Coming into Hospital
Time and place of admission
Your admission letter will tell you the date and time of your admission and any special instructions you may need to follow (such as not eating or drinking, advice regarding medication you may be taking).
Access for people with a disability
If you need any special assistance then please let the hospital know in advance of your visit. For assistance on the day of your visit contact our Portering Service which is located on the ground floor in our A&E Department or ask any member of staff forhelp.
Loop systems, minicoms and other special equipment are located in various departments to assist people with the hearing impairments. Please ask a member of staff if you require any help.
Guide Dogs are permitted in most hospital facilities. However due to infection controland health and safety regulations access may be prohibited or limited. Please ask amember of staff.
What to bring
• Relevant paperwork/admission letter/medical card.
• All medicines that you are taking
• Your mobility aids, e.g. Walking stick, rollator.
• Nightdress/pyjamas, dressing gown, slippers, personal toiletries, towel, tissues, hairbrush or comb, shaving kit for men.
• Dentures, hearing aid, glasses or contact lenses, if worn.
• Books/magazines.
• Small amount of cash for hospital shop/trolley.
What not to bring into hospital
• Please do not bring large sums of money into hospital or anything of high value, unless absolutely necessary.
• If you must bring high value items into hospital please give them to nurse who will bring to the Cashiers office for safekeeping. You will be given a receipt. Money will be returned to you in Cheque form. The hospital will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings that have not been handed over for safe keeping. You will be asked to sign a Personal Property Disclaimer on admission.
• Alcohol or perishable food.
• Flowers/plants.
• Electrical appliances or cameras, except for Maternity Department.
Medicines
It is very important for clinical staff to know about all the medicines you are taking as they may want to prescribe new medicines or treatment for you.
Please bring all medicines that you are currently taking, including any homeopathic or herbal remedies, inhalers, injections, creams or patches. It is also important for you to bring in any special cards, which give specific information on treatment or allergies, for example, steroid or warfarin card. If you have one of these cards please show it immediately to a member of staff.
Your medicines will be stored in a locked cupboard, container or fridge on the ward. Some wards in the hospital operate a system where a patient’s own supplies of medication are used as part of their treatment in hospital. If this applies to you, you will receive more information about this on the ward.
When you are discharged, it is helpful if you can remind staff if you have any of your own medicines stored in the hospital. Any of your medicines stored in the hospital can be returned to you when you are discharged, unless you do not need them anymore and would like the hospital to dispose of them.
Please do not keep your own medications and continue to take them or take any medicines brought to you by visitors, as this could be dangerous. Please inform the Nurse in Charge if this occurs. If you have any questions about your medicines, ask your doctor, nurse, midwife or pharmacist.
Travelling Expenses
Help with travelling expenses may be available if you are on certain social security benefits. You will need to bring proof of benefits with you to show at the Cashiers' Office. Please ask for directions at Reception Desk.