Inpatients

All staff at the Royal Surrey County Hospital are committed to proving high quality care and treatment for all of our patients.

Coming into hospital can be a worrying and difficult time. If you have any concerns about your visit, please talk to any member of staff - we are here to help you.

Because we are a teaching hospital there may be times when medical students are present during your treatment. You should always be asked if this is acceptable and you do not have to agree.

If you are coming in for a planned stay or procedure, we will write to you with details of your admission.  This letter will also contain any important information about what may be required ahead of your admission.

On the date of admission please call to ensure that we have a bed available on the number provided on your appointment letter.

• Personal toiletries
• Day clothes
• Nightdress or pyjamas
• Dressing gown
• A pair of slippers
• Any equipment that you use, such as a walking aid/hearing aid
• Books/magazines etc
• Any medicines that you are taking and any special cards giving details of current treatment.
• Your diary in case you need to rearrange follow up appointments

Only a small locker space for personal property is available. Please try to mark all your belongings, and please do not bring any valuables or large sums of money with you. You are responsible for all of your property, including dentures and hearing aids, during your stay with us.  The hospital cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to property.  

The wards are all signposted from main reception, but our reception desk staff are happy to provide directions.

When you arrive on the ward one of the receptionists or nurses will admit you to the ward.

We expect all staff to introduce themselves to patients when they start a shift or come to examine patients and all staff should be wearing identification badges. 

Ahead of your discharge
Before you are discharged, we assess whether you need any additional care or support once you leave.  If care is needed this will be arranged in advance. 

Your consultant will write to your GP and explain what treatment you have received and any follow up action required.  You are entitled to receive a copy of this letter.

If you already have care and support in place before your admittance to hospital, it is your responsibility to ensure that this resumes once you have been discharged. 

On the day of discharge
Discharges are planned for the morning, and where possible we will ensure that you are able to leave hospital promptly. 

If you do not have transport provided, taxis can be booked from freephone telephones situated around the hospital.  More information can be found in our travelling to the hospital section.

The majority of patients will wait in the patient lounge, next to main reception for transportation but it may be necessary for you to remain on the ward.