Getting to the hospital
We would encourage you to arrange a lift to the hospital if possible as car parking is very limited. You can arrange patient transport to take you to the hospital if you have a medical need for it.
Find information about how to get to our hospitalsFor more information, contact the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) on 0191 430 3200 or visit the NEAS website.
Can I get help with travel costs?
You may get help with travel costs if you receive certain benefits. Ask at the hospital cashiers office for details. There is one at the RVI and at the Freeman.
Don’t forget to bring:
- Your proof of benefits
- Tickets and receipts for travel
- Your hospital appointment letter
About your stay in hospital
What should I do if I need extra support while I’m in hospital?
It is important to tell us before you come into hospital if you need any reasonable adjustments to make your stay more comfortable.
Please discuss this at your pre-assessment appointment or with staff working on the ward when you are admitted.
If you have a learning disability and have a hospital passport, please bring this with you.
Who will I share a ward with?
Most wards provide care for men and women. You will only share a sleeping area with people of the same sex as you.
If you need intensive or specialist care, you may be looked after in an area with patients of the opposite sex. We will do everything we can to maintain your privacy and dignity.
Where can I keep my belongings?
You will have a bedside cupboard but most of these do not lock. You should therefore avoid bringing valuables into hospital. We cannot accept liability for loss or damage to your property unless you have given it to us for
safekeeping.
How will I get my meals?
We will give you a menu to choose your meals from. If you have any special requirements or allergies, please tell us.
Can I have visitors?
On most wards you can have 2 visitors at a time. Visiting times are usually 10am – 8pm. If you need a visit outside of these hours or you need more people to come, please talk to the ward staff.
What about my spiritual needs?
The Chaplaincy team supports the religious and spiritual needs of patients and are available 24 hours a day.
Can I use my mobile phone?
Mobile phones should be switched to silent, and please do not take photographs or videos if you don’t have permission to do so.
Can I smoke?
Smoking or vaping is not allowed anywhere in the hospital buildings and grounds.
About your care
Who will look after me while I am on the ward?
Posters on each ward will explain who’s who and what the uniforms are. If you have any questions, please ask a member of the ward staff.
Will you keep my carer involved?
It is important that we work with you and everyone who cares for you. If you have a carer and they would like more information, please ask us for a Carers Information Pack.
Dignity and respect for all
We want our hospitals to be free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. We will treat you with kindness and compassion and we ask the same of all patients and visitors.
Staying safe
Call for Concern
If you feel you are becoming more unwell during your stay, speak to a nurse or doctor caring for you. If you have told the ward staff and you feel you are not being listened to, please contact Call for Concern.
Allergies
If you have any allergies, please tell us. We will make sure they are on your medical record.
Preventing infections
Staff should clean their hands before they have any contact with you. They will either wash their hands with liquid soap and water, or use alcohol hand gel. If you aren’t sure they have done this, feel free to ask them.
Relatives, visitors, patients and staff should use the hand gel dispensers at entrances to wards and around the hospital.
Everyone should also wash their hands with liquid soap and water when they enter or leave areas where patients are being isolated.
Visitors should sit on visitor chairs and not on your bed or chair.
Safeguarding
We have a duty to protect vulnerable adults and children. If you see anything that concerns you, or if you have any worries about this, tell a member of staff as soon as you can.
About you
Use this table to make a note of the medicines that you take at home. Include any medicines that you have bought from a pharmacy or shop. Show it to staff if they ask which medicines you take.
| Name of medicine | What do you take it for? | How much do you take? (dosage) | When do you take this medicine? |
|---|---|---|---|
You can write down any questions or concerns that you or your family have about your stay in hospital. You can show this to your nurse or doctor, or just use it to help you remember the things you want to ask about.
Other things you need to know
Your health record
The NHS must keep your personal health information confidential. Find out more information or email [email protected]
Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to ask for access to your health information. You can do this through the Subject Access Request online portal: https://newcastle-hospitals.ams-sar.com/
Organ and tissue donation
All adults in England are considered as agreeing to donate their organs when they die, unless they have opted out. Some groups of people are excluded from this. You can record your decision about whether to donate or call 0300 123 23 23.
Useful contacts
Medicines helpline
You can call to speak to a pharmacist about the medicines you have received from Newcastle hospitals.
How to tell us what you think
We welcome all feedback and use patient experiences to improve where we can.
Tell us your experienceContact us
Getting involved
If you’d like to get involved, there are a number of ways you can help us.
