We know being in hospital can be a very daunting time for you and your family.
You may be coming into hospital for many different reasons whether this be may be coming in as a referral from your GP or by Accident and Emergency.
Regardless of the reason, you can expect we will do everything we can to make the experience as comfortable as possible. During your hospital stay you will be assessed daily by the ward team to see if you can continue your recovery in the community.
What if I need some spiritual support in hospital?
We have a chaplaincy service available on site. Please ask your nurse looking after you if this is something you would like.
What we expect of you
Ask questions: If something doesn’t make sense or you are unsure why you are in hospital please ask. You should be aware of what tests you are waiting and what criteria may be in place for you to be safely discharged.
Take ownership of your needs: If you are struggling at home please let us know as soon as possible during your hospital stay. We can arrange carers or additional support to help you leave hospital safely and sooner.
Stay as close to your normal routine as possible: If you normally need help please ask for it. Keep yourself occupied by doing things you would normally do at home!
Stay Hydrated: Make sure you drink plenty water whilst you are in hospital. Staying hydrated can help with many things such as making it easier for you to cough up your phlegm and preventing water infections. Please let us know if you need your jug of water filling up. There may be exceptions to this if such as awaiting an assessment of your swallow, waiting for a procedure where you need an empty stomach or if your doctor recommends you limit your fluid intake due to your medical condition.
Staying active in hospital
It is vitally important that you remain active during your hospital stay and continue mobilising as you would at home if you are well enough. We know this will aid your recovery and may even help you get home sooner!
Get Dressed
If you are able to you should wear your everyday clothes and wear pyjamas only at night time. If you don’t have any clothes with you please let us know and we can contact your family and ask them to bring you in some clothes.
Get Moving
If you are able to please bring the walking aid you normally use into hospital with you but we understand this isn’t always possible. If you usually walk using a walking frame or other aid and you don’t have it with you please let one of our staff know who will be able to source you one to use during your hospital stay.
If you normally would walk to the toilet at home and feel well enough it is very important you do this in hospital. If you require assistance please use your buzzer and wait for help before attempting to walk. Sometimes if you are waiting an X-ray to rule out a broken bone we may advise against this or if you are too unwell but please ask if you are in doubt.
Get out of bed
Lying in bed all day when you wouldn’t normally can have a big impact on your recovery. If you are well enough please sit in a chair that’s suitable to your needs as this can help prevent:
- Pressure sores – Sores that occur when you spend too long on one area of skin which can become very uncomfortable
- Muscle Weakness- Muscles can weaken very quickly. If you don’t use it you may loose it!
- Chest Infections- Walking around helps you clear your chest by taking deeper breaths
- Constipation- Walking can help keep your bowels regular
Activity goals
The hospital is embedding a goal setting system to help you maintain your activity levels. To some people this may be to walk independently to the toilet and back or it may be that you can sit in a chair for a few hours this all depends on what is important to you and what you are normally able to do. Please discuss goals with your therapist or your nurse to make sure you set goals regarding what is most important to you.
For more information about setting your activity goals, read our patient leaflet. Ask your therapist or nurse for a paper copy of this to help you keep track of your completed goals.