Information for patients. Welcome folder

Transcription

1 Renal and transplant centre, Hammersmith Hospital Information for patients Welcome folder Please do not remove this folder

2 Contents Our values What to expect on arrival to the ward (page 6) Medications Personal belongings Life on the ward (page 7) Seeing your doctor or consultant Visiting arrangements Protected mealtimes Infection prevention and control Ward transfers Postal service Teaching and research (page 10) Teaching Research Staff you will see on the ward (page 11) Doctors Consultants Specialty registrars Core medical trainees and foundation year doctors Nursing staff Discharge liaison nurse Physiotherapists Occupational therapists Dietitians 2

3 Why is diet important? How to get in touch with the dietitian? Diabetes nurse specialist Pharmacy team What to expect from the pharmacy team during your stay Counselling and social support services Chaplaincy service Ward clerks Hosts/hostesses Porters Cleaners Ward facilities (page 18) Bedside facilities Nurse call bell Making calls from your bed TV Wifi service TV Going home (page 20) Preparing for hospital discharge Your discharge check list Getting help at home On-going care after discharge Renal rapid assessment unit Hospital facilities (page 22) Shop Gift shop SUBWAY Renal coffee shop Restaurant 3

4 Vending Machines Cashpoints Flowers Travelling and parking (page 23) Travel by London Underground Disabled parking General parking Patient information booklets on renal disease and treatments (page 24) Patient education programme Top tips to get the most from your stay (page 25) Patient groups (page 25) The West London Kidney Patients Association The West London Hospitals Holiday Dialysis Trust Making a donation to the Renal and Transplant Centre Useful Contacts (page 29) Useful addresses and telephone numbers Websites for expert advice Feedback (page 32) We need your comments (page 32) 4

5 Welcome to the renal and transplant centre Hello and welcome to the renal and transplant centre. Some of you will probably have been to this hospital before and may know the various routines well. However, for those who are new to inpatient life, this folder gives you a brief insight into the daily routine of the ward. This folder should provide most of the general information you may require. However, if you feel you need more information please ask a member of staff. We will do all we can to make sure your stay with us is as comfortable as possible. We will respect your privacy, dignity, religious and cultural needs at all times. Please let a member of staff know about any special requirements you might have such as special dietary needs, food allergies, washing or praying facilities. A member of the catering team or the chaplaincy service will be happy to meet with you, and the ward team can arrange this for you. If your first language is not English, please ask for help from a member of ward staff. Our values kind: we are considerate and thoughtful, so you feel respected and included expert: we draw on our diverse skills, knowledge and experience, so we provide the best possible care collaborative: we actively seek others views and ideas, so we achieve more together aspirational: we are receptive and responsive to new thinking, so we never stop learning, discovering and improving Our unit consists of a highly skilled multi-professional team with expertise in managing all types of renal disease. We try to continually improve on our services in order to provide you with the best care available. Any feedback regarding your care is most welcome and details on how to do this are detailed on the last page in this folder. 5

6 What to expect on arrival to the ward Please let us know if there is anything you do not understand or how we can help you to settle in quickly. When you arrive on the ward, the nursing staff will show you to your bed and help you settle in. We will ask you for your details, and the details of your next of kin or person we should contact in the case of an emergency. We will ask you to wear either a red or white plastic identity bracelet, depending on whether you have an allergy. This will be taken off you at the time of discharge. Then we will ask if we can take a swab from your nose and groin area to find out if you carry MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus). The test is painless and only takes a few seconds. This helps to prevent MRSA developing into an infection or spreading to other people. An increasing number of patients admitted to hospital are now screened to check whether they are carriers of another infection which is called Carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae or CRE. CRE screening requires a swab from your bottom (rectum/back passage) or a stool sample because CRE live in the gut. Medications Medications will be an important part of your care. They will be given to you at set times of the day. Please use this opportunity to ask any questions you have about the medicines you have been prescribed. A pharmacist or pharmacy technician will ask you about all of the medicines you currently take. It is helpful if you have brought all of your usual medicines to the hospital with you. If you haven t we may ask a relative or friend to collect them, as it helps to prevent delays in you receiving your normal medicines. You will be asked to hand over any medications brought in with you to the nursing staff to lock away for safe keeping. Personal belongings We will provide you with a bedside cupboard for your personal possessions. This does not lock so please do not use it for storing anything valuable. We advise that you do not bring valuables or large sums of money into hospital with you. 6

