If you stay in hospital for one night or more for tests, medical treatment or surgery, you are treated as an inpatient. You will be involved in all decisions about your treatment throughout your stay.
We know that people are sometimes anxious about coming to hospital. In this section you can find information to help prepare you for your stay and what to expect.
Why am I on this ward?
You are on this ward because our team of doctors, nurses and therapists has decided that you are not well enough to go home and you need to stay in hospital overnight. This ward is currently the best place for you to receive the best care and treatment.
The team will discuss your care and treatment and decide how long you need to stay with them. They will also start to plan ahead for your discharge home. Find out more about leaving hospital.
Why do I need to move to another ward?
As your condition improves, you may be moved to another ward in one of our hospitals for further care and treatment. Alternatively, you may be discharged to a community rehabilitation unit or another place in the community such as an NHS care home.
Moving you to the right place for your next phase of your care will not only help speed up your recovery, it will also mean your bed space to be prepared for the next patient who needs it.
What will happen when I move from this ward?
A member of your clinical team will discuss with you the plan to move you from this ward and make the arrangements. They will also inform your next of kin when you are transferred to your new place of care. The doctors, nurses and therapists in your new ward will then take over your care.
What happens if a patient is unable to make their own decisions?
If you hold Lasting Power of Attorney for a patient, please share this information with the ward team as soon as possible.
If a patient is unable to make their own decisions, then a family member or friend can be nominated as their representative. Alternatively, we can arrange for an independent representative (patient advocate) to support patients in discussions about their care.
How are patients supported if English is not their first language?
If you cannot speak or understand English, we will arrange an interpreter for you.
