In General Medicine we aim to improve people’s health through advice, prevention and the removal of obstacles to health.
Most or our patient require intervention and treatment that is drug-related rather than surgery. Both acute and chronic health problems are dealt with by our multidisciplinary team (MDT) who provide a 24 hour service, with some members providing an on-call service out of hours.
How will you be referred to us?
You can access our service either as a planned admission through your GP or via one of our outpatient clinics.
You can also access our department via Accident and Emergency or as an emergency referral from their GP.
Where will I stay?
Many of our patients come to the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (UECC) and once stabilised are transferred to one of our medical wards, or the Coronary Care Unit.
You’ll stay on the medical ward whilst undergoing further investigation and treatment. These wards have 34 beds and are very busy. All members of the MDT will work with you and your family to help you to full recovery. In the planning and management of care participation by you and your family is welcomed and encouraged.
Any problems?
Every effort is made by all members of the MDT to give a high standard of care, but if you experience any problems please let our ward managers and matrons know. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the discussions our Patient Services team are available to assist you. Their contact number is 01709 304461.
Contacting us about a relative or friend
If you wish to make a telephone enquiry about a relative or friend we ask that you “nominate” one member of the family who can act as spokesperson for the whole family who can then also let everyone else know how the patient is. This will mean our nurses, who have to deal with a large number of enquiries throughout the day, will be free to deliver care to the patients. A relative’s progress can be discussed with the Ward Manager or Nurse in Charge during visiting time. If this is not possible an appointment can be made to see the Ward Manager, Nurse in Charge or Doctor.
Leaving hospital
Discharge arrangements are made in consultation with the you, your relatives and all members of the Multidisciplinary Team.
Our aim is to make leaving hospital as smooth as possible for you and we’ll discuss various arrangements from medication to transport and care at home.
Wherever possible we encourage the use of the relatives own transport. Discharge by ambulance is reserved for anyone with poor mobility requiring assistance or discharge by stretcher. If you feel that you are not being involved in the arrangements please speak to the Nurse in Charge.
What is the discharge lounge?
Due to demand we need to free up our beds as soon as possible on the day of discharge in order to accommodate new admissions.
Once arrangements have been finalised and medication requested you’ll be transferred there to await transport. The Discharge Lounge is overseen by a qualified Nurse and an Auxiliary Nurse who will care for you while you’re waiting to leave.
We want to make the patient experience as pleasant and trouble free as possible. We would welcome any constructive comments to improve our service.
General Medicine Consultants:
