Identifying our staff  

You can expect all staff to introduce themselves by name and wear an identity badge. Do not hesitate to ask any member of staff to show you their badge if they are not wearing it. 

Layout of our wards 

Most wards are separated into bays (rooms with multiple beds) with some individual side rooms. The ward staff will show you where your nearest bathroom is. 

There may be patients of the opposite sex on the same ward but the sleeping areas and toilet and washing facilities are designated for women only or men only 

Privacy and dignity

While you are in hospital, you will expect to be treated with dignity by all staff and offered the maximum amount of privacy that is possible in your area.

Most wards are separated into bays (rooms with multiple beds) with some individual side rooms. The nurse will show you where your nearest bathroom is.  There may be patients of the opposite sex on the same ward but the sleeping areas and toilet and washing facilities are designated for women only or men only.

There are some more acute areas, for example Critical Care Unit, where same-sex accommodation is not available because of the nature of the care needed.  In these cases, all due consideration will be given to your privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

If you have any concerns over issues around privacy and dignity, please ask to speak to the nurse in charge.

Meals and drinks 

Breakfast: 8am 

Lunch: 12 noon 

Evening meal: 5pm 

Hot and cold drinks are served mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and in the evening on request. If you have any dietary requirements e.g. gluten free, vegetarian or halal meals, please advise the ward staff.  

We operate a supported mealtimes policy at lunchtime between 12 noon and 1pm and at dinner between 5pm and 6pm. This gives you time to eat your meal comfortably without interruption. If you need help at mealtimes, please speak to the nurse. Volunteers are available to help, and relatives are welcome to assist at mealtimes. 

Visiting 

Visiting times vary across wards so please check with ward staff. Visiting may be allowed out of the usual times for the ward you are on so please speak to the nurse in charge. 

Generally, two visitors are allowed at any one time. However, special circumstances may affect this. Please speak to the nurse in charge for more information. Children under 12 can only visit the ward if this is agreed in advance with the nurse in charge. 

Patients with dementia, or those living with other long-term conditions, can choose a designated carer who will be able to visit the ward at any time, day or night, with a Carer’s Passport. Speak to a member of staff for more information. 

Visitors should not visit if they have diarrhoea, sickness or any other illness that is making them feel generally unwell. Visitors should be clear of any symptoms for 48 hours before visiting. 

Flowers are not allowed on the wards as this can cause health problems for some patients. 

Parking 

We have several parking options available to those staying in hospital and those visiting. Further information on parking can be found here 

Facilities 

Entertainment 

You can listen to a range of radio stations by using the headphone socket behind your bed. Headphones are available free of charge from the mobile library trolley or by asking a member of staff. You can also borrow books and magazines from the trolley. 

You can access free WiFi. To do this, search available networks on your device and choose NHS-WiFi. 

Chaplaincy 

Our Chaplaincy Service provides pastoral care and spiritual support to people of all faiths and none. If you wish to speak to one of the hospital chaplains, please ask a member of staff to contact the service for you. 

Students 

We are a teaching hospital, which means that nurses, doctors and other health professionals receive part of their training here. Medical students may accompany the medical team treating you.  

You may be asked if you are willing to take part in a teaching session that is attended by medical students. As a patient, you have an important part in the teaching work of the hospital, but if you do not want students to be involved in your care, please tell the lead nurse and/or doctor when you arrive on the ward. 

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.