Your stay at Chelsea and Westminsterhttps://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/your-visit/your-inpatient-stay/your-stay-at-chelsea-westminsterhttps://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/++resource++plone-logo.svg
Your stay at Chelsea and Westminster
Welcome
Welcome to West Middlesex University Hospital. We are dedicated to providing your care during your time here. If you have any questions about your stay, please speak to a member of staff. Your discharge is planned from the moment you are admitted, ensuring you are only in the hospital as long as necessary. Once you no longer require acute hospital care, you will be discharged home or to a suitable care setting—learn more about discharge.
Our Proud to Care values guide our work—Putting patients first, Responsive to patients and staff, Open and honest, Unfailingly kind and Determined to develop. We appreciate your feedback to help improve our services. Please share your comments with ward staff or our PALS team. Thank you and best wishes.
Robert Bleasdale Chief Nursing Officer
Practical information
Arrival to the ward: When you arrive, you will be welcomed by our staff who will check your details and explain important information. You will be given a wristband with your name, patient number and allergy details—tell us if this information isn’t correct. Please wear your wristband at all times.
Your named nurse: A named nurse will look after you each day. They will introduce themselves in the morning and evening. If you don’t know who your nurse is, please ask the team. This information should be displayed above your bed.
Your named consultant: You will be under the care of a named consultant and seen by them or a member of their team regularly during your stay. Their name should be displayed above your bed or you can ask a member of staff.
Visiting hours: Our visiting hours are 10am–9pm (carers can visit at any time). If you have any questions please speak to a member of ward staff. For more information you can read our Visitor’s Charter.
Mealtimes and nutrition: We observe protected mealtimes so patients can eat without unnecessary disturbance—8–9am (breakfast), 12:30–1:30pm (lunch) and 6–7pm (dinner).
Translation services: If you are more comfortable speaking in a language other than English, or you require a sign language interpreter, please speak to a member of staff.
Staying safe in hospital
Reducing the spread of infection: Follow ward staff guidance to help prevent the spread of infection. Wash your hands regularly and ask visitors to use hand gel. Avoid touching wounds, drips or other hospital equipment unless asked to. Ask staff about ward hygiene if you have questions.
Blood clot prevention: Illness or reduced mobility can cause painful and dangerous blood clots, which can break off and travel to the lung, causing breathing problems. Ward staff will assess your risk upon arrival—you may need medication, special stockings, and/or to move around as much as possible.
Slips, trips and falls: Please use the non slip socks provided or your own well-fitting footwear. You are encouraged to call a staff member if you need help—call, don’t fall.
Your wellbeing
Your wellbeing: Your wellbeing is important to us. If you need support, please let a member of staff know. Our multifaith chaplaincy service offers support of all faiths (or no faith) to you and your visitors. You can find a quiet place to pray or reflect in the Multifaith Centre in the main atrium. If you would like to see a chaplain, please speak with a member of staff.
Deconditioning: Long periods of inactivity, bedrest and being removed from your normal routine can have a big impact on you. When possible, we encourage you to keep to some sort of normal routine—such as taking a short walk around the ward—and ask any relatives or visitors to bring in your own clothes, nightwear and toiletries for comfort.
Entertainment and facilities
Thanks to our charity CW+, we have artwork throughout our hospital and regular performances from local musicians in communal areas. You can listen to free radio at all times, and watch free television until noon on your bedside unit. On the 3rd Floor our CW+ MediCinema is free for patients, their families and carers, with a garden area nearby.
Cafés and restaurants: The hospital restaurant on the Lower Ground Floor is open from 7am–3pm. Costa Coffee on the Ground Floor is always open. You can buy gifts, snacks and toiletries at the Friends Shop or via their mobile trolley that comes round during the week.
7pm–7:30am: Nighttime—downtime/quiet time, minimise screen time, reduce noise, prioritise sleep and recovery
Who's who
Matron/lead nurse/lead midwife (navy blue with red piping)—responsible for several wards
Senior sister/charge nurse/senior midwife (navy blue with white piping)—responsible for overall management of this area
Junior sister/charge nurse/midwife (royal blue with white piping)—person in charge of this area today
Staff nurse (sky blue with white piping)—general care, administering medications, monitoring vitals, liaising with doctors
Director of nursing (red with navy blue piping)—responsible for overall hospital management
Healthcare assistant/maternity support worker (mint green with white piping)—assist with patient hygiene, meal service, mobility, vitals monitoring and comfort
Occupational therapist (white with green piping)—assist patients in enhancing their daily activity participation and independence
Physiotherapist (white with navy blue piping)—assist with movement, exercise, therapy, and advice for recovery from illness or injury
Tell us about your care
Your feedback: We encourage you to raise any questions or concerns with the ward manager in the first instance. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team. You will be asked to complete a short survey about your stay called the Friends and Family Test—if you do not receive the form during your stay, please ask a member of staff. This helps us to understand what we did well and what we can improve.
