General information
Visiting times
Visiting times on the ward are usually between 10am and 8pm, with exceptions such as if the patient is participating in a therapeutic activity, or at meal times which are:
- Breakfast between 08:00am - 10:00am
- Lunch between 12:00pm - 13:00pm
- Dinner between 17:00pm - 18:00pm
Please let us know when you plan to visit. Children under the age of 18 years old are not permitted onto the ward, but we can book the family room for the visit. Visitors are expected to sign in and out when arriving and leaving Meadow View ward. This is for their own safety, if a fire should occur on the ward.
Can I bring food and other items on to the ward?
Yes you can, but these items will need to be checked by our staff. All meals are provided by us and are chosen in advance by the patients from a pre-arranged menu. We can also cater to special diets if staff are made aware of these needs. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day and evening. Water is always available. The hospital has a restaurant on Level 0 and a cafe on Level 2 which is available for visitors.
Can I contact someone who is staying on the ward?
Relatives and friends are welcome to ring the ward telephone number which is: 01271 443240. Meadow View Ward has a cordless telephone which staff can take to the patients, so that relatives/friends can speak to them.
Carers' assessment
If you provide regular and substantive care for someone aged 16 or over, you have the right to ask for a carer’s assessment. It looks at how your caring role is affecting you, and what support might help you.
View our carers and families page for more information.
Personal items
We encourage people to bring in only essential items. We do not take responsibility for any loss of property, although we will store any valuable items such as house keys, purses/wallets and important documentation in our locked ward safe. Any money brought onto the ward over the amount of £20.00 will be taken to the general office for safe keeping.
Care and treatment
Doctors and other health care professionals conduct weekly planning and recovery meetings, during which they discuss care and treatment with the patient. Relatives are encouraged to attend these meetings as long as the patient is happy for you to be a part of these discussions. You can make an appointment through the ward staff.
Confidentiality
Our staff can let you know how someone is, unless the patient has specifically asked for their information to be kept confidential. At certain times during a person's illness, the patient may indicate they do not want their information to be shared, which we as a ward must respect and follow their wishes. We always appreciate any relevant details that friends or family can give ward staff, to enable their family/friend's recovery.