7 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (the Trust) does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal property, and you will be asked to sign a disclaimer for this reason. Life on the ward Every patient has a named nurse, and patients are under that nurse s care for the whole shift. Sometimes, a nursing assistant or student nurse will also be present. For questions, requests or if you need anything, the nurse assigned to you is the best person to talk to. If that is not possible, then ask for the nurse in charge. The name of the nurse and doctor responsible for your care on any given day will be written on a board above your bed. The table below is an example of the daily time table on the wards. Time What to anticipate Intravenous/some oral drugs given out. Observations - blood pressure, temperature, weight taken, blood sugar testing taken Nursing handover from night staff to day staff Breakfast Drug round Nurses are allocated patients Doctors morning ward round You may have a range of specialists visiting you depending on your needs Drug round These may include nurses, nurse specialists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, radiographers, phlebotomists, dietitians, speech and language therapists and occupational therapy practitioners Patients protected lunch time and no visiting is allowed Visiting hours Doctors afternoon ward round and visitors will be asked to leave the ward Drug round Dinner Nursing handover from day to night staff Last drug round followed by lights out Overnight Some patients will require additional blood tests to be taken in the night 7

8 Seeing your consultant or doctor We want to ensure that you fully understand your condition and the different treatment and care options available to you. Before you receive any treatment, your doctor will explain what he or she is recommending, including the benefits, risks and alternatives. Ward rounds will allow you the opportunity to ask your consultant any questions about your condition that you have. There are two ward rounds a day at and to Visitors will be asked to leave the ward between the hours of to so that the ward round can take place. Visiting arrangements We encourage your family and carers to visit you during your stay. except between to when the second ward round is taking place visitors are allowed onto the ward between to every day. prior consent must be asked for from the nurse in charge for visiting outside of these hours If you would like your family or another person chosen by you to be involved in your care and treatment, they can make an appointment to see the doctor to discuss your medical condition. If visiting is difficult for them they can call the ward (see page 29) at an arranged time to speak to your doctor. The doctors can only discuss your condition if you have given your permission. Rest is often an essential part of your and other patients recovery, so we ask that no more than two people visit you at any one time. We ask visitors to remain quiet on the wards to avoid disturbing other patients. Please ask your relatives and friends not to visit if they are suffering or recovering from any infectious illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, coughs, colds or flu. We do not advise that children under the age of 12 visit you on the wards. We also ask that relatives do not sit on your bed or bring in flowers. This is to reduce the risk of potential infection. Infection prevention and control We take cleanliness and infection prevention and control very seriously. 8

9 Hand washing We have strict hand hygiene protocols. If you have any questions regarding hand hygiene, do not hesitate to ask. If you have not seen staff members washing their hands or using hand wipes, then please ask that member of staff whether they have done so before treating you. Please help us prevent hospital infections effectively by: always wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet wash your hands or applying alcohol hand gel from a dispenser before you or your visitors enter and leave a ward or treatment area - simply rub the gel into dry hands Protected mealtimes At set times throughout the day, clinical activity is restricted as much as possible to help patients eat their meals in a calm atmosphere. The protected meal times are: breakfast to lunch to dinner to Nutritionally balanced and tasty meals are key to any recovery. A ward hostess will come around and give you with a menu. In the morning, you will be asked to choose your meal for both lunch and dinner. If you have any dietary or cultural preferences, please let the hostess know. Nutritious snacks and hot beverages are also available between meals speak with your ward hostess if you would like something and they can try and fulfill your request. Patient drinking water jugs are changed twice a day. Ice is available from the ward kitchen, please ask for ice if you would like some. 9

