Coming to hospital

Coming into hospital can be very difficult, especially if it is your first time. Our aim is to provide a safe environment where you can receive support and care to speed up your recovery and enable you to return home as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or worries, or would like some more information about why you are in hospital, our staff are always happy to talk these issues through with you.

What will happen to me when I arrive?

Welcome and tour

On arrival you will be greeted by a member of staff and shown your room where you can safely leave your things. We’ll show you where to find the toilets and bathrooms, where to get a hot drink, watch television, make a phone call and explain our smoking policy. We’ll also show you the sitting room and introduce you to other people when you feel up to it.

Mental health

Soon after arriving you’ll be seen by a nurse and a doctor in private. We will talk to you about how you’re feeling, what has led to you being here and what might help you feel better. We use this information to help us decide the support, care and treatment we can give to help you recover.

Physical health

Your physical health is important and can make a difference to your general wellbeing. With your consent, the doctor will check your physical health and may arrange some routine checks such as a blood or urine test. They may ask you questions about your general health, for example, if you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or rheumatoid arthritis, or if you smoke, drink or take any drugs.

What do I need in hospital?

Possessions

When you come into hospital, a nurse will make a record of all items brought in with you. We may ask to search your bag and remove any sharp objects you may have. This is for your safety and the safety of other people on the ward.

What should I bring?

Suggestions of what you might want to bring to make your stay more comfortable:

several changes of underwear and a few changes of clothing and shoes nightwear, dressing gown and slippers toiletries: toothpaste and brush, soap, body creams, comb, shower/bath gel, shampoo, deodorant, make-up, shaving things and aftershave, tissues, wet wipes towels diary, notebook, writing materials a non-valuable watch telephone numbers, address book, mobile phone and charger (for use off the ward)

snack food, nibbles and chocolate books, magazines mug and own supply of preferred tea or coffee, powdered milk family photos bedside clock/personal stereo/radio with headphones, batteries ear plugs coins for use of the public telephone

What not to bring:

• valuable items, large amounts of cash, cheque books, credit cards
• sharp objects: knives, scissors, razors are not allowed on the ward
• alcohol and any non-prescribed or illicit drugs (if illegal drugs are found the police will be called).

Simple steps to keep you safe during your hospital stay

While you are in hospital, keeping you safe and well is a priority for the staff looking after you.

There are also some simple things you can do to help keep yourself safe during your hospital stay

Patient safety incidents are rare, but there are some small things that can help keep patients safe during a hospital stay, such as asking for help when needed, protecting yourself from slips and falls and helping to prevent blood clots

The NHS England National Patient Safety Team have created a video and leaflet providing tips on keeping yourself safe during your hospital stay.

Simple steps to keep you safe during your hospital stay video

BSL Video

Simple steps to keep you safe during your hospital stay leaflet

Download it here 

This leaflet is also available in multiple languages on the NHS England website.

Visitors

Visitors are welcome on the ward, if you wish to see family of friends, every effort will be made to find quiet, private spaces for you to sit with your visitors.

For more information about visiting a service user, please click here.