Coming into the Hospital

Preparing for your stay

 Pre-operative assessment

 If you are asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic, you will be asked about your health and any previous hospital treatment.

  • It is important that you tell the pre-assessment nurse about any ongoing medical condition(s).
  • Please provide details of any medication that you are taking (prescribed, herbal, over-the-counter or purchased online).
  • You will be given verbal information regarding blood clot prevention. It is important that you understand this information.
  • You may require further investigations, tests or medicines prior to surgery depending on the findings.
  • Information will be discussed regarding your treatment.

 

Your admission letter will explain what you need to do before coming into Hospital.

 

To prepare in advance:

  •  Check your pre-assessment and admission date.
  • Continue to take all your regular prescribed medication unless otherwise directed by your consultant or pre-assessment nurse.
  • If you are having a general anaesthetic or sedation, you must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and to stay with you for 24 hours following your operation.
  • If you are unable to arrange for a responsible level of care and support, contact the Reservations Department on 01707 44 33 33 at least 48 hours before your admission.

 

 What to bring with you:

  • any medication in original labelled containers and the most recent GP printout of your medications
  • any relevant X-rays or scans either on film or CD (if taken at another hospital)
  • loose fitting nightwear, dressing gown and fully enclosed slippers if you are staying overnight
  • personal care items, toiletries, flannel or sponge
  • Medical aids including spectacles, contact lenses and

hearing aids

  • your insurance or payment details.
  • books, magazines or tablet.

 

One Healthcare admissions policy is that all our patients are required to provide us with Credit/Debit card details, these will be securely held on our database during your episode of care. We are, currently, unable to accept cash, contactless or Amex payments, kindly ensure you bring a credit or debit card with you.

 

Please do not bring:

  • large sums of money
  • valuable jewellery
  • alcohol or recreational drugs
  • cigarettes, e-cigarettes or other tobacco products.

 

On the day of your stay:

  • Remove all nail varnish, false nails and jewellery.
  • Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure as this may affect your anaesthetic.
  • Do not chew gum or suck boiled sweets.

 

 

Arriving at the Hospital

 

Upon arrival:

  •  A member of the team will greet you and show you to your room, making sure that you are familiarised you with your new surroundings.
  • The nursing staff will complete the admission paperwork and check all your details are correct.
  • The nursing staff will undertake baseline clinical observations such as blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate and prepare you for your procedure/treatment.
  • You will be given a patient identity bracelet with your name on it.
  • Your surgeon or anaesthetist (if appropriate) will visit and answer any questions you may have.

 

What to wear:

  • We will provide a dignity gown for you to change into and we will ask you to remove all jewellery, contact lenses, nail varnish and make-up.
  • We may ask you to wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots.

 

For certain operations you will be asked to wear special medical boots to assist with improved circulation until you are fully mobile.

 

Please tell us if:

  • You have any allergies including medications and how you react to them; we also need to know about any food intolerances to cater for.
  • You are anxious at any time about your operation.
  • Anything has changed since your pre-op assessment.

 

Your stay

At One Hatfield Hospital, we aim to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Each ensuite bedroom benefits from individual climate control air conditioning. You can control the lighting with your patient handset, as well as the television channels and volume. The patient handset also has a built-in radio, for which you will require headphones. There is also the useful feature of a torch.  If you have trouble using any of the amenities provided, please call one of the team, who will be more than happy to assist.

 

Smoking

One Healthcare operates a strict non-smoking policy throughout the Hospital and the grounds. This includes the use of e-cigarettes.

 

Mobile phones and computers

For the purpose of maintaining a calm and tranquil environment, we ask that you keep your mobile phone on silent mode during your stay, and switch it off in any diagnostic areas.

 

Free Wi-Fi

There is high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout One Hatfield Hospital.

 

Room safe

Each of our bedrooms is equipped with a personal safe for your convenience and peace of mind.