Coming into hospital can feel unfamiliar, and you may have questions about what to expect during your stay. Our aim is to make your time with us as comfortable, safe and supported as possible.
On this page, you’ll find an overview of:
- what happens when you arrive
- who you’ll meet
- how we’ll look after you during your stay
How we will support your care
To help us understand your needs and keep you safe during your stay, we may carry out a few simple checks when you arrive.
These might include:
- checking your weight and height
- looking at your skin to help prevent pressure sores
- taking a small swab from your nose for routine screening
- talking with you about anything that may affect your safety while you’re in hospital
We will always involve you in decisions about your care and explain anything we need to do.
Our staff
Our staff wear colour‑coded uniforms to help you easily identify their role. Each uniform colour represents a different staff group or profession.
All staff will wear an identity badge and will introduce themselves by saying, “Hello, my name is…”.
Medical staff do not wear a uniform and will be dressed in their own clothing.
Uniform colours are as follows:
Useful items for your stay
What to bring
- toiletries
- day clothes
- night clothes or dressing gown
- sensory aids for example, glasses, hearing aids or dentures
- walking aids
- well-fitting slippers or shoes
- mobile phone
- continence products
Remember to bring any small items that will help you maintain your independence and help keep you connected to friends and family.
Please note that we do not have facilities to wash personal items.
Your medication
It’s really important to let us know what medication you normally take. This helps us plan your care safely and make sure nothing is missed. Please bring an up to date list of your current medication with you.
Our pharmacist will discuss your current medication with you, and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Your medicines may change while you are in hospital, so we ask that you do not take your own medication unless a member of staff advises you to. Nursing staff will give you your prescribed medication.
If you take any medication that must be given at a specific time, please let the ward staff know when you arrive.
Eating and drinking
We provide three meals every day and if required, supplementary snacks.
We stop all unnecessary activity during mealtimes to ensure you are able to enjoy your meal.
We will give you a menu for each mealtime at the previous meal – for example, at breakfast time, you will see the menu for lunchtime and will make your choice then.
If you have any dietary requirements, please let the nursing staff know, so they can advise the catering team.
Unfortunately, we are not able to store or reheat foods brought in to the hospital.
We will serve hot and cold drinks throughout the day. You will also have a fresh jug of water at your bedside, which will be refreshed throughout the day. Please let the nursing staff know if you need any additional drinks.
We may refer you to a dietitian to support your nutritional needs.
See our advice for those who are eating and drinking less then normal or losing weight without trying.
Staying safe and healthy in hospital
See our advice on staying safe and healthy in hospital, including keeping active and reducing the risk of falls.
Smoking or vaping
Smoking is not permitted on our grounds. If you need help to stop smoking, or need support while you are in hospital, we can refer you to the Quit Your Way team.
Appointments
If you have a planned hospital or doctor appointment while you are in hospital, please let a member of the nursing staff know.
If you are well enough to attend, we will try to accommodate your appointment.
Telephone contact
If we need to contact your family or carer while you are in hospital, we will call from the generic hospital number – 01292 666500.
Please make sure you have let us know the name of your preferred contact.
Where possible, we ask that just one family member calls the ward for an update. This allows our staff to focus on your care.
Please remember that unfortunately, there is some information that we are unable to discuss on the telephone to ensure your patient confidentiality.
Person-centred visiting
We support a more person-centred approach to visiting across all of our sites.
Read our guidance on hospital visiting.
Our hospitals
Find out about our hospitals, including services available, location, visitor information and parking
View our hospitals
Feedback, comments and complaints
We are keen to hear your thoughts on our services. Please see our feedback and complaints section for details of how to share your views.