recover further from the anaesthetic and surgery under the supervision of the ward nursing staff. You are likely to have an intravenous drip and possibly an oxygen mask. Depending on your operation/procedure you may have a urinary catheter, drains and/or a drip with painkillers. All will be explained by both the nursing and medical staff.

Patient Information Leaflets
Information leaflets on many aspects of care and treatment are available. Please ask a member of staff if you want any information.

Shops

Mail
There are regular postal collections and deliveries to the wards. You can buy stamps at the newsagent shop.

Telephones/Mobile Telephones

Personal Laundry
The hospital deals with a huge amount of laundry but we cannot do your personal laundry. Please ask a friend or relative to help with this.

Health records and personal and Trust information

Social Security Benefits
If you remain in hospital for four weeks or more and you are receiving income support, a social security pension or other benefits, you or a relative need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Some benefits may have to be reduced during your stay.