WELCOME INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

WELCOME INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST WELCOME TO THE TRUST We would like to offer you a warm welcome to the Trust. We aim to do everything we can to make your care as comfortable as possible and support you and your partners in care to be involved in decisions. We hope you will find this information useful. Please do not hesitate to talk to a member of staff if you have any questions, would like to give feedback, or have any concerns about your care. Who we are We provide community, hospital and specialist health services to around half a million people living in the Wakefield and North Kirklees areas. We also treat patients who choose to use our services from surrounding areas, including South Leeds, North Yorkshire, Barnsley and Doncaster. Our values HIGH STANDARDS Taking responsibility for providing the best services and patient experience. IMPROVING We always look for ways to improve what we do. We encourage involvement, value contributions and listen to and positively act on feedback. CARING Ensuring quality of care is at the heart of everything we do. RESPECT Showing value and respect for everyone and treating others as we would wish to be treated. Equality and diversity statement The Trust is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in our day to day treatment of all staff, patients and visitors regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social class.

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST OUR FACILITIES Open visiting Visiting times are open to enable relatives and carers to feel more involved in care, according to patient preference. Please see the Visitors Charter for more information. Interpreting service The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals have interpreting and translations services available to patients whose first language is not English. Please ask a member of staff to help organise this if you or your family need to use this service. Dewsbury and District Hospital Post box Cash machine Rose restaurant - hot and cold food Timeout shop - drinks and snacks The tea bar. Pinderfields Hospital Post box Cash machine In Café - drinks and snacks Time To Eat restaurant - hot and cold food WHSmith. Pontefract Hospital Cash machine Time To Eat café - hot and cold food WHSmith. Free WiFi To connect to our WiFi ask a member of staff for the current username and password.

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy The Chaplaincy team offer a range of spiritual and holistic care. There are prayer rooms and chapels on every hospital site available for prayer. Chaplains visit wards regularly and are able to visit individuals by arrangement. Please ask staff who will arrange this for you. We also provide a 24 hour on call service for emergencies via Hospital Switchboard 0844 811 8110. Smoking The Trust has a no smoking policy. Smoking is not permitted on hospital grounds. If you would like information on giving up smoking or nicotine replacement therapy, please ask a member of staff, or phone the stop smoking service: Wakefield and Pontefract residents please call: 01977 465449 North Kirklees residents please call: 01924 351498 Postal deliveries Mail is collected from, and delivered to, wards daily and any mail sent to you in hospital should be addressed with your full name, the ward name or number and the hospital s correct postal address. The name and address of the sender should also be written on the envelope. Telephones Your relatives and friends can enquire about your progress by telephoning the ward. Mobile phones can be used in certain areas of the hospital: signs will be displayed to show where it is strictly prohibited to use a mobile phone. We recognise on occasions visitors may wish to take pictures, such as after the arrival of a new baby. However, camera phones can only be used in those areas where mobile phones are permitted. To respect patient confidentiality, any images taken at the Trust must be taken with the express permission of the person(s) in the picture and with their consent for its intended use.

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST WHAT YOU WILL NEED Please bring: Nightwear, dressing gown and slippers Toiletries and a towel Shaving items Any medications you are currently taking, in their original containers Comfortable clothes to wear out of bed. You might like to bring: Books or magazines Writing materials Personal stereo (with headphones) Mobile phone (please be aware there are restrictions on use of mobile phones) Small amounts of cash (to purchase items such as newspapers). You will have a small locker next to your bed for your personal possessions. Storage space is limited so only bring with you one or two sets of day clothes. Please do not bring: Jewellery Large amounts of money Credit cards Large amounts of food Large suitcases Items of high sentimental value. If this is unavoidable, please ask a relative to take them home for you. If this is not possible, hand in any valuables to the nurse in charge of your ward on arrival. For the safe keeping of such items. The ward staff will take reasonable steps to ensure safe keeping of your valuables, such as glasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc. The Trust however cannot accept responsibility of patient property unless it is handed over for safe keeping. Flowers Unfortunately flowers are not allowed in the hospital as they can be a source of infection. Please advise visitors not to bring flowers into hospital.

