Welcome to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children

Patient Information ServiceBristol Royal Hospital for Children

Respecting everyoneEmbracing changeRecognising successWorking togetherOur hospitals.

2 3

The illustrations used within this booklet are designs for ‘cut-out’ images for walls and mobiles as seen throughout the hospital. These are by Ray Smith, lead artist for the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and based on work with children from the Children’s Hospital and from schools in Bristol.

2 3

Index Page

Essential informationWhat to bring 4

Visiting hours 4

Contact information and important telephone numbers 5

Infection control 6

General informationHow to get here 7

Parking 8

Reclaiming travel expenses 9

Food 10

Accommodation 15

Public telephones 16

Cash points 16

Internet access 16

Further information 17

4 5

What to bring

If you know that your child is going to be staying in the Hospital overnight it is a good idea to bring all or some of the following items:

Change of Clothes•

Nightwear•

Nappies•

Slippers•

Toothbrush and Toothpaste•

Toiletries•

Magazine/Book•

A favourite toy.•

Also please make sure that you bring with you:Any medication your child may need•

Feeding bottles•

Any special foods or milk (as some may not be •available from the milk kitchen).

The ward should be able to sterilise bottles for you, but if you are unsure about specialist equipment, please contact the ward directly using the numbers on the next page.

If you or your child have any additional needs, including •disabilities, that it may help us to know about, please contact the relevant ward or department manager or the Family Information Room on 0117 342 8065.

Visiting hoursVisiting hours differ for each of the wards so please contact them directly, on the numbers listed in the next section, to find out the visiting hours that apply to you.

4 5

Contact information and important telephone numbers

Our address is:

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children Paul O'Gorman Building Upper Maudlin Street Bristol BS2 8BJ

If you wish to send post to a patient, please include the patient name and ward number

Important phone numbers that you may need:

Main Reception - 0117 342 8460 or 0117 342 8461 Outpatients - 0117 342 8399 Admissions - 0117 342 8440 Ward 31 (Surgical) - 0117 342 8331 Ward 32 (Cardiac) - 0117 342 8332 Ward 33 (Medical) - 0117 342 8333 Ward 34 (Oncology) - 0117 342 8334 Ward 35 (Adolescent) - 0117 342 8335 Ward 36 (Short Stay) - 0117 342 8336 Ward 37 (Renal) - 0117 342 8337 Ward 38 (Medical) - 0117 342 8338 Ward 39 (Clinical Decisions Unit) - 0117 342 8339 Oncology Day Beds - 0117 342 8145 BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant Unit) - 0117 342 8266

6 7

Infection control

To ensure that our Hospital stays clean and germ free please take note of the following:

Wash your hands with soap and water, or use the alcohol gel, when you enter a ward/department and again when you leave.

If bottles of alcohol gel are empty please tell a member of staff.

If you notice that a staff member has forgotten to wash or put alcohol gel on their hands, challenge them - they are happy to be reminded!

Please do not bring a large number of personal possessions into the hospital as this may make your bedspace difficult to clean.

Please stay at home if you have a cold, infection or stomach upset and then only visit the hospital if you have been free of all symptoms for 48 hours.

If your child is to be a patient at the hospital and has been in contact with anyone infectious or with symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting please contact the hospital as soon as possible for advice.

6 7

How to get here

We are based in the centre of Bristol, a short distance from bus and train stations, as well as major network routes.

Travelling by train:

The nearest station to the hospital is Bristol Temple Meads •(http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/bri/details.html)

Travelling by bus:

The nearest station is Bristol Bus Station and bus services in •the area are run by FirstGroup. (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/bristol/home/index.php)

The hospital also runs a free bus service with stops that •include Bristol Temple Meads train station and the Children’s Hospital. For more information on this please contact the Family Information Room on 0117 342 8065

Travelling by car:

The easiest route is to come to the end of the M32 (from the •M4/M5) and bear right at the new Cabot Circus shopping complex on your left. There will also be a large blue glass office complex on your right.

Follow the road until you come to a roundabout and go •straight ahead taking the second exit, then carry on past the bus station and new Law Courts on your left. Continue to follow the road through the traffic lights and the hospital is situated a little further up the road on the right hand side.

You will recognise us by the large multi coloured lollipops •which stand outside the hospital’s entrance.

8 9

Parking

There is a limited amount of parking available on the Hospital grounds. There are however a few different parking choices available:

Parents, carers and visitors can use any of the Trust pay and •display car parks. The closest to the Children’s Hospital is on Horfield Road, outside the Oncology centre. (Take the next right past the Children’s Hospital and follow the road around to the right.)

Blue Badge holders can use most of the pay and display •spaces within the Trust car parks free of charge, except for the short term waiting spaces outside the Main Entrance and Emergency Departments and the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI).

