Inpatient Services

Please telephone ext. 4119 for enquires about admission or clinic appointment. In an emergency or out of hours, please ask the operator to transfer you to the senior nurse on duty.

Enquiries

For information about inpatients you should ask for the ward by name or you can dial direct. We cannot give any confidential information over the telephone. We would appreciate if only one nominated relative contacts the ward for information.

Ward telephone numbers:

Visiting Hours

We have open visiting at the hospital, but visitors are asked to leave by 8.30 PM. For safety reasons, please ask if children and expectant mothers can visit before entering the ward.

Meals

We encourage patients to have their meals in the patients dining room. However, if you are unable to get there, you may have your meal at your bedside. We cater for all special diets but please discuss any dietary problems with your nurse who will arrange for our dietitian to see you if necessary.

We also operate a limited 24-hour catering service for times when you miss a meal through no fault of your own, for example because of your treatment time or your admission time.

Your visitors can obtain a selection of meals from Firtrees Restaurant, which is open from 8.00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.

Drinks, sandwiches, and snacks are available from vending machines throughout the hospital. Additionally, our WRVS Tea Bar is open as follows:

Trolley Shop

The trolley shop visits the wards every morning for patients who are unable to get to the shop. They appreciate small change.

Patients' Lounge

Come and relax in the patients' lounge, on the first floor next to Dee Ward. Other activities that take place in the lounge include craft classes, relaxation classes, and church services. A timetable of activities is available next to the lounge door.

Patients' Library

We have a general library on the first floor in the patients' lounge. This is for the use of patients and includes novels and talking books.

Clothing

We will encourage you to dress in your usual clothes during the day. If you are having radiotherapy, please follow the advice on clothing found in our booklet called Radiotherapy. Your nurse or radiographer will give you a copy if you do not already have one.

Spiritual Care

Representatives of the different denominations visit the wards regularly. We hold Services in the patients' lounge or alternatively we can arrange for you to have Holy Communion on the ward. There is a chapel in the hospital grounds where patients can attend Sunday Service.

Personal Possessions

We provide every patient with a locker and wardrobe. However, these are not secure, so we advise you not to bring in any valuables or money. If you must bring large amounts of money, please talk to your nurse who will arrange for our finance department to store cash in their safe for a few days. For more than a few days, they will deposit the money in a bank and you will receive a cheque or cash when you go home. You will receive a receipt for any cash you hand over for safekeeping. Before you are discharged from the hospital, please ask your nurse to arrange for your money to be returned to you. If you bring in electrical appliances, our hospital electricians MUST check them before use.

Mixed-Sex Wards

All our wards are mixed-sex with designated bay areas and washing, bathing, and toilet facilities for males or females to maintain your dignity and privacy.

Arrangements for Weekend Leave (Radiotherapy Patients')

If you do not have any problems and your doctor gives you permission, you can go home after your treatment on Friday, returning by Monday at 9:00AM. We cannot promise you an early appointment on Friday and you must provide your own transport. The only exception to this is for patients living in the Gwynedd area, where the ambulance service is able to provide transport for weekend leave.

If you become unwell at the weekend, you should telephone your ward and discuss it with a qualified nurse. If necessary, we can arrange for your re-admission.

Other Facilities

We have a hairdresser available in the hospital on Mondays and Thursdays. If you wish to use this facility, please ask a nurse, who will arrange it for you. Relaxation and massage are also available.

You will be able to go out during the day, with the permission of the nurse in charge or doctor. For your safety, it is important that you tell the ward staff where you are going and when you get back.

Cancer Support Group

This group organises a social event each month for patients and their relatives and friends. In addition, they arrange minibus trips around the Wirral. For further information see the supervisor on Snaefell ward

Where to stay

Information for relatives who wish to stay locally is available from Medical Records staff. Please contact extension 4119. We have a small overnight room available on-site for family or friends who want to stay near a very sick relative. Please ask the nurse if you would like this facility.