Before you are admitted
If possible, check our website or contact the ward before you are admitted to find out our policies on:
Coming into hospital
What to bring:
Most hospital wards are comfortably warm so you should take this into account when packing clothes for your stay. Storage space is limited, so pack sparingly and bring a small bag.
Here is a list of items that you need to consider bringing, depending on how long you are likely to stay.
- All medicines, including inhalers, creams, eye drops etc. you are taking in their original packaging - not in a dosett or nomad box. Your nurse will instruct you on which of your medicines you can continue to take whilst in hospital.
- Nightwear
- Dressing gown
- Slippers, or lightweight, comfortable shoes that are easy to put on or take off
- Daywear - comfortable clothes
- Spectacles and hearing aid, if relevant
- Underwear and socks or stockings/tights
- Walking aids - frames, sticks, crutches
- Toiletries - towel, shaving kit, flannel or sponge, toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and shampoo
- Denture box and cleaner, if relevant
- Hairbrush or comb
- Deodorant
- Sanitary towels or tampons if necessary
- Tissues/freshening wipes
- Books, magazines, pens and paper
- Money for newspapers, telephones and Patientline
- Bottle of squash
You will have a small bedside cabinet for your personal items with a lockable cupboard for your medicines (your nurse will hold the key for this).
We strongly advise that you do not bring in jewellery or large sums of money. If this can't be helped, please hand such items to the ward staff. Your valuables will be locked in a safe and you will be given a receipt for them.
The Trust is not liable and does not take responsibility for loss or damage to your personal property.
During your stay
Ward routine
Meal times
On the ward you will be served three meals a day at the following times:
- 7.30am - 9am
- 12noon - 1pm
- 5pm - 6pm
You'll be asked to order your meals from a menu. After breakfast you will be asked to choose your lunch and then during the afternoon you will select your evening meal. The meals will be served by a service host/hostess and ward staff. If you have any special dietary needs, please tell the ward staff on your admission.
Our menu includes a range of cultural food options and menu with photographs are available. If you require support with eating please let staff know to make the necessary arrangements.Throughout the day you can expect to be offered a choice of hot and cold drinks, along with a selection of snacks such as biscuits, cakes, cheese and crackers.
Doctors' rounds
You'll be looked after by a team of doctors led by a consultant. Make a note of their name, in case anyone needs to know. On certain days the whole team will see you during what's known as the 'consultant ward round' and you'll usually have daily visits from at least one member of the team.
These visits aren't just for them to tell you things - they're an opportunity for you to tell them how you're feeling and ask any questions you may have.
Whenever a healthcare professional comes to see you during your stay, they should explain what they're doing or plan to do. If they don't - or you don't understand what they've said - don't be afraid to ask them to explain. As a teaching hospital, we train student doctors on the rounds. If at any time you'd prefer they weren't present during your examination, just say so. No one will mind.
Medicine rounds
Nursing staff will wear tabards during the medicine round. This is to highlight they should not be interrupted to reduce the risk of errors. Please do use your buzzer if you require any assistance at these times, there will be other staff available to respond to your needs.
Ward Directories
Going home
Please ensure:
- You have all your medication you need, plus a copy of your discharge prescription and a full understanding of the dosage and how and when to take it. You will usually be discharged with a supply of your medication and you will need to contact your GP if you need more
- You understand all the arrangements that may have been made with other agencies such as community nursing, therapies, social services, on your behalf and they have been discussed and agreed with by you
- If needed, you can obtain a medical certificate (fit note) from the nursing staff or ward clerk.
It is worth noting that there may be a short delay while your discharge is arranged. It is usually best not to arrange transport, especially taxis, until told to do so by a member of the nursing team as you may have to wait for your medication.
Hospitality Suite
On the day of your discharge you are likely to be transferred to the Hospitality Suite, which is located by the front entrance of the hospital. This suite is opened from 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 5pm on Friday. This is to allow beds on the ward to be used for patients who need to be admitted urgently. In the hospitality suite you can wait for your own transport or an ambulance. Nursing staff will be on hand to help you and answer any queries you may have.
Discharge Suite
We have a six bed Discharge Suite. This facility has been designed to accommodate patients awaiting discharge via a stretcher, and patients who cannot be discharged through the hospitality suite.
The Suite is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Driving Safely
It is possible your condition may temporarily or permanently affect your fitness to drive. Please check with your doctor whether you can drive following discharge or how long you should wait before driving again.