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| Transplant Unit |
Information for patients about Ward C9 |
On the transplant unit we believe it is important to support patients, their families and others concerned for them during the time before and after their transplant or period of illness. This is achieved by a multi-disciplinary team approach.
There are counsellors and advice services available for all patients.
On a weekly basis there is a support group for transplant patients and their families where fears and anxieties can be discussed in a group forum and experiences with other patients can be shared.
We strive to ensure that communication between patients and staff is optimal at all times. To achieve this, the multidisciplinary team carry out daily ward rounds and are available to answer any concerns that patients and their families may have. For those patients who have difficulty speaking English interpreters are available.
We have a duty of care to treat every patient as an important individual regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, race, political persuasion or presenting illness. We believe that all patients, relatives and staff should be treated with respect.
We aim to empower patients and their families to have the confidence to engage in an open relationship with staff and voice their opinions, concerns and anxieties at all times.
Our aim is to provide information and education to all patients to ensure that they are confident in the ability to care for themselves in the long term. This is achieved through assessment and education with input from nursing staff, specialist nurses and others members of the multidisciplinary team.
Staff development is important to us. Through practice development, research, audit and personal study our staff provide up to date, evidence based specialised care.
Details of the staff working on Ward C9 see Who are the team?
Additional information about unit staff is available on the information boards in the ward corridor.
The ward is divided into two teams of nurses, led by senior staff nurses. Most of your care will be planned and carried out by the nurses from one of these teams, although of course any nurse will help you where necessary. Your nurses will introduce themselves to you as they come into contact with you, and one of them (your Named Nurse) will take a leading role in co-ordinating your care. We would like to involve you as much as possible in decisions about your care, so please feel free to ask questions or make suggestions.
Like nurses, there are several teams of doctors who work on this and other wards, and it can seem confusing at times. Not all doctors on the ward will be involved in your care, so do not be concerned if you are not seen on a particular ward round. Your doctors will introduce themselves to you, and are always happy to answer questions regarding your medical care. If you would like to see a doctor in private, it may be helpful to book an appointment.
Will I be in a single sex bay?
The ward is divided into several bays, with their own washing and toilet facilities. These are normally single-sex, but in exceptional circumstances, e.g. for reasons of patient safety, it may be necessary to mix sexes in a bay. Should this occur every effort will be made to ensure privacy.
Will I stay in the same area for the length of my stay?
As you and other patients progress, it may be necessary to move you to different parts of the ward. Also, single rooms may often be needed for patients requiring isolation. Although this movement can be upsetting after you have just settled in, please bear with us, as it is necessary to nurse everyone in the most appropriate part of the ward.
C9 also has its own High Dependency Unit, where more intensive nursing and medical care can be provided. A separate information booklet is available giving more details.
When can I ask the doctors questions?
Transplant ward rounds, with either a consultant or specialist registrar, take place daily. There will often be a large number of people on these rounds, but please do not be deterred by this from asking questions and making your views known. It may he helpful to jot down any questions you may have for the consultant, as it is easy to forget in the bustle of a large ward round exactly what it was you wanted to ask. Remember - we want you to be involved in decisions about your care. If something has not been explained to your satisfaction, please ask
Who else might I see while I'm in hospital?
In addition to doctors and nurses, many other people may be involved in your care. Particular people with whom you may have contact are:
Can I take my own tablets while in hospital?
It is important that you do not take any medicines without the knowledge of your doctor. However if you would like to take responsibility for your own medicines while in the ward, please ask your nurse about our self-medication scheme.
When can I have people to visit?
We believe in giving as unrestricted access for visitors as possible. For practical reasons, visiting is normally limited to 9am - 9pm, but if this is not possible we will try to make you welcome at any time. Please try to limit the number of people visiting at any one time to no more than three.
Please note that for reasons of patient safety, children under the age of ten are not allowed on the ward. Because of the danger of infections growing in the water, fresh flowers are also not allowed, although pot plants or dried flowers are welcome.
How can I telephone my relatives or my relatives telephone me?
