Smoking Policy
Since 1 August 2008, smoking has been banned in all NHS Lanarkshire grounds. It means people are no longer allowed to light up anywhere inside NHS Lanarkshire premises or within its grounds – including areas around hospital, clinic and health centre entrances, and in vehicles parked on NHS premises.
Alcohol
As alcohol can interfere with the treatment of patients, relatives and visitors should not leave any alcoholic product with patients.
Mail
Letters and parcels for patients should be sent to the hospital, stating the name and ward number of the patient clearly. Outgoing letters can be given to the ward staff for posting
Medicines
Please remember to bring with you, or advise us, of any medicines you may be taking and hand them to ward staff on admission. Please also advise ward staff if you have any pre-arranged appointment, such as outpatient, optician or dental visit.
Pensions and Other Benefits
Once you have been in hospital for a few weeks, your pension will be reduced and you may not be entitled to other benefits you currently receive. It is important that you, or a relative, inform the Benefits Agency of your admission to hospital. You may wish to attend to your own finances, however if you or your relatives require assistance this can be arranged by speaking to your Named Nurse.
Social Work Resources
Social Workers are skilled to help with family or social problems. If you are worried about finance, housing or other similar difficulties, ask the Ward staff to contact Social Work Resources on your behalf. Hospital Amenities A number of amenities can be accessed to make your stay in hospital as comfortable as possible:
Recreational Activities
A weekly programme of recreational activities is on display in the ward. Patients are encouraged to participate in these to maintain their independence as far as possible and also to give them an interest and an opportunity to socialise. The activities include musical entertainment and video films.
Hairdressing Service
A hairdresser can be contacted on your behalf as required. A charge is made for this service. Please ask the Ward Staff.
Reading Facilities
A wide selection of books and talking books are available.
Telephone
A public telephone is available. Please ask the Nurse if you require this.
Hospital Staff
All staff wear identity badges that help you to identify the different people involved in your care. The following information may help you to identify some of the people you will see during your stay:
Named nurse
You will have a named nurse who is responsible for developing a plan of care with you to meet your individual needs.
Medical staff
Every patient has a named GP who visits the hospital regularly.
Other Staff
These include: occupational therapy, physiotherapy, domestic and catering, portering. Arrangements can be made for podiatry, speech therapy, dietetics.
Your Views and Opinions
The hospital staff are firmly committed to providing the best possible treatment and care for you. The hospital is keen to improve what it does by listening to what you and your relatives have to say and would therefore welcome your comments on what you think was done well and where improvements could be made. Please feel free to speak to your named nurse.
Most patients are satisfied with the service. However, the hospital would like to hear from you if you are unhappy about any part of it, whether it is with the catering, standard of cleanliness, the care you are receiving or something else. It is important that you let someone know as soon as possible, so please try to raise your concerns with hospital staff.