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST YOUR CARE AND TREATMENT While in hospital you will be cared for by a team of clinical professionals that includes doctors, nurses, and therapists. If you or your relatives have any questions or problems please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff. Staff identification Members of staff caring for you will introduce themselves and explain their role in relation to your care. All staff should wear an ID badge and wear different colours and styles of uniforms, please refer to the guide at the end of this booklet. Wristbands When you are in hospital it is essential to wear a wristband at all times to ensure your safety during your stay, it will contain details about you. You must tell the nurse if you have any allergies as we provide red bands for patients with allergies. We also use yellow bands for patients who are at risk of infection. If you do not have a wristband, it comes off or is uncomfortable, please speak to a member of staff. Single sex accommodation When you are admitted to hospital you will be cared for in a single sex bay/room with dedicated washing and toilet facilities near by. Privacy and dignity Throughout your stay your privacy, dignity, religious and cultural beliefs will be respected. Safeguarding patient s privacy and dignity is one of our top priorities. Moving wards As part of your care you may reach a stage where you no longer require a bed in a specific area. If this is the case, we will move you to the most appropriate ward to help you with your recovery.

Your meals You have a choice of meals. Breakfast, lunch and evening meals are served on the ward. Hot and cold drinks are also served at other times during the day and before you settle down for the night. Snacks can also be provided by a member of the nursing team. Please inform your nurse if you have any special dietary requirements. Consent to treatment You have a right to choose whether or not to consent to what s being proposed. Before you undergo any treatment or procedure it is important you understand any risks, benefits and alternatives before you agree to the treatment. (For further information please ask for the patient information leaflet Consent to examination and treatment ). Diagnostic tests During your stay you may need a range of tests to find out more about your condition. The ward staff will arrange your tests and discuss them with you. Leaflets are available about some of the tests, please ask if you want any further information. Managing pain We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your stay, but it is not always possible to be completely pain-free. Your nurse will ask you regularly whether you are in pain and can give you pain-relieving medicines. If these do not control your pain your medical team may prescribe stronger medication. Please let the nursing or medical staff know immediately if you are in pain. Learning Disabilities Patients or carers can contact our Learning Disabilities team on the following telephone numbers: Learning Disabilities Health facilitator - 01924 543691 or 07748 920257 Learning Disabilities Specialist Nurse - 01924 543692 or 07748 920280 If you have a VIP Hospital Passport or Vulnerable Inpatient Card (VIP) please bring it with you and use it during your stay. Getting it Right charter We have signed up to the Getting it Right charter the Mencap campaign for equal healthcare for all people with a learning disability.

Medicines While you are in hospital, you can continue to have the medicines that you have been taking at home, provided that they are still prescribed for you. If you have been taking any tablets or medicines before you come to hospital, either prescribed by your GP or bought from the chemist, please inform your nurse and doctor when they come to see you. It is very important we know exactly what medicines you have been taking so we can decide the best treatment for you. This includes any inhalers, creams, injections or eye drops you may use. Please keep your medicines in their original containers, or you will not be able to take them. If you need any medicines, a pharmacist or nurse will explain what they are for, how to take them and any potential side effects. We want to ensure safety at all times when we give patients their medicines so our nursing staff will wear a red apron at this time. Unless it is essential, please do not interrupt a nurse wearing a red apron. Please ask another nurse if you have any questions or concerns. Chaperones There may be an occasion during your stay in hospital when a chaperone will be required. A chaperone is a person who accompanies or looks after another person or group of people. They are used to protect the patient s safety, privacy and dignity during intimate or intrusive examinations or procedures and prevent actions being misinterpreted. You have the right to decline a chaperone being present. If this is the case the reasons will be discussed with you and documented within your notes. Alcohol Alcohol is not allowed on the ward as it may interfere with your medical treatment. Please discuss this with your medical team if you have any concerns. What happens if my heart stops beating Some people may be upset by the subject of resuscitation but we have to explain the issues as clearly and sensitively as possible. Your wishes are very important, and the health care team will want to know what you think. You do not have to discuss resuscitation if you do not want to. It is the duty of your doctors and nurses to do whatever is best for you. The health care team must and will listen to your opinions. Please speak to a member of staff if you have any further questions.