Please check parking signs to ensure you are parking •correctly.

There are three dedicated disabled parking bays next to the •lollipops at the front of the hospital.

Alternatively there is a large NCP car park just up from the •Children’s Hospital (go straight on at the traffic lights by the hospital’s entrance and turn left down the cobbled road a bit further up the hill.)

Outpatients may find it helpful to park •in the Cabot Circus car park.

If you are staying overnight or longer, please ask at reception when you arrive to receive a reduced rate parking permit. Reception will be able to give you all the information you need about how this permit works.

8 9

Reclaiming travel expenses

You may be able to claim back some of your travelling expenses if you hold one of the following:

Income Support•

Income based job seekers allowance•

A valid NHS exemption card•

A current HC2 or HC3 Certificate.•

You must also make sure that you keep your receipts for petrol or coach/bus/train tickets.

To make your claim please go to the cashier’s office in the neighbouring BRI just around the corner from the main entrance. If the cashier’s office is closed claims can be made by post using as HC5 form.

Hospital transport

If you are eligible for Hospital transport please advise the ward soon after admission if you are expecting to be taken home.

10 11

Food for parents and visitors

There are a number of different options available for visitors to the hospital who wish to buy food and drink.

Vending Machines situated in the Outpatient and A&E •departments on Level 3 and in the main reception on Level 2.

A WRVS Shop on Level 2 in the reception area which is open •9.00am to 4.00pm daily.

A canteen on Level 5 which is open from 8.00am to 3:30pm •serving hot food and snacks, with vending machines available for use outside these hours.

There are parents kitchens on Level 5 and Level 6 where •you can prepare and store food. Tea and coffee supplies are provided by Friends for Parents but you will need to purchase your own milk. Fridges are locked on Level 5 for security. Please ask ward staff for the key.

The neighbouring hospital, the BRI, also has a larger WRVS •shop open until 7.00pm and a café situated next to the shop open until 5.00pm. Both are situated on the ground floor of the BRI and can be found by following the corridor from the main entrance round to the right.

For hot food served in the evening there is a Bistro situated •in the Old BRI building less than a five minute walk from the Children’s Hospital. Please ask at reception for directions

There are also a large number of local café’s and shops •within walking distance of the hospital.

Please note the following strict guidelines on bringing food into the Hospital.

10 11

Guidelines for bringing food for patients into hospital

University Hospitals Bristol have a legal obligation to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Act 1990 and associated legislation relating to the composition, labelling, safety, handling, control and hygiene of food.

Patient’s meals served every day are carefully prepared and designed to offer patients a healthy balanced diet of set selected menus with a range of hot and cold food and drinks. Patients are encouraged to select a healthy and safe food choice with appropriate advice given where required by dietitians.

Therefore University Hospitals Bristol have an obligation to ensure that any foods brought into the Hospitals are suitable to prevent, or reduce the risk of infection, food poisoning and food borne illnesses, interaction with prescribed medication and preventing the introduction of illicit or unauthorised items.

Any food brought in should be suitable to the dietary needs of the patient with regard to ethnic, cultural or special diet requirements of the patient for which the co-operation of visitors would be appreciated to help patients by only bringing in healthy food that contributes to a healthy balanced diet. Any special advice regarding the suitability of foods can be obtained from the nurse in charge or dietitian.

On arrival at the ward all food gifts are to be declared to an appropriately trained Nurse, where a check will be made of its suitability for the patient, containers and labelling.

All packaging must be intact with the ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ date not exceeded. Only food that has been sealed by the

12 13

manufacturer using heat seals, tamperproof lids and bottle tops will be permitted. Home produced items and goods sealed only with a sticker will not be permitted.

Guidelines to reduce the risk associated with food brought into the hospitals are identified in the chart opposite:

12 13

Permitted foodsThese foods can

be brought in

Prohibited foodsThese foods can not be brought in as they may support the growth of pathogenic bacteria

Wrapped fresh fruit and fruit products. Dried fruit tubs of pre-packed fruit.

Pre-packed muffins, tea cakes, pancakes, scones or similar.

Pre-wrapped nuts and seeds (but confirming that the patient does not have any related allergies).

Pre-wrapped biscuits, crackers and cakes (not fresh or artificial cream).

Pre-wrapped chocolate or sweets.

Packets of crisps (individual packets), popcorn. Pretzels etc.

Raw meat or fishCooked meat and poultryFresh meat products, i.e. gravy, soups and stock

Fresh or artificial cream products, e.g. custards, yoghurts, mousse, cakes & ice cream

Pre wrapped sandwiches (all fillings).

Items with added alcohol. e.g. chocolate liqueurs, stolen and similar festive fayre etc

Pick ‘n’ mix.

