Keeping you safe
On your arrival at one of our community hospitals:
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you will be asked to give details about yourself, including your next of kin, address and contact details
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you or your loved one/carer should inform our staff about any medicines you are taking and anything you are allergic to
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all medication you are currently taking should be handed over to the nurse in charge
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your nurse or doctor will explain what investigations will be carried out and what the different treatments are for your condition, as well as the risks and benefits of each treatment
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you will be asked to sign a consent form after you have been given a full explanation of your proposed treatment.
You should be fully satisfied that you have received enough information before going ahead with any treatments. Please ask any questions you may have – the people in your healthcare team will be happy to discuss and explain your care/treatment.
What you should bring with you
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Day clothes and pyjamas/nightdress.
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Appropriate footwear, such as slippers (ones that fit securely).
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Any medication you are prescribed.
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Personal toiletries (such as soap, toothbrush, face cloths, shampoo and comb/ hair brush).
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Bath and hand towel.
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A small amount of money, in case you wish to buy something.
Other items you may also find useful:
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spectacles and personal aids
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denture pot and cleaner
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sanitary towels or tampons
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disposable razors
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shaving cream.
Please avoid bringing valuables, such as jewellery and large amounts of money, into hospital with you. We cannot accept responsibility or liability for valuables brought onto hospital premises.
Mobile phones
Patients and visitors can use mobile phones but are asked to be discreet and avoid disturbing other people on the ward.
Photography and video filming is strictly prohibited in patient areas, unless you have the permission of the nurse in charge. Please respect the privacy and confidentiality of fellow patients at all times.
Ward routines
We encourage you to get dressed every day.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided (to eat, if you are able to, in the day room).
Ward activities will take place – please keep an eye on the activities board for details.
Visiting times and contact information
Visiting times at our hospitals are from 10am to 8pm, seven days a week (including bank holidays). You do not need to contact the hospital in advance to attend.
Please do not visit our hospitals if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness like a cough, cold or a high temperature. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, wait until this has stopped for 48 hours before attending a hospital.
Face masks are available at all main entrances to our sites if you would like to wear one. Hand sanitising products are also available.
If your family or carer needs information about your care, a member of staff will be able to discuss this with your permission. Carers can also find more information about the support we offer, including our carer passport scheme, on our carers pages.
Contact details for all our wards, units and hospitals are available on their dedicated pages.
Planning for your departure
We will talk about you leaving hospital as soon as you arrive, to keep your time here to a minimum. Where possible, you will need make your own arrangements for transport home.
Other hospitals in Dorset
We are not responsible for running Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Poole Hospital (University Hospitals Dorset) or Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. Please visit their websites for further information.