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST LISTENING TO YOU Your feedback is important to us because it lets us know what we are doing right and helps us understand more about what we need to do to change things for the better. We will review all our patient experience feedback to identify areas for improvement and celebrate what s working well. There are a number of ways you can share your experience with us: National Friends and Family Test The NHS Friends and Family Test provides an important opportunity for patients to provide feedback on care and treatment they have received whilst in hospital. Staff will offer you the feedback card when you are discharged from hospital. We would appreciate it if you could complete the card before you leave. Your feedback is anonymous and you can put your card into the white post box available on the ward. If you are not given a Friends and Family card please ask a member of staff. Patient experience surveys We regularly undertake both national and local patient experience surveys. These include a number of questions about your care. We can compare the results with other Trusts. Please contribute if you are asked or receive a survey. NHS Choices website You can leave a star rating and comments for all aspects of care. This includes dignity and respect, cleanliness, involvement in decisions, staff co-operation, accommodation and cleanliness. You are asked whether you would like your feedback to remain anonymous or if you would like to be contacted. You can leave your comments and view all other reviews and ratings on the national website at www.nhs.uk

If you have any concerns Please speak with the nurse caring for you, the ward manager or the doctor. They will always try to resolve any issues you may have. You can also ask to speak to the ward matron. If you remain concerned after speaking to a member of staff, the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team can help by: Being available to see you in person, speak on the telephone or receive an email Listening to concerns and ensuring these are acted on Offering confidential advice to support patients and carers on healthcare issues. The PALS office is on Level C at Pinderfields Hospital (above the coffee shop). You can drop in without an appointment Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Telephone: 01924 542972 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm E-mail: pals@midyorks.nhs.uk If you need to complain We are committed to providing a high quality healthcare service for our patients. However, if you are unhappy with the service or treatment you have recieved, you have the right to make a complaint. There are several ways you can make a formal complaint: In writing to: The Patient Liaison Team Trust Headquarters Pinderfields Hospital Aberford Road Wakefield WF1 4DG Over the telephone - 01924 542972 By Email - pals@midyorks.nhs.uk In person - PALS office, Level C, Pinderfields Hospital. (Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST HEALTH CARE RECORDS Confidentiality The Trust holds large amounts of confidential information and it is our responsibility to safeguard that information. The information we hold belongs to the individual person it concerns and we must ensure that it cannot be seen, changed or shared by anyone who does not have the right to it. Unless you give us permission to share information, we will be unable to pass on any information to your friends and relatives, particularly by telephone. Please let us know who we can share information with. Where it is not possible for patients to give their permission, your treatment and condition will only be discussed with your next of kin or the person who has been identified as a contact. How we use your health records When you see a doctor, nurse or any other health professional we ask you to give us information about yourself. This helps us decide with you what treatment is best for you. We keep a record of any relevant information, in your health or medical record. Your records may include: Details such as your name, address, date of birth, NHS number and next of kin Contacts we have had with you, such as clinic visits Details about the treatment and care you receive Results of investigations, such as X-rays and blood tests Relevant information from other health professionals, relatives or carers. Your records may be used to help: Make sure our services can meet patient needs now and in the future Review the care we provide to ensure it is of the highest standard Teach and train health care professionals Conduct health research and development Fund your GP, dentist and the hospital for the care they provide Investigate complaints, legal claims or untoward incidents Help assess the type and quality of care you have received Ensure your records are available should you be referred to another part of the NHS.

