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Our philosophy of care
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On the Transplant Unit, we feel that it is important to support
patients, their families and others concerned for them during
the time before and after their transplant, or other period
of illness.
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Our aim is to try to reduce any fears and anxieties by providing
a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and by being as approachable
as possible.
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We believe that every patient is an important individual who
should receive specialist nursing care depending on their needs,
regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, political
persuasion or presenting illness.
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Through the utilisation of our skills and knowledge we aim
to give appropriate care to our patients, striving to develop
patients confidence in their own ability to care for themselves
in the long term.
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For those at the end of life, we seek to enhance understanding,
provide symptom relief and to allow them to die with dignity.
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We believe that the patients should be assessed as individuals,
and care planned using sound rationale or relevant research
as appropriate. This should be done together with the understanding
of the patient.
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Family members should be given the opportunity to participate
in giving care if they and the patient wish.
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We feel that our patients should have the opportunity to discuss
their health or any aspect of their care, and this should be
provided honestly in a private environment. Explanations should
be given in a manner that can be easily understood by those
concerned.
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We aim to create an environment where patients and staff are
able to contribute to the development of good practice on the
Transplant Unit, and where the importance of a willingness to
learn from each other is recognised.
Welcome: We would like to welcome you to Ward C9 and to
tell you a little about the Unit to help make your stay with us
as pleasant as possible.
Ward C9 is Addenbrooke's adult liver, kidney, pancreas and small-bowel
transplant unit, although like most wards we do sometimes take patients
with other problems. The Ward is part of Addenbrooke's Surgical
Services.
Who's who?
For details of the staff working on Ward C9 see Who
are the team? Additional information about Unit staff is available
on the information boards in the ward corridor.
Who will look after me?
The Ward is divided into two teams of nurses, led by senior
staff nurses. Most of your care will be planned and carried out
by the nurses from one of these teams, although of course any
nurse will help you where necessary. Your nurses will introduce
themselves to you as they come into contact with you, and one
of them (your 'named nurse') will take a leading role in co-ordinating
your care. We would like to involve you as much as possible in
decisions about your care, so please feel free to ask questions
or make suggestions.
There are also several teams of doctors who work on this and
other wards, and it can seem confusing at times. Not all doctors
on the Ward will be involved in your care, so do not be concerned
if you are not seen on a particular ward round. Your doctors will
introduce themselves to you, and are always happy to answer questions
regarding your medical care. If you would like to see a doctor
in private, it may be helpful to book an appointment.
Will I be in a single-sex bay?
The Ward is divided into several bays, each with their own washing
and toilet facilities. These are normally single sex, but in exceptional
circumstances, eg for reasons of patient safety, it may be necessary
to 'mix sexes' in a bay. Should this occur, every effort will
be made to ensure privacy.
Will I stay in the same area for the length of
my stay?
As you and other patients progress, it might be necessary to
move you to different parts of the Ward. Also, single rooms are
often needed for patients requiring isolation. Although this movement
can be upsetting after you have just settled in, please bear with
us, because it is necessary to nurse everyone in the most appropriate
part of the Ward.
Ward C9 also has its own High-Dependency Unit, where more-intensive
nursing and medical care can be provided. An information booklet
giving more details is available.
When can I ask the doctors questions?
Transplant ward rounds, with either a consultant or specialist
registrar, take place daily. There will often be many people on
these rounds, but please do not be deterred by this from asking
questions and making your views known. It may be helpful to jot
down any questions you may have for the consultant, because it
is easy to forget in the bustle of a large ward round exactly
what it was you wanted to ask. Remember, we want you to be involved
in decisions about your care. If something has not been explained
to your satisfaction, please ask.
Who else might I see while I'm in hospital?
In addition to doctors and nurses, many other people might be
involved in your care. Particular people with whom you may have
contact are:
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Dieticians
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Interpreters
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Medical students
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Occupational therapists
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Physiotherapists
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Porters
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Radiographers
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Research nurses
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Social workers
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Specialist nurses
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Transplant co-ordinators
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Volunteers
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Ward assistants
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Ward clerks
Can I take my own tablets while in hospital?
It is important that you do not take any medicines without the
knowledge of your doctor. However, if you would like to take responsibility
for your own medicines while in the Ward, please ask your nurse
about our self-medication scheme.
When can I have people to visit?
We believe in giving as unrestricted access for visitors as
possible. For practical reasons, visiting is normally limited
to 0900–2100, but if this is not possible we will try to
make your visitors welcome at any time. Please try to limit the
number of people visiting at any one time to three.
Please note that for reasons of patient safety, children under
the age of ten are not allowed on the Ward. Because of the danger
of infections growing in the water, fresh flowers are also not allowed,
although pot plants or dried flowers are welcome.
How can I telephone my relatives or my relatives
telephone me?
