About Being Admitted for Surgery
Welcome to the Gynaecology Wards at Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. We hope that the time that you spend with us will be as comfortable as possible. We appreciate that nobody likes being admitted into hospital and its unfamiliar surroundings and hope that the following information will make you less anxious about your stay with us. If there are any questions which remain unanswered about any aspect of your treatment and stay, please ask the staff on your ward.
Where to find us
Prior to your admission date you will have been given details of which ward you will be admitted to. Gynaecology wards can be found at Crown Street on the second floor of the hospital and your ward can be found by following the signs listed below. We also have one ward that can be found at the University Hospital Aintree on the 4th Floor.
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Gynaecology Wards
The gynaecology ward consists of 35 beds. These are divided into 6 bedded wards and single rooms. The ward itself has been divided into 2 dedicated areas: gynae. Base1, gynae. Base 2. Each base has its own teams of nursing staff.
Rosemary Ward
Consists of 28 beds; 18 of which are in-patient beds and 10 of which are dedicated to day care surgery. There are also 2 en-suite side rooms.
Ward 4 (University Hospital Aintree)
This ward is based over at the University Hospital Aintree it consists of 17 beds and one side room.
On Arrival at the Ward
On arrival, please report to the ward reception desk where the staff will check your personal details. In the interests of your personal safety, you will be asked to wear an identity bracelet during your stay. Please check that your details are correct.
Your named nurse
When you arrive on the ward, you will be allocated to a named nurse who will be responsible for your nursing care during your stay. Other staff will look after you when your named nurse is off duty. Every ward has a ward manager (a sister) who is responsible for the running of the ward. Please ask to see the ward manager if you have any questions or concerns.
Staff identification
All staff wear I.D badges which give their name and occupation. If their identification is not obvious, please do not hesitate to ask staff to show you their badge. Nursing staff wear different styles and colours of uniform depending on their grade or function. The nursing staff will be happy to explain the different uniforms to you. What to bring with you We suggest you bring the following items to make your time with us as comfortable and easy as possible:
- A night-dress or pyjamas
- A dressing gown and slippers
- A hairbrush or comb
- Paper tissues
- A towel, flannel, soap, shampoo etc
- A toothbrush and toothpaste or denture cleaner and container hairdryer etc
- Spectacles and hearing aid if you need them - labelled or marked with your name
- Dentures and pot labelled with your name (a pot can be provided on request)
- Sanitary protection if you think you will need it
- some money to buy newspapers and other things from the hospital shop and trolleys and some change for the telephone
- The name, address and telephone of your next-of-kin or nearest friend
- Books to read, writing materials and stamps, etc
If preferred, some loose, light clothes for day wear Medicines and tablets If you are taking any medicines or tablets before you come into hospital, please bring them with you and give them to the ward staff when you arrive. Please make sure that you bring enough to last throughout your stay and that you have enough for when you return home. These will be returned to you when you leave. If you hold a special card giving details of current treatment, such as a steroid or warfarin card, please bring this with you. You are strongly advised NOT to bring:
- Large amounts of cash
- Valuables
- Watches
- Bank books
- Electrical Items
If this is unavoidable, the staff will arrange for safe custody of your valuables until you are discharged. The hospital cannot accept responsibility for any property not handed in for safe keeping. Life on the ward You will probably find that your day on the ward begins and finishes earlier than you are used to at home. You will be encouraged to rest, as this is an important part of your treatment and recovery. Each ward has its own sitting room and each bedroom has its own television and radio headphones for your use.
Catering
A menu is available daily from which you have a choice between hot meals, salads and sandwiches. Vegetarian, Halal and Kosher meals and special diets are available on request. You will also be able to access the Shoppertron service which provides a 24 hour access to food.
Alcohol and Smoking
The hospital has an alcohol policy which prohibits the consumption of alcohol, on the premises by patients, staff and visitors. The hospital has a no smoking policy which requests patients, visitors and staff NOT to smoke. We recognise that this is a difficult time for you and therefore, we offer smoking cessation classes prior to your admission. Please speak to the staff in clinic.
Telephones
It would be helpful if your family and friends could arrange for one named person to phone the ward to find out how you are and then pass on the information to other relatives or friends.