10 Ward transfers Sometimes, patients in the Renal and transplant centre will need to be moved to different beds or even another ward. There are a number of reasons for this which include the need for haemodialysis treatment or for infection control purposes. Please do not be alarmed if we need to move you. We only do this when absolutely necessary and we will try to avoid it wherever possible. Please be aware that side rooms are arranged according to clinical need and infection control purposes Postal service Post is delivered and collected from the ward twice a day from Monday to Friday. You can give letters complete with postage stamps, for posting to the ward clerk or nurse if you are unable to post them yourself. If you expect to receive any post while in hospital from your family or friends, please ask them to include the name of the ward you are staying in, as well as your first name, on all post sent to you. This will ensure deliveries are made to you easier. Teaching and research In 2007, the Trust and Imperial College became the UK s first Academic Healthcare Science Centre. The partnership between a healthcare provider and a university allows the opportunity to advance patient care, clinical teaching, research and innovation. How the partnership benefits our patients in regard to the quality of teaching and the involvement in clinical trials. Teaching The renal department hosts medical students, pre-registration nurses and nurses undertaking post-graduate exams. These students are here to learn about renal conditions and the effect they have on patients. You may be approached by a student during your stay. They will identify themselves to you, and they are required to ask your permission to speak to you about your condition. We would be grateful if you could help them but your involvement in teaching is entirely optional. 10

11 Research trials and studies Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. They are also the best way to compare different methods of preventing and treating a range of medical conditions, providing doctors with reliable evidence of which approach is best. There are many different studies being carried out in the renal unit at any given time. You may be asked to take part in one during your stay. If you are, the study will be fully explained to you and all your questions will be answered. This should help you to make an informed choice about whether you want to take part. It is entirely your decision and if you decide not to participate this will not affect your care in any way. We will continue to treat you using the best available methods. Staff you will see on the ward Pictures and names of staff from each ward in the renal department can be found on a board outside the entrance to the wards. Doctors There are a team of doctors who will look after you during your inpatient stay. Collectively they work with the rest of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) on the ward to ensure your optimal care and treatment. Consultants A consultant doctor has responsibility for your care during your stay. Each of the main wards is looked after by a team of five consultants who rotate on a weekly basis. Handover currently takes place on a Monday morning. The name of your consultant is written on a board above your bed. Additional meetings take place between all the renal consultants in the unit on a weekly basis when the management of your care may be discussed to ensure you are receiving the best treatment. Continuity of care is important to us and the meetings also allow discussions and input from your outpatient nephrologist who oversees your care before and after your admission. 11

12 Specialty registrars These are doctors who are training to become consultant nephrologists. The doctors are based on the wards under the direct supervision of consultants. The doctors often work and train within the renal unit for many years. Core medical trainees and Foundation year doctors These are junior doctors based on the ward and in training. They rotate through the renal unit every few months. Nursing staff The nursing staff on the ward have a range of experience and seniority. The matron or ward manager is the lead nurse for each ward. The identity of the lead nurse is posted with their photo on an information board at the entrance to the ward. The nurses wear different coloured uniforms depending on their seniority. ward matron sister/charge nurse staff nurse health care support workers 12

13 Discharge liaison nurse Your discharge from hospital will be planned with you, your family and the multi-disciplinary team. The discharge liaison nurse will co-ordinate this process and may need to arrange a family meeting to plan your on-going needs when you are at home. If you are not a resident of Hammersmith and Fulham borough, the discharge liaison nurse will liaise with your local borough and discuss your rehabilitation and transfer from hospital with them. The discharge liaison nurse will work with social services to organise a package of care to meet your needs if/as required. This care may be funded by the NHS and/or social services, or you might need to contribute towards the cost after complex assessments. Physiotherapists Our physiotherapy service provides education, advice and exercise to maximise independence and self-management strategies for our patients. They attend multi-disciplinary team meetings on the wards to assist our medical teams in the planning of on-going care. Occupational therapists The occupational therapy team provide assessment and treatment to minimise the impact of illness and help you be independent. Their job is to help assist you get home and ensure you can safely look after yourself. They attend multi-disciplinary team meetings on the wards to assist our medical teams in the planning of on-going care. Dietitians The team of specialist renal dietitians review your nutritional status and provide guidance and advice to people trying to manage their kidney condition. You may be referred to see a renal dietitian if you: are not eating well and you are losing weight are new to receiving haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis 13

