What happens when patients have problems communicating with staff?
It is really important that our patients understand what is happening with their care and treatment, also that they are understood by staff. For some people who do not have English as a first language, communication can be difficult.
It is helpful if we know in advance that an interpreter is required so that one can be booked. Everything the patient needs to know, including written information, will also be made available in a language understandable to them. We can arrange both face to face interpretation and telephone translation.
There are Link Workers based in the Trust that can help with support and advice for patients, carers and relatives attending the hospital. Also they will help with arranging a confidential face-to-face Interpretation Service, mainly for the Asian community, but they are happy to assist with any interpretation and translation requirements.
Does the hospital have facilities for patients/visitors with a disability, hearing or a visual impairment?
There are dedicated parking bays for disabled patients and visitors who display their blue badge, and other patients and visitors are asked to respect this. We have disabled toilets throughout the hospital, and ramps and lifts to allow full access to all floors.
The Customer Care Service, which is based on the front desk, in the main reception is also there to help, for example, wheelchair users and people with guide dogs in any way they can. This service is available from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, but staff are happy to assist outside these hours.
Hearing Loops are located in many areas around the hospital. Alternatively the hospital can arrange someone to help - with a British Sign Language Interpreter, a lip-speaker, note-taker or deaf/blind interpreter. Braille information can also be arranged. There is also a Minicom service available via the switchboard operator. Just let staff know in advance and we will do our very best to address them to ensure complete understanding during every part of the patient journey.
What happens when a patient needs religious support?
The hospital has a multi-faith chaplaincy department to help to meet the needs of the major faiths, and there are a range of services on site including a chapel, a mosque and a temple. Staff will also do their best to meet any individual faith needs, just ring them on 01204 390770 from outside the hospital, or if ringing internally extension 5770.
Please note: Service times are advertised outside the appropriate room