Is your footwear correct? Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes or slippers with rubber soles to help grip.
Use your usual walking aids.
Preventing blood clots
If advised, wear hospital stockings and move as often as you can.
Try and do simple leg and ankle exercises to encourage blood flow.
Drink fluids as recommended.
Take blood-thinning tablets or injections as advised.
Food and drink
Make sure you eat and drink plenty as this will help you recover more quickly.
If there is nothing on the menu that you like, ask for alternatives.
Food served in the hospital may contain celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, sulphur dioxide and sulphites, and tree nuts.
Please notify a nurse if you have any food allergies so that a suitable alternative menu can be provided.
Please do not share food with other patients
Preventing infection
Clean your hands before and after visiting the toilet, and before eating.
Don’t hesitate to ask our staff if they have cleaned their hands.
Your medication
Tell us if you have an allergy to any medication.
If you don’t understand what a medicine is for, just ask.
Talk to any doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about any concerns you may have.
Pressure Injuries
If possible, keep mobile, even in bed, and let us know if you are uncomfortable.
We are happy to help you change position in or out of bed and can provide a special mattress or cushion if needed.
Identification
You will be asked to tell us your name and date of birth to ensure we give you the right treatments and medications.
Tell us if any of your personal information is wrong, or has changed, so we can ensure our records are accurate
Your care
We want to make sure you understand what is happening with your care and treatment – please tell us how you feel.
Any concerns?
We are here to help. Our Call 4 Concern service helps families escalate concerns of clinical deterioration if they feel they have not been alleviated after first speaking to the nurse in charge and responsible medical team.
You can speak to a member of the Rapid Response Team on:
• Have been given your discharge letter.
• Have your medicines and that they have been explained to you.
• Know who to contact if you have any questions/concerns.
• Know if you need another appointment and when it is.
About this information
Reference: DD/033
Approval date: 28 August 2026
Review date: 1 August 2029
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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.