14 have a new kidney transplant need dietary advice on how to manage your diet or fluids due to the level of waste products in your blood need specialist advice on how to ensure you get the best nutrition for your condition Why is diet important? The foods we eat nourish us in many ways, including giving us the energy and nutrients to support our body to work and repair itself day to day. These processes produce waste products which are sometimes difficult to manage when the kidneys are not fully working. The renal dietitian can help you to reduce these waste products while at the same time keeping you well fed and as healthy as possible. If you have any worries about your advised diet and fluid intake please ask your doctor or nurse if you should arrange an appointment with the dietitian. Diabetes nurse specialist Many patients with kidney disease also have diabetes. The diabetes specialist nurse in the renal unit is a trained nurse with expertise in managing the care and treatment of diabetes and can provide specific clinical expertise, teach practical skills and help with advice, education and support whilst you are an inpatient. It is important that your diabetes is well controlled as this will help you to get better quicker. If you would like to see the diabetes specialist nurse whilst you are a patient on the ward, please ask your doctor or nurse to arrange an appointment. Pharmacy team A pharmacist and a pharmacy technician will visit the ward Monday to Saturday. specialise in giving medicines for kidney disease in the best way. They They can help to answer any questions you may have like: Why am I taking this medicine? 14

15 When can I stop taking my medicines? How many times a day do I need to take my medicines? At what time of day should I take my medicines? Do my medicines have any side effects? Are there any additional instructions such as do I need to take my medicines with food? How can I remember to take all the medicines prescribed for me? They can give you more information about self-administration of medicines and how to manage your medicines. There are specific medicines for the following groups of patients that they can also give information about: patients who have had a kidney or pancreas transplant for example anti-rejection medicines, preventative antibiotics patients on dialysis or about to start dialysis - phosphate binders, anaemia treatments, blood pressure medicines patients with specific kidney conditions like glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, lupus e.g. immunosuppression As an inpatient the pharmacy team will ensure you have a supply of the medicines that you have been prescribed as an inpatient ensure the medicines that have been prescribed for you are safe and appropriate identify any problems you may have taking your medicines On discharge ensure you have a supply of all of your prescribed medicines on discharge give you support to help you with taking your medicines answer any questions you may have about your medicines After discharge If you have any questions about your medicines after you have been discharged: Call to speak to the medicines information helpline If you would like further information you can talk to: the pharmacist or pharmacy technician on the ward the pharmacist at the renal and transplant outpatient clinic 15

16 Counselling and social support services We understand that kidney disease is a life changing illness and therefore has a major impact on people s lives. On diagnosis with an illness a lot of time can be taken up with hospital appointments and treatment issues. This may start to affect other parts of your life and at times you could experience some difficulties with your work, finances or managing on a day to day basis. The counselling and social support service is open to patients, family members and carers and provides psychological and social support while you are on the wards and after you have been discharged as an outpatient. It is common for people to find it hard to follow complex medical advice and treatment as this involves major changes to their daily life. Your treatment is extremely important as it can improve your quality of life and the outcomes of your condition. Feelings you may experience are: feeling isolated and alone shock after diagnosis, coming to terms with having kidney disease worries or problems about particular types of treatment emotional or relationship difficulties brought about by illness or treatments stress adjusting to new treatments, for example a transplant anxiety, depression, low mood feeling that it s all too much to cope with Ask your nurse to contact our team and we will visit you on the ward or contact us directly after discharge. Contact numbers are on page 29. Our counsellors are able to help you think about whatever you may be experiencing and often deal with problems related to kidney disease, they are experienced, accredited members of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy, and abide by its ethical practice framework. 16

17 Chaplaincy service The hospital has a team of chaplains of different faiths as well as volunteers who can offer you emotional and spiritual support. They are available to spend time with both patients and their relatives. Please speak to a member of the ward team if you would like more information. If you are feeling low, please share your concerns with a member of the ward team. Ward clerks Ward clerks carry out administrational duties on the ward which include arranging clinic appointments, transport, liaise with your GP, and answer various telephone queries. Hosts and hostesses Hosts and hostesses will provide you with meal menus and take your orders. They will also offer you hot and cold drinks. Porters Porters are responsible for helping you get between locations in hospital quickly and safely. Nursing staff will request a porter s assistance if you need to attend an appointment outside the ward. Cleaners Cleaners are available 24 hours a day and are responsible for ensuring you are able to recover in a clean environment. Toilets and bathrooms are cleaned and checked at intervals throughout the day for cleanliness. If you think the facilities require a cleaner s attention, please let a member of the nursing team know. 17

18 Ward facilities If you are a patient on De Wardener ward, you will have this model of call bell nurse call bell Making calls from your bed TV Bedside telephones are run and maintained by Patientline. Cards for these can be bought from the vending machine which are located in front of the lift and situated on the 1st and 3rd floors. The cards cost 5 or