Keeping your records confidential and secure The Data Protection Act 1998 controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government. This means all NHS Trusts are legally obliged to comply with the Act (subject to some exemptions). You may be receiving care from other people as well as the NHS (e.g. Social Services). We may need to share some information about you with them so we can all work together for your benefit. We will only use or share information with others involved in your care if they have a genuine need for it and will ensure it remains confidential and secure. We will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as when the health or safety of others is at risk or where the law requires us to do so. If we do need to disclose your information we will ensure it always remains confidential and secure. Accessing your records The Data Protection Act 1998 gives patients, or their authorised representative, the right of access to health records. This is known as Rights of Subject Access and applies to the records about a living individual. You can ask to see your records if you are a patient on one of our wards. You may also request photocopies of your records for an initial fee of 10. Please ask a member of the clinical or nursing staff who will contact the Access to Records Department so the appropriate arrangements can be made. boards/electronic screens Screens are used to display patient details and information relevant to your care. If you do not want this information to be displayed, please speak to a member of staff and ask for it to be removed.

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST PREVENTING INFECTION Help us to keep you infection free whilst in hospital By working as a team, healthcare workers, patients and visitors can all make a difference and reduce the risk of you getting an infection and spreading infections. (Please refer to the leaflet Reducing the Risk of Infections in Hospital.) Clean hands Keeping hands clean is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections. Bacteria and viruses which cause infections can be carried on hands and passed from person to person or from contaminated objects to people. Ask all staff that approach you Have you cleaned your hands? Antibiotics It is important to tell staff looking after you if you have taken any antibiotics in the last three months, or if you are allergic to, or have bad side effects, with a particular antibiotic. We aim to treat patients with antibiotics for the shortest time possible. Ask the staff looking after you Do I really need these antibiotics? Drips, drains, catheters, tubes and wounds Never touch your, or other patient s, wounds, drips, drains or tubes. If you do so accidently, please wash your hands immediately. If you have a drip, drain, or tube in place please ask the staff caring for you at least daily when it will be removed. Environment We want to make sure your immediate area is clean and safe for you and others. Please can you: Store items away in your lockers as much as possible Only keep essential items in hospital with you Tell a member of staff if you notice dust or dirt in the environment.

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST GOING HOME Discharge standards - what you can expect from us It is important we work together to plan for you leaving hospital. You will be in hospital as long as you need the care and treatment. Your doctor and ward team will give you an estimated date when you could leave, normally within 24 hours of you being admitted. This is an estimate and will be continually reviewed by the team looking after you, as circumstances can change. If you are not given an estimated date when you could leave, then please ask a member of staff for it. Before you leave, staff should tell you about any danger signs you should watch out for. They will also tell you who to contact if you are worried about you condition or treatment. You will not be expected to leave hospital or be transferred to other care until a doctor has agreed you are medically ready to do so. To ensure your discharge is appropriately planned and communicated this information will be recorded: Against your name on the wards white board/electronic screen In your hospital /nursing notes Electronically. We will ensure arrangements for leaving hospital are planned with you and if appropriate, with your relative or carer to ensure you have a safe discharge. If required, other professionals will be involved in planning your discharge from hospital. e.g. physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers. If you are the main carer for someone It is important you inform a member of staff if you have a family member who is dependant on you for their care. Once informed and with your consent, we will refer the matter to social services who will ensure the appropriate care is in place in your absence.

