What to expect during your stay

If you're staying overnight, we want you to know what to expect on our wards so you can focus on your recovery. This section covers ward facilities, how we keep our wards safe and how we support our patients’ religious and spiritual needs during your time with us.

Keeping your contacts informed

  • Nominated contact: Make sure we have current contact details for the person collecting you.
  • Updates: We'll call when you're ready for discharge or if there are any changes.
  • Alternative contact: Make sure we have an alternative contact number. 

Settling in

Our wards are signposted from the map located near M&S in our main reception area. Look out for volunteers wearing orange t-shirts or ask at reception if you need help with directions.   

When you arrive on the ward, a member of our team will show you around the ward and answer any questions you might have. 

We will give you a hospital identity bracelet with your name on it. If you have an allergy we will also give you a red band to wear. These are for your safety, so please be sure to wear them at all times.

Your medicines

Give any medicines you've brought to your nurse, who will arrange safe storage. Your medicines will move with you if you change wards. Talk to your nurse if you want to administer your own medicines during your stay.

Please let us know if you’re allergic to any medicines. 

It’s also important that you tell your doctor and ward pharmacist about all medicines you're taking, including:

  • Prescription medicines.
  • Medicines you buy from a pharmacy or shop.
  • Alternative medicines, such as herbal remedies.

You can ask your clinical team any questions about your medicines.

Your accommodation

You'll usually stay on a ward that specialises in your condition – visit the Our Wards section of our website  for information about the ward you will be staying on. Most wards have six-bed bays with patients of the same gender to ensure privacy and dignity. We also have limited single rooms available when needed for medical reasons.

Some areas like intensive care may have mixed accommodation, but staff will protect your privacy and move you to single-sex accommodation as soon as medically safe.

All wards have separate male, female and accessible toilet facilities. Your privacy will be maintained during any tests or treatments in other hospital areas.

You may occasionally need to change wards if your care needs change. Staff will explain any moves and what to expect.

Storing your personal belongings

You’ll find a cupboard beside your bed where you can store your personal belongings. We recommend that you leave any valuables at home as these cupboards don't have locks on them.

Wifi

You will be able to log onto the NHS wifi on all of our wards.

Keeping active during your stay

One of the myths about being a patient in hospital is that you must stay in bed. In fact, keeping as active as possible during your hospital stay is better for you.

Staying in bed and not moving for long periods can affect your breathing, muscle tone and digestion, and may cause skin to become sore.

Even small activities such as walking to the toilet, washing, getting dressed, brushing your teeth and sitting up for meals can make a difference to your recovery and keep you healthy.

Your ward team will always advise you on what is safe for you to do while you are with us. These may include:

  • getting dressed independently in your own clothes every day. Our staff are always here to help if you need assistance getting dressed. 
  • doing simple everyday activities such as shaving, brushing your own hair and teeth.
  • walking to the toilet rather than relying on a commode or bottle, if possible.
  • sitting out for meals.
  • trying gentle exercises during the day even if you are in bed (we can show you how).
  • taking short walks around the ward either by yourself or with help.
  • getting out of bed to sit in a chair. We can help you.

Infection control: working together to keep everyone safe

We're committed to providing you with the safest possible care during your stay. Here's how we work together to prevent infections and protect everyone on the ward. 

Infection screening

What to expect:

  • You may be screened prior to your admission for bacteria that can cause infection, such as MRSA and CPE carriage.
  • Additional tests during your stay if clinically indicated – these may include a wound swab, urine sample or a blood test.

If we detect an infection:

  • You may be isolated in a single room to minimise the spread to other patients on the ward.
  • Staff entering the room may wear additional personal protective equipment, such as gloves and aprons.

How you can help reduce the risk of infection

Washing hands thoroughly is the most effective way to stop germs spreading:

  • Please clean your hands before eating meals, drinking and after using the toilet.
  • Have a supply of wet wipes — this will make sure that you can always clean your hands when you need to.
  • Encourage your visitors to wash their hands or use the hand sanitiser when entering and leaving the ward, and ask them not to visit you if they have signs of an infection, e.g. diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or rash.
  • Read our infection control information for more insight into how together we can stop germs spreading on our wards.

Working together with our healthcare professionals

  • Our staff must clean their hands before any contact with you.
  • If you are unsure that they have cleaned their hands, please ask them. If you feel unconfortable asking, speak to the sister or nurse in charge.

Questions or concerns?

Our nursing team members are always happy to answer questions. Don't hesitate to ask if:

  • You're unsure about any infection control measures.
  • You need help with hand hygiene facilities.
  • You have concerns about staff hand hygiene.
  • You'd like to understand more about your care.

Religious and spiritual care

Our spiritual care team is available for anyone who would like someone to talk to. Ask a member of staff to call the spiritual health care team if you would like more information or call 01483 406 835.