Card-operated telephones, along with televisions, are available
at every bedside. These are provided by Patientline,
an independent company. Information on how to use these is also
available at the bedside. Relatives or friends can contact you
directly on these phones by dialling 070 411 70123. Conventional
payphones can also be found in the main concourse on Level 2.
Relatives may telephone the ward staff to enquire about you,
but we would ask you to arrange for one main contact to phone
where possible, so that they can then relay information to other
friends and family. For reasons of confidentiality, we are unable
to give out detailed information without the patient's express
consent.
Because of the risk of interference with medical equipment, mobile
phones are not allowed on the Ward under any circumstances.
How can I get and send mail?
Any mail intended for you should be addressed to:
Ward C9, Box 13, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge,
CB2 2QQ
Stamped post may be left for collection in the tray at the nurses'
station.
When are the meal times?
Safety considerations
What happens in the event of a fire?
Fire exits are located at either end of the Ward. The fire alarm
consists of a loud bell. Intermittent ringing is a sign of a fire
alarm somewhere in the building; do not be concerned, because
a specially trained team will be investigating the alarm immediately.
Continuous ringing is a signal to evacuate. In this event, the
nursing staff will advise and guide you.
Can I smoke?
Please note that smoking presents a particular fire hazard,
and is not permitted anywhere in the hospital (hospital
no smoking policy).
Can I bring my radio/TV onto the Ward?
Mains-powered electrical equipment may be brought in only with
the permission of the nurse in charge, and must not be used unless
certified safe by the hospital electricians (electrical
testing).
How do I get hold of a nurse in an emergency?
Nurse-call buttons are provided in the handset at each bedside
(the red button), as well as lighting and radio controls. Call
bells in toilets and bathrooms are operated by a hanging cord.
Will I be in a room by myself?
Our single rooms have to be allocated on the basis of clinical
need; many of our patients can be particularly at risk of infection.
For this reason, it is often necessary to isolate patients who
have (or are at risk of having) certain infections, and nurse
them so as to minimise the risk of passing these infections to
other patients. Isolation is done only if necessary, and if you
are in this situation we would ask you to help us- in particular
by:
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Keeping room doors closed at all times when asked
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Keeping to a minimum the number of visitors
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Not mixing with other patients
Please ask your nurse for further information.
What do I do with my belongings while in
hospital?
The Hospital cannot accept responsibility for your property
while you are in hospital. If you have brought large sums of money
or valuables into the hospital, please ask someone to take them
home. Items may be deposited in the hospital safe, but any money
will be returned to you as a cheque (further
details).
Is there a church on site?
There is a hospital chapel on site, which is located in the
concourse, and may be used at any time. Church of England, Roman
Catholic and Free Church services and ministers are available.
If you wish to see a chaplain, take communion or have any other
needs, please ask a nurse or ward clerk (hospital
chaplaincy).
Is there anyone I can talk to confidentially
for support and counselling?
A confidential counselling service is available. A leaflet giving
details is available opposite the nurses' station.
Can my relatives stay on site?
It may be possible for a relative of very sick patients to have
a bed (in a shared room) in the Hospital for a short time, such
beds are very limited. Private rooms in Pemberton
House, a purpose-built hostel in the hospital grounds, are
available for a charge, and may be booked through main reception.
Information on local Bed & Breakfasts can be found in the
day room.
How do I prove to my employer that I have been
in hospital?
Any staff nurse or ward clerk can give you an inpatient certificate,
for work or Department of Social Security purposes. This will
cover you only for the duration of your hospital stay. Further
certificates, if appropriate, can be obtained from your general
practitioner (GP).
What do I need to do when I leave the Hospital?
Please make sure you know as early as possible how you will
be getting home. Hospital transport can be obtained only on grounds
of medical need, and in any case we must give at least 48 hours
notice (Patient Transport
Services).
Before you leave the Ward, please make sure you have the following:
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All your property, including any valuables that you handed
in for safe keeping;
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Any medicines needed, together with clear instructions on
taking them;
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Any discharge information booklets you have been given;
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A letter for the nurse in your GP's surgery, if you have
any stitches or dressings to be removed;
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A follow-up appointment (this might be posted on to you);
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A letter for your GP summarising your treatment.
Finally...
We hope to make your stay in hospital as pleasant as possible.
It can seem very busy at times, but we believe every patient is
important; if you have any worries or anxieties, do not hesitate
to speak to one of the nurses - we can always find time to help
you.
If you have any suggestions as to how we might improve our service
to you, or if you are at all unhappy with any aspect of your treatment
or anything about the Ward, please talk to your nurse. A suggestion
box is located outside the day room. Alternatively, the Patient
Advice and Liaison Service, located by the hospital main entrance
is always ready to discuss any concerns (Tel: 01223 216 756).
Author: Charge Nurse Jim O'Sullivan, Ward C9.
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