Telephones are provided at each bedside. These can receive incoming calls and you can buy cards which will allow you to make outgoing calls. These phones can be used between 8a.m and 8p.m. There are also public phones available for you to use. Mobile phones If you bring a mobile phone with you it is very important that it is switched off as it can interfere with the medical equipment used within the hospital. Visiting Monday - Friday 6.30 - 8p.m Afternoon visiting during the week is by prior arrangement only Saturday and Sunday 6.30 - 8p.m Additional visiting 2 - 4p.m These visiting times are arranged to enable you to rest. On the night of your operation, visiting is limited to 2 people only. Matron, Shirley Hill visits the wards frequently. If you have any concerns regarding your care she can be contacted on 702 4159, or ask a member of staff.
Students
You may be asked if you are willing to be seen by a student doctor, midwife or nurse during your stay with us. All students work under the direction of an experienced nurse or doctor. It is your choice whether you wish to see them or not. Whatever your decision, your treatment and the standard of care you receive will not be affected. /newimg_033.jpg)
Research
We are constantly reviewing and improving the way we care for our patients. We do this by undertaking a variety of research projects and by auditing the things that we do. You may be asked if you would like to take part in a research project. You will be given a full explanation and if you agree to take part you will be asked to sign a consent form. Your treatment and standard of care will not be affected if you refuse.
Confidentiality
All the information concerning your health is confidential. All staff who have contact with you and your medical records are obliged to maintain confidentiality at all times.
Medical certificates
Medical certificates to cover your stay in hospital can be supplied by ward staff. Please ask a member of staff if you require a medical certificate.
Spiritual Needs
Clergy from all denominations are available to visit you at your request. The hospital chaplain is available 24 hours a day, if required. Your own clergyman may also visit you at any time and a representatives of any faith can always be sent for. Ecumenical services are held in the multi - faith prayer room which is on the ground floor near the main reception area.
Security
The hospital has a comprehensive security system in place which is designed to protect patients, staff, car parks and property. There are close circuit cameras throughout the building and car parks. All staff wear identification badges which are unique to this hospital.
Specialist Services for Patients
Special Needs Advisor We have a Special Needs Advisor who provides a support service for women with any disability, who need to attend a clinic or who require admission to the hospital. Please ask the nursing staff to contact Jackie Rotherham, who is our Disability Advisor if you feel that you would benefit from her advice and support. Or contact her yourself on tel: 0151 702 4012 or by e-mail: Jackie.Rotherham@lwh.nhs.uk.
Macmillan Nurses
The hospital has four Macmillan Nurses. These are nurses who specialise in the care of women who are being treated for gynaecological cancers. They can help to provide patients and their families with emotional support , advice and information on the treatments offered to you. They can also give advice on financial matters and special equipment which may be of use to you. Visit Oncology for more Information.
Continence Advisor
A continence advisor is available to provide advice and support for patients who have bladder and bowel problems. She is based in the Urodynamics department.
Physiotherapy
There are physiotherapists available to provide surgical inpatient treatments aiming to prevent and treat post-operative problems, especially with the chest and circulation. They encourage and assist with mobility, provide support and help with post-operative exercises and provide specialised treatments for specific problems as required.
Pharmacy
A pharmacist visits the ward every day. If you have any queries about your medication, he/she is available to advise you.
Refreshments
A sandwich bar is available in the main Reception area of the hospital which offers a wide range of hot snacks. There is also a shop near the main entrance where you can buy newspapers, magazines, etc. flowers, cards and gifts.
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Post is delivered to and collected from the wards each day. Please ask friends and relatives to address mail clearly giving your full name and the name of your ward. Stamps are available from the shop and the trolley service.
Going Home Transport
Most patients are discharged in the morning on the day they are going home. This means beds are available for patients coming into hospital. If you are being collected by a friend or relative, you will be able to contact them too.
Medicines
If you are prescribed medicines or tablets to continue at home, we will provide an initial supply. If you need further supplies, you will be advised to contact your GP. Your prescription details will be included on the discharge letter sent to your GP.
Outpatient Appointments
If you need a follow-up outpatient appointment, this will be arranged before you leave and a letter of confirmation will be sent on to you.