19 If you would like relatives to call you on the ward, please ask the staff for the telephone number. The cost of the phone call is higher than the standard rate of call. Wifi service The Trust provides you and your visitors with a free wifi service. There are two main wifi options: WifiSPARK free: our free wifi service allows you to browse the internet and use , but you will be unable to access or stream video or audio content WifiSPARK_premium: our premium wifi will allow you to access high-speed content including video and audio streaming in addition to web browsing and s Payment is required, please see price list below Time Cost 4hrs hrs week month months year 198 To access either service, please choose the relevant network on your mobile device and follow the instructions. Wifi support wifi is provided by Wifi Spark. If you have any problems accessing our free or premium wifi service, call for Wifi Spark support on their 24/7 support telephone line TV the day rooms on each of the wards have a TV 19

20 Going home and preparing for hospital discharge We will give you an anticipated date of discharge to allow you to make any necessary plans. This date may change depending on your condition or treatment. If this happens, we will discuss it with you. Once you have your anticipated date to leave hospital, staff will work together with other agencies to assess your health and social needs in preparation for you being discharged from hospital. If you know of anything that may prevent you from going home, please let your nurse know as early as possible. You will need to make your own transport arrangements for going home. This means that someone will need to collect you at a planned time as you cannot go home alone. In special circumstances, and only if you meet the Trust criteria, hospital transport will be arranged to take you home. Please ask the nursing team if you are unsure if you are eligible to have transport and how to apply. Prior to discharge, the doctor will write an electronic discharge communication (EDC). This is a discharge summary letter which summarises your condition and the treatment you have received. It will also include a list of all your medicines. You will be given the EDC and a supply of any new medicines that you have been prescribed during your stay. A copy of the EDC is sent to your GP. On the day of discharge, we will ask you to vacate your bed by 12.00pm. You are welcome to wait in the ward day room after 12.00pm for your lift home. Your discharge check list Please include your family, carers and friends when you are making your discharge arrangements with your nurse, and please talk to them about your decision as soon as possible. These are the topics you should talk about: Is the key available to gain access to my home? Is transport arranged for when I am ready to go home? Will my home be warm enough when I come home? Do people know I am coming home? Have I got sufficient food in my home? Do I need to arrange to get some shopping delivered? Can someone bring in my clothes to go home in the day before discharge? 20

21 Getting help at home We aim to get patients home as soon as they no longer require hospital based care. Some patients will require special equipment or carers to help them while they continue to recuperate at home. This requires complex planning and communication with you and your family. If your family are contacted to discuss arrangements for your on-going care, we ask for them to work with the medical and nursing team to help decide with you, the best steps forward regarding your on-going management and, following this, to co-operate in order to instigate the agreed plan. On-going care after discharge All patients will be followed up in one of our specialist clinics after discharge. For dialysis patients, a clinic date will be sent to you by your designated dialysis unit. For transplant and other patients, you should be given information on where and on which date to return to an outpatient clinic prior to your discharge. If you do not feel well after discharge, for medical advice please contact your GP, the renal outpatient clinic or the renal rapid assessment unit. Contact numbers are on page 29. Renal rapid assessment unit The renal rapid assessment unit (RAU) is a unique service for our renal patients. You can make contact if you have problems that may require urgent medical attention, but do not necessarily need hospital admission. Our renal patients are able to self-refer to this service and be seen by our renal doctors and nurses. The aim of the service is to ensure that any potential problems can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage, either preventing the need for patients to be admitted to hospital or to quickly identify those patients in need of emergency care. The service offers telephone advice or they can give you an appointment to see a doctor. Renal rapid assessment unit 9.00am to 18.00, Monday to Friday 10.00am to 14.00, Saturdays 21

22 The centre is closed on Sundays and bank holidays. On these days and out of hours, patients may call the De Wardener Unit on , where they may speak to a specialist nurse or doctor for advice. If you need to visit the Renal rapid assessment unit, the address is: Renal Rapid Assessment Unit Ground floor, F Block Hammersmith Hospital Du Cane Road London W12 0HS On calling for advice, some ill patients may be directed to attend the Haematology and Renal Triage Unit for assessment. The address is: Haematology and Renal Triage Unit 3 rd floor, F Block Hammersmith Hospital Du Cane Road London W12 0HS Hospital facilities Shop There is a shop in the main entrance of the hospital that sells magazines, books, snacks and toiletries. Monday to Friday to Saturday to Sunday to Gift shop The Friends of Hammersmith Hospital are located on the south corridor. The shop sells cards, toys, baby garments, knitted goods, sundries, stationary and sweets. Monday to Thursday to Friday to SUBWAY The restaurant is located in the main entrance of the hospital. SUBWAY menu offers a wide range of hot and cold sandwiches. 22

