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. The revised policy reinforces NHS Lanarkshire’s aim of promoting and protecting the health of both the public and NHS staff.
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:
- Daily newspapers can be purchased and delivered to the wards.
- Arrangements are in place to ensure that hairdressers regularly visit the hospital to provide a hairdressing service.
- Local clergy visit on a regular basis. No information about a patient will be passed onto the clergy without the patient’s consent.