When you come to hospital please bring any medicines you are taking. This includes anything you buy from the chemist without a prescription.

It is important that the doctor who sees you first is able to have a look at them. During your stay, your own medicines may be used for your treatment, as long as you agree to this.

It is very important that all staff know of any allergies you have. As soon as you arrive, please tell staff if you have any allergies.

An allergy is when something like food, medicines, flowers or trees can make you itch, sneeze or your eyes water.

If you have private health insurance and want to have a room of your own you can stay at the Bradford Royal Infirmary at the York Suite.

You pay money to a health insurance company which will pay for your own room and treatment. You may have to pay for it yourself then get the money back from your health insurance company.

If available it is possible (if your doctor agrees) for you to pay for a room of your own but still get NHS treatment.

If you want to find out more about private treatment options and amenity rooms, please contact the York suite business office on 01274 364668.

Amenity rooms show

When you pay for your own room but still get NHS treatment

Ethnicity

During your stay you will be asked which ethnic group you belong to. This so we can make sure we can meet your needs.

Ethnic group

This means which race of people you belong to.

Patientline

Patientline is available at your bedside only at Bradford Royal Infirmary. This means you can have TV, radio and telephone. You have to pay for these with a pre payment card.

If you would like to use Patientline ask a nurse in charge or phone the free phone Patientline number 0800 959 3100 to find out how you can pay with a pre payment card.

Hospital radio

We have hospital radio at both hospitals. It is free

• At Bradford Royal Infirmary you can contact Radio Royal on telephone 394917 or Patientline *800 -
• At St Luke’s contact St Luke’s sound on telephone 365041

Personal amplifiers

Personal amplifiers are available to borrow for patients who may find it hard to hear people talk, the TV or radio. Ask a nurse if you need to use one

In some places the use of mobile phones is not allowed because they affect medical equipment. In other areas we would like people not to use their mobile phones if they are disturbing other patients.

If you or your family want to ask questions about your illness or treatment please ask a nurse or doctor looking after you. They will arrange for your questions to be answered.

Sometimes you may be asked if you are willing to be seen and cared for by students. Your help would be appreciated. If you do not want to be seen by medical students then you can say no.

We have a zero tolerance policy. We will not allow staff to be verbally abused or physically assaulted by patients or their visitors. Action will be taken if this happens.

Please do not bring large amounts of money or anything of value into hospital. If you do, you can give them to the nurse in charge to be looked after. You will be given a receipt to say you have given them to the nurse in charge.

If you do not give anything of value to the nurse in charge and lose it, it is not the hospitals fault.

The hospital does not accept responsibility. You must keep your property safe and out of sight.

You will need some money if you want to buy any newspapers or want to use Patientline.

Bradford Royal Infirmary entrances are locked from 6.30 at night until 6.30 in the morning.

If you need to get into hospital after 6.30 at night you will have to go to the main entrance. All visitors to the hospital have to use the main entrance as well.

At St Luke’s hospital all ward entrances are locked at 8.00 at night until 6.00 in the morning.

The Horton Wing entrance is locked from 10.00 at night and we keep an eye on it with staff at the 24 hour reception desk.

If you want to come into the Horton wing after 10.00 at night you should use the buzzer at the main entrance.

We have security at both hospitals. There are security officers looking after the hospital both inside and outside.

There are security cameras in the car parks. If you see someone acting suspiciously please tell a member of staff.

If you cannot:

• Walk
• talk or hear
• see

you may want to tell us before you come into hospital.

If you have a learning disability we have a form called ‘Closing the gap’ to fill in before you come to hospital.

Please let us know by contacting the person whose details are on your coming into hospital letter.

If you do not speak English and you or your family need an interpreter ask a member of staff.

We offer a wide choice of food so you can meet your own needs during your hospital stay. The food supports the Better Hospital Food initiative.

If you miss a meal due to coming into hospital late or you have some treatment a snack box can be made available. If you have problems ordering food, please ask ward staff.