23 Monday to Friday to Saturday to Sunday to Renal coffee shop This is a small cafeteria located in the renal building. The coffee shop sells Costa coffee, cakes, pastries, sandwiches, biscuits and cold drinks. Monday to Friday to Saturday 08.00am to Restaurant The restaurant, located in the north corridor, serves hot and cold drinks and a selection of sandwiches, salads, baguettes, wraps, paninis, soup and hot food throughout the day. You can also purchase a variety of snacks sweet and savoury snacks. The restaurant accepts all major credit cards. Monday to Friday to Saturday and Sunday to Vending Machines There are vending machines located in out-patients, opposite our pharmacy and the main entrance. They serve hot and cold food 24hrs a day. Cashpoints There are two cashpoints located within the hospital, one in the main entrance foyer and the other in the shop. Flowers A flower stall, also part of the Friends of Hammersmith Hospital, is located in the main entrance of the hospital. 11am to Monday to Friday. Fresh flowers are not allowed on the ward. Travelling and parking We strongly encourage you and your visitors to use public transport to travel to and from Hammersmith Hospital. 23

24 Travel by London Underground East Acton underground station (Central Line) is about a 10 minute walk to Hammersmith Hospital, which is on the left hand side of Du Cane Road. White City (Central Line) and Wood Lane (Hammersmith & City and Circle Line), are a 15 minute walk away from Hammersmith Hospital. Or you can get a bus (Numbers 272, 72) from outside the tube stations. Disabled parking There are a number of parking spaces for disabled badge holders at the hospital and parking is free for badge holders in any of the available spaces. General parking General parking is very limited at or near Hammersmith Hospital and hourly charges apply. Please bring plenty of change to pay at the car park machines. There is a council car park opposite Wormwood Scrubs Prison which is next to the hospital, which also charges by the hour but is free on the weekends. For other offsite parking, please refer to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham s website. Patient information booklets on renal disease and treatments Detailed patient information booklets are available on various aspects of kidney disease and treatment. If you would like a copy of the booklets, please ask a member of the team looking after you. The following information booklets are available: Renal biopsy; Treatments for kidney disease Having a kidney transplant Waiting for a kidney transplant Looking after your peritoneal dialysis catheter Vascular access for haemodialysis. Having a parathyroidectomy Patient kidney information centre Alternatively, the Patient Kidney Information (PKI) centre is located on the ground floor of the renal building (between the Renal assessment unit and the Costa coffee shop). 24

25 The PKI centre stocks the booklets and has further information about renal disease, transplantation and dialysis. The centre is fully accessible to patients, if you want to visit the centre please tell a member of the team. Patient information programme Regular outpatient educational seminars are run in collaboration with staff and patients on different aspects of care, including transplantation and dialysis therapies. Please let the nursing team know if you would be interested in attending. Top tips for getting the right care and information for you write down any questions you might so when you see your doctor you know what to ask remind friends and family to visit you during the correct visiting hours please use the hand gel when entering and leaving the ward and tell your visitors to do the same please ask staff if you have any concerns, worries or questions, our staff are there to help you and although at times they are especially busy, like at handover times, they will try to assist as soon as they can please do not bring unnecessary belongings with you into hospital, especially valuable items please remember to bring your medications or a list of your medications to all future outpatient appointments The West London Kidney Patients Association The West London Kidney Patients Association (WLKPA) was formed by the joining of Charing Cross, St Mary s and Hammersmith hospitals in These individual associations had been in existence themselves for over 30 years. The WLKPA is run by volunteer patients, families, friends and carers. It is one of the largest kidney patient associations in England and represents around 6,000 patients at any one time and has over 2,000 members. The WLKPA works closely with the staff of the West London Renal Service but is a completely independent body funded entirely by donations. The WLKPA represents patients suffering from kidney conditions or failure who are treated by the West London Renal Service, together with their carers, families and friends. Their aims are to: support and, as appropriate, act as an advocate for individual renal patients in west London maintain and improve the services provided for renal patients in west London 25

