About your stay

Everyone at our trust has an absolute commitment to the delivery of high quality services for our patients, and for their right to be treated with respect. Keeping our patients safe and delivering personalised, caring services is our number one corporate objective.

If you are being admitted as a planned admission, please follow any advice given in letters from the hospital. 

If you are an emergency admission you will be taken to one of our emergency assessment areas, whereby an individualised plan of care will be discussed with you on your admission.

Simple steps for your stay

Staying comfortable

• If you can, bring simple items from home that will make you feel comfortable such as shoes, clothes, pyjamas and toiletries. Please do not bring any valuables with you.
• Try to keep mobile and move as often as you can. Ask a member of staff if you need help.
• In a morning, if you can, get dressed in your own clothes and sit outside of bed as this can help with recovery and getting ready to leave. 

Managing your medicines

• Tell us if you have an allergy.
• Ask about what your medicines are for and let us know if you don’t understand any of the information that has been given to you.
• Ask about possible side effects and talk to the doctor, nurse or pharmacist about any concerns you have.
• If you have medicines at home that can be brought in, please talk to the pharmacy team or a member of staff. This will help make sure that you are on your correct prescription.

Preventing falls

• If you can, wear laced up or snug fitting shoes / slippers with rubber soles.
• Ask for non-slip socks if you need them.
• If you need any help getting out of your bed or chair, tell us or use the call bell.

Keeping hydrated

• Drink lots of water (unless advised otherwise).
• Make sure your water jug is easy to reach, or ask for assistance.
• Ask if you need your water jug filling or you need any support with drinking.

Preventing blood clots

• If you are able, try to move your legs or ankles as often as you can, or keep mobile by sitting out of bed or walking around.
• If advised to, wear the compression stockings and take the medication given to you as this can help prevent blood clots developing.
• Drink lots of fluids, including water (unless advised otherwise).

Helping to prevent infections

• Wash/clean your hands before meals and after you have visited the toilet.
• Tell us if you have had any diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Please ask if staff have cleaned their hands before providing care.
• If your visitors are feeling unwell, ask them not to visit until they are feeling better.

Leaving hospital or our care units

• Ask a member of staff if you do not know the date when you are expected to leave or if you are unsure about your next steps.
• Make sure you have your discharge letter and know who to contact if you have any questions or concerns.
• If you are able to, sit outside of bed and gather your belongings. Also check that you have your medicines and that you understand what they are for.

Sharing and questions or concerns

• Talk to us if you have any worries or concerns about your treatment or leaving hospital.
• If you would like to talk about your spiritual or religious needs please ask about how our chaplains can support you.
• Tell us if you don’t understand any information that has been given to you.
• Please give feedback on what was good about your treatment and if there is anything we can do better. Staff will be able to explain how to do this.

Visiting hours and policies

We understand the importance of having loved ones by your side during your location stay. Please familiarise yourself with our visiting hours and policies to ensure a positive experience for both patients and visitors. We aim to create a supportive environment that respects the privacy and well-being of all. Information on our visiting hours are here.

Patient and family support services

Hospital stays can be overwhelming, and we are here to help. Our patient and family support services provide information, resources, and assistance to ensure you and your loved ones have the support you need throughout your stay.

Infection prevention and control

We follow strict infection prevention and control measures to ensure a clean and safe environment for both patients and staff. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our healthcare team. More on our infection prevention and control services is here.