Discharge lounge (Pinderfields and Dewsbury hospitals) On the day you leave hospital, you may be transferred to the discharge lounge where the final arrangements will be made. This could include arranging any medications you may need to take home. We will ring your relatives or friends to pick you up from the discharge lounge if this is required. A date and time for your return home will be agreed with you, your relatives and/or carers in advance. Where will I be discharged to? Most people who come into hospital return to their own home. Some people who return home may need extra support from social services, a community nursing team or a therapy team. We will talk about this with you when you are in hospital. Some people may need rehabilitation to help them get better. Rehabilitation is an activity which helps you to recover and keep as much of your independence as possible. We will talk to you about the best place for you to rehabilitate if you need this. There are intermediate care facilities across the area which provide short term specialist care to people who are medically fit to be discharged from hospital but have been identified as needing extra support, care and rehabilitation before they can go home. If you require further information please ask for a leaflet about these facilities and their service provisions. If planning to leave the hospital takes a bit longer, don t worry we will transfer you to another care setting where you will continue to be cared for. This will only be short term until your care arrangements are in place. A social worker will help and support you when you move. Sometimes people are not able to return to their own home because they need increased support, medicines or equipment. If this happens to you, we will arranged a special care plan with you. We will also let you know about your rights for an assessment for NHS Continuing Health Care. The NHS has a responsibility to arrange and fund services to meet the needs of people who require continuing health care in a variety of settings. You should also be given a leaflet about leaving hospital. If you haven t had this, please ask a member of staff to get one for you. Getting home We expect people to arrange transport home themselves. Hospital transport can only be provided on medical grounds if no other form of transport is appropriate. If you have any problems getting home please tell us as soon as possible, so we can help you make plans.

Medicines to take home If required, we will make sure you have enough medicines to go home with. We will make sure your GP knows if there has been any changes made to your medicines. The nurse will talk to you about how to take your medicines and any side effects to watch out for once you go home. Further supplies should be obtained from your GP. Medicines helpline If you have any questions about your medicines please contact the helpline where a pharmacist is available to help: 01924 541398 Monday - Friday 9am-5pm Follow up appointment or care Before you leave hospital you will be given information about any follow up treatment or care you may need. If you need to attend an outpatient clinic you will usually be given an appointment before you leave hospital. If not, it will be sent in the post to you. Clear information about any further treatment and services will be provided. GP follow up After leaving hospital you will not automatically receive a follow up visit from your GP. A visit will only take place if there is a medical need. Please contact your GP in the usual way if you have any concerns about your health. Sick notes Your employer may require a sick note. Please ask a member of staff who is caring for you if you need one. Pensions and benefits In some cases benefits and pensions may be reduced when staying in hospital over long periods. Please contact your local Department of Social Security or Citizens Advice Bureau for more information.

THE MID YORKSHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST TRAVEL DETAILS Where to find us: Dewsbury and District Hospital Halifax Road, Dewsbury WF13 4HS Pinderfields Hospital Aberford Road, Wakefield WF1 4DG Pontefract Hospital Friarwood Lane, Pontefract WF8 1PL To see maps of each of our hospital sites and location of car parks go to: www.midyorks.nhs.co.uk or you can get a copy before you travel, by ringing the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on: 01924 542972. About our car parking facilities At the main car parks at Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals, you collect a car parking ticket on arrival and use this to pay when you leave the hospital. This means you only pay for the time you need. Please note parking is limited at all of our hospital sites. The machines take all coins from 5p upwards but do not give change. (Please see paystations for the latest tariffs.) We cannot guarantee parking spaces at all times. If a friend or relative is bringing you to hospital by car, you may find it easier to be dropped off and picked up outside the main entrance. Please allow enough time for your journey and to find a parking space before your appointment.

What if I have a blue badge? Car parking costs apply to patients and visitors who have blue badges. The rate is capped at the 1-2 hour fee, please see current tariff boards. There are spaces next to, or near to, our main hospital entrances. Blue badge holders should use the accessible pay and display meters in the designated blue badge parking areas. If you have any difficulty using the machines, you can contact our general office on the following telephone numbers: Dewsbury 01924 512313 or security office 07748 321348 Pinderfields 01924 541012 or security office 01924 204529 Pontefract 01977 747013 or security office 01924 204529 Parking concessions We know there are many patients, relatives and visitors who use our services regularly so we have introduced car parking discounts for these people. Please speak to a ward sister or matron for more information. Details are also available on our website. By taxi Local taxi companies can be booked from any of our hospitals by using the free phones which are situated in the main entrances in all of our hospitals. How can patients and visitors travel between Mid Yorkshire Hospital sites? We run a free visitor shuttle bus service between our three hospitals. The service operates hourly between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 1pm - 8pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays. The locations for pick up and drop off are: Dewsbury opposite Priestley Unit entrance, near the Ridings entrance. Pinderfields bus shelter on the main driveway Pontefract bus shelters outside the main entrance The timetable is available to view on line at www.midyorks.nhs.co.uk or you can get a copy before you travel, by ringing the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on: 01924 542972. Alternatively it is available in various wards and departments around the hospitals.

