Information for Patients
What to Bring With You
On admission to hospital patients should have with them sufficient day and night clothing, footwear and toiletries to meet their personal requirements.
Clothing, spectacles, walking sticks and other similar articles should be clearly marked by relatives with the name of the patient.
It is essential for the hospital records that the name, address and telephone number of the patient’s next-of-kin is available to ward staff on admission. Any changes in this respect should be notified to the ward staff immediately.
Valuables - Loss, Damage, Theft Disclaimer
You should avoid bringing valuables into hospital. Where you do have valuables they can be deposited with ward staff, who will give you a receipt. Should you lose any item while in hospital, please inform the nurse in charge of the ward immediately. A full investigation will then be carried out.
Please note that the hospital will not be held responsible for the loss, damage or theft of property held by patients.
Personal Clothing/Laundry Arrangements
No laundry service is available at the Hospital and all clothing must be laundered by a relative or friend of the patient. The laundry will be placed in plastic bags by staff members and can be collected from the patient’s bedside.
Visiting Arrangements
The Hospital operates an open visiting policy between 10am and 9pm but please avoid mealtimes. Please ask staff if you wish to visit outwith these times. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied at all times by an adult, unless prior arrangement has been made with ward staff.
Car Parking
We would ask that all visitors park in designated areas only as emergency services may require access.
Patient Meal Times
Breakfast - 8.00 am - 9.00 am
Lunch – 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Supper - 5.00 pm - 6.00 pm
As diet can be part of medical treatment, please check with nursing staff before leaving food with patients
Catering providers within NHS Lanarkshire provide a choice of healthy well prepared food to all people in our care. It is recognised however that visitors will occasionally bring food into our premises for patient consumption.
The following guidelines are aimed at ensuring this is done in a safe manner.
All packaging must be intact with “use by” and “best by” dates being strictly observed.
Foods suitable for bringing into hospital:
- Pre-wrapped biscuits and cakes
- Fresh fruit and fruit products
- Pre-wrapped chocolates and sweets
- Packets of crisps
- Bottled or canned drinks
- Pancakes, scones, fruitcakes etc providing the food is prepared in a safe and hygienic environment
Foods not suitable for bringing into hospital. These high risk foods support the growth of bacteria and can cause food poisoning.
- Cooked meat and poultry
- Cooked meat products including gravy and stock
- Fresh or artificial cream products, custards, yoghurts and mousse
- Cooked rice
- Sandwiches and rolls
- Shellfish, fish paste and fish products
- Any other food items which require refrigeration or heating
Smoking Policy
It is now against the law to smoke in public buildings in Scotland – this includes the hospital. As part of NHS Lanarkshire policy, smoking is also banned in the grounds within 5 metres of the hospital buildings.
Alcohol
As alcohol can interfere with the treatment of patients, relatives and visitors should not leave any alcoholic product with patients.
Mail
Letters and parcels for patients should be sent to the hospital, stating the name and ward number of the patient clearly. Outgoing letters can be given to the ward staff for posting
Medicines
Please remember to bring with you, or advise us, of any medicines you may be taking and hand them to ward staff on admission.
Please also advise ward staff if you have any pre-arranged appointment, such as outpatient, optician or dental visit.
Pensions and Other Benefits
Once you have been in hospital for a few weeks, your pension will be reduced and you may not be entitled to other benefits you currently receive. It is important that you, or a relative, inform the Benefits Agency of your admission to hospital. You may wish to attend to your own finances, however if you or your relatives require assistance this can be arranged by speaking to your Named Nurse.
Social Work Resources
Social Workers are skilled to help with family or social problems. If you are worried about finance, housing or other similar difficulties, ask the Ward staff to contact Social Work Resources on your behalf.
Hospital Amenities
A number of amenities can be accessed to make your stay in hospital as comfortable as possible:
- Recreational Activities
A weekly programme of recreational activities is on display in the ward. Patients are encouraged to participate in these to maintain their independence as far as possible and also to give them an interest and an opportunity to socialise. The activities include musical entertainment and video films.
- Hairdressing Service
A hairdresser can be contacted on your behalf as required.
A charge is made for this service. Please ask the Ward
Staff.
- Reading Facilities
A wide selection of books and talking books are available.
- Telephone
A public telephone is available. Please ask the Nurse if you require this.