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Patients & Visitors

Respiratory Ward

B47

About  |  Contact Us  |  Care Team  |  Visitor Information  |  Call4Concern – Martha's Rule

About the Ward

Ward Layout

The Respiratory Unit is a specialist 33 bedded mixed sex ward in Zone B (B47) on the 2nd floor. There are 5 bays with a mixture of 4 and 6 beds, some of which are monitored to allow close observation of critically unwell patients. There are also 5 single side rooms with ensuite bathrooms which are used for infection control or privacy reasons.

The ward has a relative's room which patients can also utilise. This is used for sensitive conversations and as a space for families to congregate away from the bays. It is also possible for relatives to stay here overnight in some circumstances.

We provide specialised Respiratory care for patients requiring Non-Invasive Ventilation, complex infusions and chest drains along with a wide range of conditions. We have resources for patients with additional needs and seek support from specialists as required.

Meals and Drinks

There are a range of menu choices and special dietary needs are catered for. These include allergy and intolerance diets as well as cultural and religious options.

  • Breakfast 7.00am
  • Lunch 12.00noon
  • Supper 5.00pm

Hot drinks are regularly provided throughout the day along with fruit and biscuits.

The preparing to go to hospital page has important information about what to bring when you're admitted to hospital.

To help keep you comfortable during your stay, we encourage your relatives to check that you have sufficient clothing, slippers and toiletries. Shoes and regular clothing are very important as we wish to encourage mobility and promote independence prior to discharge.

Patients are encouraged not to bring valuables into hospital. The RUH cannot accept responsibility for lost or stolen property belonging to a patient or visitor.

Please note there are no clothes washing facilities on the ward.

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Contact the Ward

General Enquiries:

As a patient, if you have a large family, please appoint a spokesperson to keep other members informed of your well-being. For more specific and detailed information enquiries are better dealt with in person where possible for information governance purposes.

If you or your relatives would like to speak to any of our medical staff and the patient is happy for you to do so, please inform the nurse and we will arrange an appointment.

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The Care Team

The Respiratory Ward is led by a large team comprising of Matron Alex Upham, Senior Sister/Ward Manager Lizzy Watts and Consultants; Dr Mackenzie Ross (Lead), Dr Walters (Lead), Dr Masani, Professor Suntharalingam, Dr Marchand, Dr Sturney, Dr Hartley, Dr Harper and Dr Mason. A doctor from your Consultant's team will see you every weekday whilst you are in hospital.

All staff play a vital role in providing quality care to all our patients.

The Respiratory Unit Team comprise of:

  • Junior Sisters
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Clinical Practice Facilitator
  • Staff Nurses
  • Healthcare Assistants
  • Pharmacist
  • Respiratory Nurse Specialists
  • Clinical Physiologists
  • Ward Clerks
  • Discharge co-ordinator
  • Domestics

Healthcare professionals who may also be involved in your care will be referred to as required and include:

  • Physiotherapists
  • Dieticians
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Social Workers
  • Discharge Liaison Nurses
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists

Any queries relating to your care or condition should be addressed to the Nurse caring for you.

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Call4Concern for current inpatients – Martha's Rule

You may have heard recently about NHS plans to test and roll out Martha's Rule to further improve patient safety. This will provide a consistent and understandable way for patients and families to seek an urgent review if their or their loved one's condition deteriorates while they are in hospital and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

As part of this pilot, the RUH offers a Call4Concern service for inpatients and their families. You, or your relative, can call for urgent help and advice if you/they are a current inpatient and have concerns about their condition.

Call4Concern is a patient safety service for current inpatients at the RUH. If you, or your family have recently been discharged please discuss your concerns directly with the ward team. It should not be used to report general problems such as issues with beds, room, food or parking - please speak to a member of staff on your ward.

Contact 07775 821211, any time, any day. If no one is available to answer please leave the patient name, ward and a brief description of your concern.

When should I contact Call for Concern?

  • When there is a significant change in your/the patient's condition while they are an inpatient and after discussion with the ward team, your concerns have not been addressed
  • You have ongoing medical concerns after you have spoken to the ward nurses or doctors

Who will I talk to?

Call for Concern is delivered by the Critical Care Outreach team, who are a team of specialist nurses. They are available 24 hours a day to help support ward staff in the care of acutely ill patients. They can offer advice over the telephone or come to the ward to review the patient's condition if there is a noticeable change.

Find out more

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