Card operated telephones, along with televisions, are available at every bedside. These are provided by Patientline, an independent company. Information on how to use these is also available at the bedside. Relatives or friends can contact you directly on these phones by dialling 08905 317317. Conventional payphones may also be found in the main concourse on level 2.
Relatives may telephone the ward staff to enquire about you, but we would ask you to arrange for one main contact to phone where possible, so that they can then relay information to other friends and family. For reasons of confidentiality we are unable to give out detailed information without the patient's express consent.
Because of the risk of interference with medical equipment, mobile phones are not allowed on the ward under any circumstances.
Any mail intended for you should be addressed to:
Ward C9
Box 13
Addenbrooke's NHS Trust
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 2QQ
Stamped post may be left for collection in the tray at the nurses station.
In addition to these times, hot drinks are served at approximately 10am, 3pm and 8pm. A drinks machine for visitors is located immediately outside the ward.
Safety considerations
What happens in the event of a fire?
Fire exits are located at either end of the ward. The fire alarm consists of a loud bell. Intermittent ringing is a sign of a fire alarm somewhere in the building: do not be concerned, a specially trained team will be investigating the alarm immediately. Continuous ringing is a signal to evacuate. In this event the nursing staff will advise and guide you.
Please note that smoking presents a particular fire hazard, and is not permitted anywhere in the hospital.
Can I bring my Radio/TV onto the ward?
Mains-powered electrical equipment may only be brought in with the permission of the nurse in charge, and must not be used unless certified safe by the hospital electricians.
How do I get hold of a nurse in an emergency?
Nurse call buttons are provided in the handset at each bedside (the red button), as well as lighting and radio controls. Call bells in toilets and bathrooms are operated by a hanging cord.
Will I be in a room by myself?
Our single rooms have to be allocated on the basis of clinical need. Many of our patients may be particularly at risk of infection. For this reason it is often necessary to isolate patients who have, or are at risk of having, certain infections, and nurse them so as to minimise the risk of passing these infections to other patients. This is only done if necessary, and if you are in this situation we would ask you to help us in this, in particular by:
Please ask your nurse for further information.
What do I do with my belongings while in hospital?
The hospital cannot accept responsibility for your property whilst in hospital. If you have brought large sums of money or valuables into the hospital, please ask someone to take them home. Items may be deposited in the hospital safe, but any money will be returned to you as a cheque.
There is a hospital chapel on site and is located in the concourse, and may be used at any time. Church of England, Roman Catholic and Free Church services and ministers are available. If you wish to see a chaplain, take communion or have any other needs, please ask a nurse or ward clerk.
Is there anyone I can talk to confidentially for support and counselling?
A confidential counselling service is available. A leaflet giving details is available opposite the nurses station.
Can my relatives stay on site?
It may be possible for a relative of very sick patients to have a bed (in a shared room) in the hospital for a short time, although these are very limited. Private rooms in Pemberton House, a purpose-built hostel in the hospital grounds, are available for a charge, and may be booked through main reception. Information on local Bed & Breakfasts may be found in the day room.
How do I prove to my employer that I have been in hospital?
Any staff nurse or ward clerk can give you an in-patient certificate for work or Department of Social Security purposes. This will only cover you for the duration of your hospital stay. Further certificates if appropriate may be obtained from your GP.
What do I need to do when I leave the hospital?
Please make sure you know as early as possible how you will be getting home. Hospital transport can only be obtained on grounds of medical need, and in any case needs at least 48 hours notice.
Before you leave the ward, please make sure you have the following:
Finally
We hope to make your stay in hospital as pleasant as possible. It may seem very busy at times, but we believe every patient is important, and if you have any worries or anxieties, do not hesitate to speak to one of the nurses. We can always find time to help you.
If you have any suggestions as to how we might improve our service to you, or if you are at all unhappy with any aspect of your treatment or anything about the ward, please talk to your nurse. A suggestion box is located outside the day room. Alternatively the Patient Satisfaction Office, located by the hospital main entrance are always ready to discuss any concerns. They can be contacted on 01223 216756.
Author : Charge Nurse Jim O'Sullivan, Ward C9.
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| Maintained by
claire.jenkins@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Updated 24/10/05 © 2005 Addenbrookes Hospital |
