Coming into hospital as an inpatient

A nurse will be in charge of your care throughout your stay. They will help coordinate your treatment, answer questions and make sure you feel supported.

You’ll also see doctors and other healthcare professionals who are involved in your treatment. They’ll explain what’s happening, discuss your options and make sure you have the information you need before any tests or procedures.

If anything is worrying you; whether it’s noise, comfort, pain, or your care, please speak to a member of staff at any time. We’re here to help.

Unless you’ve been admitted in an emergency, please read the following before you arrive:

• Please bring your medications, nightwear, toiletries, and any glasses, hearing aids or walking aids you use.

• Don’t bring valuables or large amounts of money. We cannot accept responsibility for items that have not been handed to staff for safekeeping. If needed, staff can store valuables securely and provide a receipt.

When you arrive

• There are maps around the hospital, and the main reception is clearly signposted, where staff can direct you to your ward if needed.
• On the ward, you’ll be given a wristband with your details on it, please check it’s correct.
• Please tell staff about your medicines and any allergies.

Medicine while you’re in hospital

• Please bring your own medicines, as it helps us continue your treatment safely. All your medicines; this includes any tablets, creams, liquids, eye drops, inhalers, sprays, insulin, patches and any medicines you have bought including herbal or homeopathic remedies.
• Your repeat prescription sheet from your GP if available.
• Medicines in their original packs if possible, with the community pharmacy’s label on them. If you use a tablet organiser/box or a reminder chart please bring that in with you. This helps our staff to confirm the dose you take.
• If your medicines change, our pharmacy team will provide you with what you need to go home with.
• Please tell us if you have concerns about medicines made with animal products, we’ll discuss alternatives where possible.

Same‑sex accommodation

• We want every patient to feel safe, respected and treated with dignity during their stay. That’s why our wards are arranged so that people only share sleeping areas and bathroom facilities with others of the same sex.
• There are times when mixed‑sex areas are unavoidable for medical reasons (for example, in critical care), but this only happens when absolutely necessary.
• We support trans and non‑binary patients in line with their gender identity and personal preferences, and we will always work with you to ensure you feel comfortable.
• If you have any concerns about your accommodation, please speak to the ward manager. We’re here to help.

Facilities

• All inpatients can access free NHS WiFi, newspapers and magazines online – ask on the ward for more information.
• Most beds have Hospedia TV, radio and phone services (charges will apply but children’s TV is free).

Smokefree hospital

• Our entire site is smokefree. If you’d like support to stop smoking, our specialist CURE team can help during your stay.

Social media

• To protect everyone’s privacy and dignity, please don’t take photos or share images or information about other patients or staff on social media unless they have given clear consent.