Full boxes of crisps or multi packs

14 15

Large cartons of fruit juiceGrapefruit juice (which interacts with some prescribed medication)Milk shakes

Any other food item which requires refrigeration or heating, e.g. pies, pasties, sausage rolls, cheese, eggs, scotch eggs. Take away meals including pizzas, beef burgers and kebabs

Bottled drinks (plastic only) e.g. squashes or carbonatesSmall quantities of fruit juice or smoothies.

Preserves e.g. jam, marmalade, honey, marmite, Bovril (in small plastic jars)

Permitted foodsThese foods can

be brought in

Prohibited foodsThese foods can not be brought in as they may support the growth of pathogenic bacteria

14 15

Breast feedingWe support breast feeding. There are rooms available to use if you do not want to breast feed on the ward. Breast pumps are available from the ward staff.

Three meals daily are available for mothers for the first five days after delivery. Please advise the Ward Housekeeper if you require this support.

Accommodation

For any patient coming in for an overnight stay there is a fold-out bed next to most patient beds which is suitable for one parent or carer. These fold-out beds are not available on Ward 36 but there are comfy recliner chairs instead.

If more than one parent or carer is coming to stay you may be able to stay in Ronald McDonald House (a nearby charity funded accommodation facility). Please ask a nurse on your ward when you arrive.

If you would like accommodation information in advance please contact the Family Information Room on 0117 342 8065. There are a large number of hotels and B&Bs in the local area and they will be able to give you advice to help you make the right decision for you and your family’s needs. Regrettably we are unable to reimburse the cost of external accommodation.

For tourist information, please visit:http://visitbristol.co.uk/site/accommodation

How we care for your childOur nursing care is based on a family centred approach which means that we encourage parents and carers to be partners in their childs care. We appreciate that the time you are able to spend at the hospital may be influenced by your other family commitments.

On your arrival, nursing staff will agree with you how this partnership needs to work, so that if necessary you feel confident to leave your child.

The partnership may need adjusting as your needs or your childs needs change. Please let us know at any time in your stay if you feel a review would be helpful.

If your child has any additional needs, including disabilities, it would be helpful to know about them in advance.

Disabled patients and those with complex needs may find it helpful to complete our Patient Passport which provided an easily accessible summary of your childs needs. Visit the hospital website to download a copy, follow the instructions on the website for submission of your information. If you require further information please contact The Family Information Room which is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm (telephone 0117 342 8065).

Play centre, recreation and education serviceIf your child is in hospital for more than five days the education service will contact you.

Public telephonesTelephones for public use are situated on every floor of the Hospital next to the lifts. Mobile telephones may be used in Main Reception, all lift lobbies and on some wards. Please ask staff for further information.

Cash pointsThere is a NatWest cash point in the neighbouring Bristol Royal Infirmary.

16 17

Internet accessWi-Fi internet access for patients is available on the wards. Please ask staff for a password.

Parents can arrange temporary membership at the Bristol Central Library where the internet can be used for two hours per day (booking necessary).

Work experience and healthcare professional students

We are a teaching Hospital and student doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals train here. Your permission will always be asked before any of these students are involved in your care and treatment as part of their training.

Work experience students from schools and colleges who are considering a future career in the NHS may also be present at various episodes during your clinical care although you have the right to request they are excluded from any aspect of your care if you wish.

Further information

We hope that this information booklet will have answered most of your questions and will help take away some of the worry involved in a visit to hospital.

Should you require any further information please contact the Family Information Room which is open Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm (telephone: 0117 342 8065). Outside of these hours please contact Main Reception on 0117 342 8460 or 0117 342 8461.

16 17

There is also a lot of information on our website which can be found at www.uhbristol.nhs.uk and by clicking on the link for ‘Your Hospitals’. Here you will also find a link to a site for children.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

18 19

My Consultant’s name is: .......................................................

Telephone: .........................................................

My named Nurse is:................................................................

Telephone: .........................................................

Space for notes:

18 19

CHILDREN/WELCOME/MAR12© University Hospitals Bristol March 2012

Hospital Switchboard: 0117 923 0000Minicom: 0117 934 9869www.uhbristol.nhs.uk

For an Interpreter or Signer please contact the telephone number on your appointment letter.

For this leaflet in Large Print, Braille, Audio, or Email, please call the Patient Information Service:

0117 342 3728 / 3725

@

w w w

For access to other patient leaflets and information please go to the following address:

www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ information-for-patients/

Please shred & recycle after use

As well as providing clinical care, our Trust has an important role in research. This allows us to discover new

and improved ways of treating patients.

While under our care, you may be invited to take part in research. To find out more please visit:

www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/research-innovation or call the research and innovation team on

0117 342 0233.