The timetable is as follows: Monday-Friday From Pontefract to Dewsbury via Pinderfields Pontefract 0805 0915 then 15 until 2015 Pinderfields 0838 0943 at 43 until 2043 Dewsbury 0913 1013 13 until 2113 Saturday and Sunday Pontefract Starting at: 1315 until 2015 Monday-Friday From Dewsbury to Pontefract via Pinderfields Dewsbury 0805 0915 then 15 until 2015 Pinderfields 0840 0945 at 45 until 2045 Pontefract 0913 1013 13 until 2113 Saturday and Sunday Dewsbury Starting at: 1415 until 2015 Public transport in West Yorkshire For details of the bus routes that service our hospitals you can contact: MetroLine on: 0113 245 7676. MetroLine is open from 7am to 10pm daily (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year s Day) Or use Metro s online Journey Planner at: www.wymetro.com or www.wymetro.com/howtogetto/hospitals For train times: www.wymetro.com/traintravel. For help with getting to our hospitals from the train station please use the MetroLine information above.

6 simple steps to keep yourself safe during your stay in hospital. Please find below 6 simple steps to help keep your stay in hospital safe. Please do not hesitate to ask any member of staff for further information, advice or support. 1 2 Preventing Preventing Blood Falls Clots 3 Preventing Infection Wear good fitting shoes or slippers when walking Ask us about the red socks if you don t have any suitable footwear Keep everything you need within easy reach. Wear your hospital stockings if advised and move as often as you can Try to do simple leg and ankle exercises Drink fluids as recommended Take blood-thinning tablets or injections as advised. Wash/decontaminate your hands before and after visiting the toilet, and before meals Don t hesitate to ask our staff if they have washed their hands before any contact with you Tell us if you have diarrhoea or vomiting. 4 Your Medicines 5 Pressure Ulcers 6 Identification Tell us if you have an allergy, or if you do not understand what your medicines are for Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about any concerns you may have. Ask about possible side effects. If you can, try to keep mobile, even in bed and call us if you are uncomfortable We are very happy to help you change position and can provide a special mattress or cushion for support. Tell us if any of your personal information is wrong (identification band, address, GP, next of kin) Tell us if you have any allergies and we will give you a red identification band.

A guide to who s who in our Trust Staff uniforms Senior Nurse Red Navy Blue Midwife Royal Blue Porter Light Blue Navy Blue Tie Pharmacy Technician Emerald Green Ward Manager Specialist Nurse Navy Blue Infection Prevention Hospital Grey House Keeper Bottle Green Radiographer Maroon Registered Nurse Metro Blue Ward Clerk Dark Blue Navy Blue Cardiographer Sky Blue Peacock Green Theatre Staff Pattern Physiotherapist Health Care Assistant Light Blue Occupational Therapist Bottle Green Volunteer DeepYellow Matron Navy Blue Red Domestic Aqua Green Phlebotomist Red Discharge Team Co-ordinator Pattern

We are committed to providing high quality care. If you have a suggestion, comment, complaint or appreciation about the care you have received, or if you need this leaflet in another format please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on: 01924 542972 or email: pals@midyorks.nhs.uk To contact any of our hospitals call: 0844 811 8110 To book or change an appointment call: 01924 541169 or 0844 822 0022 Dewsbury and District Hospital Halifax Road, Dewsbury WF13 4HS Pinderfields Hospital Aberford Road, Wakefield WF1 4DG Pontefract Hospital Friarwood Lane, Pontefract WF8 1PL 0844 811 8110 / 01924 541000 @MidYorkshireNHS TheMidYorkshireHospitalsNhsTrust www.midyorks.nhs.uk