Identity wristbands
It is essential to wear a identity band with accurate details about you. A member of staff should put an identity band on you as soon as you are admitted to hospital.
You should wear this throughout your stay. If you do not have an identity band, if the details are incorrect, it comes off or is uncomfortable, ask a member of staff to replace it at once.
Allergies
Tell the nursing and medical staff if you have any allergies so that this can be recorded on your medical record.
Infection prevention and control
We recognise the importance of good infection prevention and control practices to prevent patients, visitors and staff from acquiring infections. Hands are the main way that germs are spread from person to person which is why good hand hygiene is so important.
- Staff should clean their hands before they have any contact with you. They will either wash their hands (using liquid soap and water) or use alcohol hand gel
- We would encourage you to ask staff if you are unsure that they have done this.
- Relatives, visitors, patients and staff should use the hand gel provided in dispensers at entrances to wards, in departments and clinics.
- Relatives and visitors are requested to wash their hands with liquid soap and water on entering and leaving areas where patients are being isolated.
We ask that relatives and visitors sit on visitor chairs and not on your bed or chair.
During your stay
Falls
People may fall in hospital for a variety of reasons. We will assess your risk of falling during your admission and try to reduce any risks.
You can help us by
- Informing staff if you have previously fallen and/or you have a fear of falling.
- Use the nurse call bell for assistance if you feel weak or dizzy or you have been advised to do so by a member of staff.
- Keep everything you need within easy reach including the call bell.
- Do not use hospital furniture to help you stand up as it does not provide suitable support.
- Wear well fitting, nonslip shoes or slippers.
- Make sure that you have any walking aids with you in hospital and use when needed.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse if your medicine makes you sleepy, light-headed, sluggish or confused.
- If you need any help ask.
- Ask your relatives to take any unnecessary items home to avoid clutter.
If at any point you think that we have the wrong information or have made a mistake about you or your care – tell us.
We strive to deliver the highest quality care and recognise you are the expert about you.
If you are worried that we do not have all of the information we need or have made an error, let us know so we can work together to keep you safe.
If you begin to feel unwell, tell a member of the staff caring for you.
Use of bedrails
You will be assessed as to whether you should have bedrails up or not. Bedrails can be used to prevent patients from falling out of bed but they can also be a risk to patients who are confused as they may try and climb over these.
For more information on when we would use bedrails please refer to the use of bedrails in hospital booklet available on the ward.
Pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers can occur when you sit or lie in the same position for too long.
You may be at risk of developing pressure ulcers if
- You have problems with movement or are not aware of the need to move.
- Your skin is not kept clean and dry.
- You have a poor diet and do not drink enough.
- You lose too much weight.
We will assess your risk on admission and to help prevent pressure ulcers you should keep moving.
- If you are in bed your position should be changed at least every two hours.
- If you are in a chair/ wheelchair try to take your weight off your bottom every half an hour.
Stay healthy
Eat and drink well, staff are happy to support you with any food or drink needs or enquiries you may have, please do not hesitate to ask.
Our wards have a protected meal time pledge to ensure that you are not disturbed during mealtimes unless it is necessary.
Trust menus are nutritionally balanced to ensure that you maintain an adequate diet.
Preventing blood clots
On admission to hospital you should be risk assessed for blood clots. A further assessment may be required if your condition changes.
If you require prolonged bed rest, are having surgery or are assessed to be at risk of developing a blood clot for other factors, preventative measures will be offered.
In our trust, Tinzaparin is the blood thinner of choice. It is given as an injection every day (usually in the evening). If tinzaparin is not suitable for you, alternatives can be considered.
Other measures include compression stockings to wear or other devices. Further information can be found on the Thrombosis UK website.
