Nightingale ward

Your stay on Nightingale ward

We are a gastrointestinal surgery ward. We have 28 beds.

We provide upper and lower gastrointestinal care, and general surgical and medical care. We also look after patients from other specialities. 

Visitor information

Speak to the nurse-in-charge for up-to-date information on visiting.

Our visiting adult inpatient wards page has further information about visiting patients.

Our welcome pack

To help make your stay as comfortable as possible, we can give you toiletries if you need them. These include:

• toothbrush and toothpaste
• comb
• soap
• eye mask
• ear plugs
• non-slip socks

We'll also give you a welcome booklet telling you:

• what to expect during your stay
• what will happen on the day you are ready to leave hospital

When you arrive

When you arrive on the ward, we will:

• ask about your medical history, medicines and any allergies
• discuss your dietary needs, nutrition, skin health, mobility and any support you need with daily activities
• measure your height and weight and carry out any routine screening tests
• talk to you about any concerns, preferences or additional support you may need

During your stay

To help keep yourself safe while you are in hospital:

• use your call bell if you need help
• wear well-fitting, non-slip footwear
• ask a member of staff for help if you feel unsteady on your feet
• wash your hands regularly to help prevent infection

Ward rounds

When you come into hospital, you will be under the care of a consultant and a team of doctors. Your team will see you every morning during their ward rounds, which usually start at 9am. The meeting your ward team page gives more information about the general ward routine. 

There will be a new team of nurses at the start of every nursing shift. You will have a named nurse for each shift. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a member of the nursing team.

All staff caring for you will introduce themselves and wear an ID badge.

Please tell a member of staff before leaving the ward.

Mealtimes

Meals will be brought to your bedside. Mealtimes are:

• breakfast, 8am
• lunch, midday
• dinner, 5:30pm

We have a protected mealtime policy between midday and 2pm.

This is so you can eat your meals without interruption. Visitors can stay with you if you need their help to eat or drink. 

Please let us know about any allergies, dietary requirements or food preferences.

For food safety, we cannot reheat food brought in. 

Hot drinks are available at all times. They are free for patients. We ask visitors to make a small donation.

We also provide mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. Our meals page has more information.

Using your mobile phone

You can use your mobile phone on the ward. Please respect other patients while using it, especially when they are asleep. Please make sure that it is kept on silent at all times.

Facilities on the ward

There is a day room for you and your visitors to use. Please keep it clean.

There is a television, radio and phone service at your hospital bed.

Going home

When you are ready to leave hospital, our leaving hospital page explains what to expect before you go home and the support available after you leave.