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
The hospital operates a personal laundry for all patients clothing. Ward staff will provide guidelines for the purchase of patients clothing, taking into account that certain garments are more suitable for laundering than others, depending on the type of fabric used and the processes within the hospital laundry.
Visiting Arrangements
Roadmeetings Hospital operates a system of open visiting from 2.00 pm – 8.00 pm on a daily basis. If at all possible relatives are asked to avoid meal times.
Car Parking
We would ask that all visitors park in designated areas only as emergency services may require access.
Patient Meal Times
Breakfast - 8.30 am - 9.00 am
Lunch - 12 noon - 12.30 pm
Supper - 5.00 pm - 5.30 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
There is a No Smoking Policy throughout NHS Lanarkshire which excludes relatives and staff from smoking. Patients, if they wish, can smoke in designated areas and must be supervised at all times.
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:
- Daily newspapers can be purchased and delivered to the wards.
- Arrangements are in place to ensure that hairdressers regularly visit the hospital to provide a hairdressing service.
- Local clergy visit on a regular basis. No information about a patient will be passed onto the clergy without the patient’s consent.
- A volunteer gardener tends to the greenhouse in the grounds of Roadmeetings Hospital on a regular basis. Patients who have an interest in gardening are encouraged to take part when accompanied by an occupational therapist or a member of the nursing staff.