26 work with national bodies representing renal patients to secure appropriate recognition of their needs by the NHS and other parties advise and support the carers, families and friends of renal patients in West London support research into the treatment and management of patients with renal disease and failure The WLKPA will help any patient facing difficulties or problems as a result of their condition, from talking to them about what may be involved in dialysis and transplant, to working with the renal service and addressing any particular problems to ensure the patient gets the treatment and help they need. They are not medical experts and cannot take the place of the medical team, however, the membership is made up of renal patients or carers resulting in practical experience of the day to day challenges a patient faces. The members take part in dialysis and transplant conferences and they produce newsletters and advice to circulate to members. The WLKPA information leaflets are displayed on the wards and hospital units. In addition to pastoral and educational support they offer, the WLKPA also provide direct funding assistance in the form of purchase of equipment or materials for the Trust and associated units that endeavour to improve the patient experience during the course of their treatment. These materials have included televisions and bolster cushions for dialysis patients, and funds at Christmas for the dialysis units. The funding is provided in response to requests made by both patients and Trust staff. They can also help with small grants to meet patients immediate needs and support patients participating in events such as the Transplant Games. At a national level, the WLKPA participate in the National Kidney Federation s annual conference and working parties, and in their various campaigns and initiatives. Working together collectively renal patients and their supporters can achieve real changes in the priorities given to renal services and research. At the local level, they work with the West London Renal and Transplant Service in developing patient participation in research and they also provide limited direct financial assistance in supporting local research projects. The WLKPA committee meets regularly throughout the year to discuss all aspects of its work. All members are eligible to join the committee and participate more actively in the association s undertakings. WLKPA are always looking for volunteers and resources. They fully appreciate the devastating impact that renal failure can have on patients and those around them. They are always grateful to those who nevertheless are willing to support the KPA actively, whether through fundraising, support for patients or as a trustee. For more information on the WLKPA and details on how to become a member Visit 26

27 Write to WLKPA, c/o Renal Unit Offices, 4th Floor, Hammersmith House, Hammersmith Hospital, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS. The West London Hospitals Holiday Dialysis Trust The West London Hospitals Holiday Dialysis Trust is a registered charity formed over 40 years ago to provide self-catering accommodation for renal patients and their family and friends. The Trust purchased St Anne s, a large Victorian house in Emsworth, Hampshire, which is on the south coast between Chichester and Portsmouth. St Anne s welcomes all renal patients to have a well-deserved and relaxing holiday with in-house dialysis facilities. There is a resident House Manager, Mrs Veronica Cumming, who, with her husband, has their own flat on the first floor. The remainder of St Anne s is made up of ensuite bedrooms, lounges and 3 kitchens and can accommodate three families at one time for a self-catering holiday. There is a communal conservatory which looks out onto a large garden and outdoor swimming pool. The Trust employs a renal trained nurse, Mrs Sharon Cartwright, who dialyses the patients in a purpose built three station dialysis unit which is a few steps away from the conservatory. Sharon has the assistance of a health care assistant on dialysis days. Once a patient has been established on dialysis for six months and with the agreement of their consultant, he or she may book a week s holiday either staying at St Anne s or elsewhere and dialysing at St Anne s during Monday to Friday. For West London Hospitals Holiday Dialysis Trust patients, the self-catering accommodation is free for the patient and one next of kin or carer. A nominal charge is made for additional guests. Call and ask for Sharon Cartwright Monday to Friday to Visit 27

