Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
What to expect
Farnham Community Hospital is an inpatient rehabilitation centre with four wards, each with 21 individual rooms.
The primary focus during your stay here is rehabilitation. You can expect the team to work with you to achieve your individual goals. Generally, we see improvements within the first couple of weeks, and plan for your discharge accordingly.
The multidisciplinary team (MDT) is made up of Nurses and Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists (OT), Speech and Language Therapists, Therapy support staff and Doctors.
What Farnham is not
We are not an intensive rehabilitation centre and as such you will not recieve daily Physiotherapy.
It is expected you will improve and leave hospital within a matter of days/weeks: it is not a place to stay and be looked after without participation in your own rehabilitation.
What is expected of you
- To engage and fully participate in your rehabilitation journey.
- To complete the rehab activities given to you by the MDT, either independently or with the help of family or friends or rehabilitation team.
- To get dressed into your own clothes and wear your own shoes where possible.
What else is available at Farnham
Each of the wards at Farnham Community Hospital has a communal dining room where we run daily lunch and weekly activity groups, when possible. You are encouraged to attend these as part of your rehabilitation.
We also have a wheelchair accessible garden, with wheelchairs available on the wards for you to borrow. If you have family/friends who can take you, we are happy for you to spend time outdoors.
Being discharged
Discharge planning starts the day you are admitted: our aim is to deliver quality rehabilitation to facilitate a safe and timely discharge from the ward. If, at the end of your inpatient rehabilitation period, you require care at home or a new care home placement, we will make the necessary referrals: this can become available both at short notice, or take some time to arrange.
What rehab looks like in practice
Your MDT will identify rehabilitation activities, most of which will be undertaken independently of the therapy staff. This could be getting washed and dressed every day, walking in your bedroom, going to the dining room for your meals or practising exercises etc.
The Therapy Team will undertake necessary assessments and prescribe your rehabilitation activities, however the expectation is you will undertake this programme independently, with the support of your visitors and with the wider MDT.
The Multidisciplinary Team
Our nursing team facilitate your rehabilitation, supporting you to maximise and maintain independence as much as possible during daily tasks, such as washing, dressing and toileting.
Our team of Physiotherapists and Therapy Assistants work closely with the wider team to provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Treatment often includes education, advice and exercise to maximise independence and self-management strategies.
Occupational Therapists work with you to find practical solutions that can help improve your independence to participate in daily activities. This can include personal care tasks such as washing and dressing, and domestic tasks such as preparing a hot drink. The OT can then establish what care and equipment you might need to support your discharge. This will be organised for you, but we may request family take home some equipment for you and/or provide information such as home furniture heights. If needed the OT may also visit your property (with your consent), and advise on different adaptions.
Every person admitted to a ward at Farnham Hospital is under the care of a Consultant Physician, who gives a weekly Ward Round and usually takes part in the MDT meetings, co-ordinating progress and rehabilitation. On a day to day basis your medical care is looked after by the Ward Doctors, who ensure that acute medical needs are met, correct and appropriate medications prescribed and including when the time comes for discharge from hospital.
Visiting information
Visiting hours are 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week. There is free parking on site.
Restrictions are in place if you have Covid. Please check with the ward staff before visiting the Unit.
Concerns and problems
If you have any special requirements please let us know as soon as possible so we can accommodate you.
If you have any concerns or worries, talk to a member of the team and we will do our best to help you
Your property
Your belongings should be kept in the locker next to your bed and, if you move, these will be moved with you. There is not very much space, so please don’t bring too much.
It is also advised not to bring large amounts of cash or valuables with you, please let the staff know if you have anything of value with you, but it will remain your responsibility to ensure it is safe.
It is beneficial to have and wear your own clothes and footwear, so you can feel more like yourself whilst here. It is also useful to have a good supportive pair of slippers or shoes which have a back.
You may wish to ask someone to bring books, puzzles, magazines etc for you whilst you’re here. There is free TV in every room.
About this information
Reference:
DD/032
Approval date:
22 January 2026
Review date:
22 January 2029
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.