If you need to stay in hospital overnight or for a several days as an inpatient, arriving prepared can help us to ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible.
You will have received information about what to expect, prior to your stay, but below we’ll outline some of the key things to help you prepare for your stay in hospital.
What to bring
There is limited space on the ward for your belongings so please only bring what is essential, such as:
Please remember to bring your admission letter with you.
What not to bring
The Trust cannot be held responsible for any loss damage or theft to any personal belongings therefore we strongly advise you not to bring valuable or sentimental items into hospital such as:
If you need to have valuables with you, please ask your nurse or midwife to store it securely for you and obtain an official signed receipt. The Trust is not responsible for property that is not handed in for safe keeping.
What to expect at hospital
Our nurses will welcome you to the ward and help settle you in. They will ask you to confirm your personal details, such as your name and address, your GP and contact details for your next of kin.
Your doctor will also visit you before starting your treatment and explain your treatment to you.
If there is anything that you do not understand, or would like to discuss further, please ask your doctor or nurse. A translator can be available if required.
If you need to have surgery or an anaesthetic, your doctor will explain this too and you will be asked to sign a form to say that you agree to the procedure taking place.
On arrival
On arrival, please proceed to the ward/department listed in your admission letter. You will be met by our nursing staff who will explain what will happen during your stay and will show you to your bed. You may be asked to wait in a day room whilst a bed is allocated to you.
Smoking
We are a smoke-free Trust. Patients, visitors and staff are not allowed to smoke or vape anywhere on Trust premises, inside or out.
Many people find that coming into hospital is a good time to give up smoking and you will be given every encouragement to do so. Let’s Get Healthy Dudley can provide practical help and support for patients, visitors and staff.