28 Making a donation to the renal and transplant centre Donations make a huge difference to the care that the renal service provides to its patients and their carers, in the provision of equipment and other items. We have two charities, for the benefit of patients and staff on our renal wards and the other for the Renal and Transplant Centre (The Imperial Kidney Fund and Renal Staff Fund). If you would like to make a donation to the renal ward, please talk to the ward manager who will be able to provide you with further information. You are able to stipulate what you would like the donation to be spent on. The Imperial Kidney Fund (registered charity number ) is the charity of the Renal and Transplant Centre. Through your support, we can bolster our service to achieve the very best in kidney care. Together, we have an opportunity to change the game for kidney disease! Exemplary centre for kidney care The centre has a proud history of innovative firsts - supporting more kidney patients than anywhere else in Europe, and year on year achieving better dialysis results than anywhere else in the world. But we need your help to continue to do more. Past donations have helped us buy special equipment; provide training opportunities for our staff to learn about new developments in renal medicine and supported us to research our own ideas from test tubes in the laboratory right through to the patient bedside. Donations and fundraising We are completely reliant on our incredible volunteers and generous supporters. We have a number of events in the year, including golf days, cake sales, coffee mornings, special services and dinners. Please get in touch if you would like to know what s going on near you or if you have an idea of your own for fundraising. You may prefer to make a donation or ask your friends or colleagues to join you in making a donation in lieu of birthday presents, wedding gifts or in memory of someone who we were able to help in their lifetime. Leaving a gift in your legacy is another way to personally support the doctors and researchers continue to help others. 28

29 Please get in touch If you would like to make a donation or just find out more, please contact: Imperial Kidney Fund, c/o Renal unit offices, 4th floor, Hammersmith House, Hammersmith Hospital, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS. Imperialkidneyfund@imperial.nhs.uk or phone: (Please note: We endeavour to respond to you as soon as possible, however and phone message are only picked-up once a week) Cheques should be posted to the above address or deposited at Lloyd s Bank and made payable to Imperial Kidney Fund. Alternatively, you may prefer to make a bank transfer to Imperial Kidney Fund, sort code , account number Unless otherwise requested, we use donations where the need is most. Useful addresses and telephone numbers Hammersmith Hospital switchboard Auchi dialysis centre Acute haemodialysis unit Monday to Saturday to Sunday - closed Peritoneal dialysis unit Monday to Friday to / / Rapid assessment unit Opening hours: Monday to Friday / to Saturday Out of hours: to / Sunday - closed De Wardener ward / High dependency unit Handfield Jones ward / Kerr ward /

30 Peters ward / Discharge liaison nurses / Monday to Friday to Medicines information helpline Live donor transplant co-ordinators Natasha Stubbs Harvinder Dulku Honey Orr Renal outpatients clinic at Hammersmith Hospital St Mary s Hospital renal outpatients clinic Renal counsellor Renal counsellor Social support worker Patient advice and liaison service Satellite haemodialysis units We have satellite haemodialysis units located at the following addresses: Brent renal satellite unit Ward manager: Elizabeth Dalby / 2632 Central Middlesex Hospital Acton Lane, Park Royal. London NW10 7NS 1 South renal satellite unit Ward manager: Damir Tandaric Charing Cross Hospital Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF Ealing renal satellite unit Ward manager: Colin Smith Ealing Hospital Uxbridge Road, Southall, Middlesex UB1 3HW / 30736/ /

31 Hayes renal satellite unit Ward Manager: Kate Reed / 9801 Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2RR Northwick Park renal unit Ward manager: Claire Edwards Northwick Park Hospital Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ Watford renal satellite unit Ward manager: Virginia Prout Watford General Hospital Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0HB West Middlesex renal unit Ward manager: Margaret Nevin West Middlesex University Hospital Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF St Charles renal unit Ward manager: Kathleen Lynch / / / 2545/ / 4815/ 4816 Hammersmith Dialysis Centre Ward manager: Marion Garrett / 5193/ 5196 St Charles Hospital Exmoor Street, London W10 6DZ Useful websites patient decision guides

32 Feedback We welcome your suggestions on how to improve this folder of information. If you have any feedback please contact the ward manager. How do I make a comment about my visit? We aim to provide the best possible service and staff will be happy to answer any of the questions you may have. If you have any suggestions or comments about your visit, please either speak to a member of staff or contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on (Charing Cross, Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte s & Chelsea hospitals), or (St Mary s and Western Eye hospitals). You can also PALS at pals@imperial.nhs.uk. The PALS team will listen to your concerns, suggestions or queries and is often able to help solve problems on your behalf. Alternatively, you may wish to express your concerns in writing to: Complaints department Fourth floor Salton House St Mary s Hospital Praed Street London W2 1NY Alternative formats This leaflet can be provided on request in large print, as a sound recording, in Braille, or in alternative languages. Please contact the communications team on Department of Published: Aug 2016 Review date: Aug 2019 Reference no: 2688 Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 32