Please let us know if you have any special food needs.

Our hospitals are no smoking. by coming to one of our hospitals you have agreed not to smoke in any hospital buildings or grounds.

There is Social Services staff available at both hospitals that provide services to adults. They can also put you in touch with the children's services. If you would like to speak to someone ask a nurse who will arrange this for you.

If you need to get someone to sign any legal or important letters, please ask a nurse in charge who will arrange for this to be done.

You may have religious needs whilst in hospital. We have a spiritual support team who can give support to all those with a faith and to those with none.

There is a team of multi-faith visitors who try to visit all wards on a weekly basis.

You can ask for your own religious person to come and see you. Please ask a nurse to arrange this.

If you need a medical certificate then please ask a nurse.

There is a free phone Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 882200.

A leaflet is also available called 'Going into Hospital' (DW1029), which will explain what happens. This is available from your local Department of Work and Pension office (DWP) or Citizens Advice Bureau

You can also download the leaflet from www.dwp.gov.uk

Cash machines are available at Bradford Royal Infirmary and can be found in the main corridor.

The cash machine at St Luke's Hospital can be found outside the Horton Wing entrance.

Please do not to bring large sums of money into hospital.

Everyone working at the hospital has a duty to keep information about you private.

We need to keep records about your health and any treatment you receive. This information is used to make sure:

• that we provide you with the best care possible
• those involved in your care have the right information about you
• full information about you is available should you need to see another doctor or be sent to a specialist
• that should you have a problem, your records will help to find out the answer.

We may also use your information:

We will not pass your information to anyone else unless you say so unless where the law requires us to.

• to review the care we provide to make sure it is of the highest standard
• to teach and train healthcare professionals
• to prepare statistics on NHS performance
• for medical and other health research

Ask a nurse in charge when you go into hospital if you are unsure about patient confidentiality.

You have the right to see your health records

If you would like to see your records whilst you are in hospital please ask a nurse.

If you want to see your records after you have left hospital please call 01274 365883. Ask to speak to the Assistant Patient Administrations Manager.

It may be that for certain reasons that you may not be able to see all of your records if it is felt to be in your best interest or that of others.

Sometimes patients may be asked to show that they live in the UK.

Sometimes patients may be asked to show that they are allowed to have NHS treatment

When you are in hospital there may be a time when you may be asked to move beds. If this happens you may be moved to another part of the hospital or to another place to be looked after.

We will make sure that where you go will be right for you to be still looked after properly.

Anyone who works at the hospital is not allowed to be given gifts or money.

You can give money to the hospital as a donation. Speak to the nurse in charge about making a donation by cheque.

You can go to our charity link at: www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/about-us/charity

You may be able to get the cost of your bus fare or the mileage in your car to or from hospital if -

• You or partner receives income support, income-based job seekers allowance, family credit or disability working allowance.
• Your income is low enough (claim on form HC1).
• You are attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic more than 15 miles from your home.
• You get a war or MOD disablement pension and are being treated for your war injury.

This does not include taxi fares, unless it is considered wrong to use public transport because of your illness.

Payment can be made at any hospital – ask at reception.

Sometimes we will pay for someone to travel with you if it is needed. The doctor in charge will make this decision.

If you are visiting a patient who is a partner or close relative, you may be able to get help with your travel costs if you get income support or income based job seekers allowance.

You can obtain the claim form from your local social services office.

When you are in hospital you must wear a wristband so we know who you are.

The wristband will have the right details about so staff know it is you and can give you the right care.

All patients including babies, children and older people should wear wristbands at all times.

If you have an allergy we can provide a different wrist band. Please let a member of staff know.

If you do not have a wristband whilst in hospital, then please ask a member of staff for one. If it comes off or is uncomfortable, ask a member of staff to replace it.

You may also be entitled to free prescriptions. You can get form FP95 from Benefits Agencies, chemists or Post Offices.