For inpatients

Thank you for choosing QVH. We understand that coming into hospital can be a worrying time, so we aim to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.

We hope that the information on this page will help you to prepare for your treatment and to know what to expect. But, if you have any concerns, or would like to discuss any special needs, please call us on 01342 414000 between 9am-4pm and ask for the duty matron.

You can read our latest visiting guidance here.

Visiting hours are from 1pm to 8pm. Protected mealtime is 5-6pm; if you are visiting a ward please respect this protected mealtime and try not to visit during it. If you normally visit at mealtimes in order to help your relative or friend to eat or just to give encouragement, we are happy for you to continue to do this. Please ask the nurse in charge how you can help out.

Different arrangements are in place for Peanut Ward (children’s ward) and the Critical Care Unit – please speak to the teams for more information. We try to be as flexible as possible regarding visiting especially where it is positive for the patient. Please speak to a member of our team if you would like to discuss this further.

Your admission

Your letter from our admissions office will explain what you need to do before coming into hospital and will include a booklet of useful information. Please read this information carefully and double-check the date on your admission letter. If you are not able to come in on that date, please let us know as soon as possible. The number to call will be provided in your letter.

Pre-admission assessment

Most patients have a pre-admission assessment, to review their general health and fitness before surgery and to discuss their planned treatment. We normally try do this on the same day as your outpatient appointment, to avoid the need for another visit to the hospital.

You may be asked to undertake screening or additional precautions prior to your admission/surgery. This is dependent on the type of surgery you are due to have and your history. We will inform you of these if required. They may include swabs for MRSA, Covid Lateral Flow testing or skin body washes.

Preparing for surgery

If possible, please bathe or shower before coming to the hospital and remove make up and non-essential jewellery. We will also ask you to remove nail varnish and gel/acrylic nails if you have them as they can affect the ability to check your oxygen levels and prevent the colour of your nail beds being observed during surgery – this monitoring is critical to ensure your safety. False nails can also trap infection. Please also remove contact lenses before surgery.

What to bring with you

• Your admission letter, any other relevant documents and the name, address and telephone number of your GP
• Clothes – two sets of nightwear (after an operation loose fitting nightwear will be more comfortable), dressing gown, underwear and slippers
• Soap, toothpaste, other toiletries including razor and shaving materials (not all wards have electrical shaver points) and tissues
• Any walking aids you normally use, such as a walking stick or a frame (clearly labelled with your name and address)
• Things to do – books, magazines, knitting, writing materials and postage stamps
• Your diary, to arrange follow-up appointments
• Any tablets or medicines that you are currently taking.

It is important we know exactly what tablets or medicines you are taking, either prescribed by your own doctor or bought from the chemist, so we can decide on the best treatment for you. This includes any supplements, herbal remedies, liquids, eye drops, inhalers, creams and tablets you may use.

Arrival

Our car parks can be very busy so we recommend that you leave plenty of time to park, pay and display before your appointment time.

On the ward

You will be under the care of a consultant, who will be named on your admission letter, and his or her medical team. Your nurse will organise your day-to-day care and the ward sister will co-ordinate what happens on the ward. We will also provide you with a copy of our inpatient guide at your bed so that you have information to hand.

You will only share the room where you sleep with members of the same sex and same-sex toilets and bathrooms will be close to your sleeping area. Sharing with members of the opposite sex will only happen in exceptional circumstances and where there is a clinical need, for example if specialist equipment is needed in intensive care.

Meals

We will provide you with three meals a day. You will be served a continental breakfast on the ward in the morning (full breakfast is available on request to aid recovery for burns patients, if agreed with the dietitian). There is a choice of menu for lunch and supper. Refreshments, including biscuits and snacks, are also offered throughout the day and before you settle down for the night.

Our menus are planned and monitored by our in-house dietitian and our catering staff cook all meals on site freshly and to order. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any special dietary requirements.

Your medicines

It is very important we know exactly what medicines you are taking, so make sure you bring any medicines, tablets or inhalers you are using along with you.

When it is time for you to leave, we will ensure you have a supply of any medications prescribed by the hospital.

Read our pain medication leaflet

If you have any questions or concerns about your medicines, please ask our pharmacists. After you have left, you can call the pharmacy with any queries about medicines you have been prescribed at the hospital on 01342 414215.

Telephones

Mobile telephones can be used in most areas, subject to the agreement of the ward or department manager and so long as the needs of other patients are respected. Public telephones are available in the main hospital corridor and in the Minor Injuries Unit.

Valuables

We recommend that you only bring essential and non-valuable belongings with you. Personal storage will be available for you in a bedside locker but the space is limited and not suitable for storing valuables. Money can be placed in the ward safe during your surgery for safe keeping or our cashier can look after any money you wish to keep secure. However, please note that it will be returned to you in the form of a cheque and not in cash.

Psychological therapy

Being admitted to hospital can be an anxious time. A different environment and routine can be unsettling and, after an operation, you may experience the ‘post-surgery blues’. These are normal reactions but, if they are causing you concern, let our nursing staff know. They can arrange for a member of the psychological therapy team to meet with you and discuss ways to help you feel better.

Page last updated 13 June 2024