Caring for you

We provide our services in hospitals, the community and in people’s homes (please see Care in your home for information about this). We would like your experience of our services to be positive and hope that the information on our website will help you with any preparations you may need to make and help you prepare for a visit or if you are attending or visiting one of our hospitals.

If you need any additional support or guidance please follow the contact information on your appointment letter or contact one of our hospitals.

Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) may also be able to help.

What you can expect

When you are being seen in our hospitals you can expect the following:

To be given a clear explanation of your condition and the treatment options available to you.
To be asked for your written permission (called ‘consent’) for any operation or certain procedures after being given all relevant information.
To be told about different aspects of your treatment and what procedures are being carried out.
To be treated with respect and dignity at all times in an environment that is clean.
To be confident that the information we hold about you in your records will be kept confidential.
To have arrangements made for you to see your patient records if you would like.
We would keep relatives or carers informed of your progress if you want us to.

If you have difficulties speaking or understanding English please ask for an interpreter before your appointment.

What we ask of you

Please give us the information we need about your condition, symptoms or medication so we can provide appropriate care.
Please treat our staff with the same respect you expect from them.
Please let us know about any special needs you may have (for example), an interpreter.
Please help, as far as possible, in feeding yourself, keeping mobile and with your personal hygiene.
Please arrange for your own transport home, if possible.
Please arrange with your family and friends to take care of your personal laundry, if possible.
Please be considerate to other patients.
To reduce disturbance for all patients during visiting times visitors are limited to two per visit on inpatient wards and limited to one person if you are attending for Day Surgery.