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

We will work with you to plan your discharge soon after your admission. We will ask you about your home environment and any care or support you currently receive.  If additional care is needed this will be arranged with your input. 

We will give you an Estimated Discharge Date (EDD) as soon as possible. You will only be discharged when you are medically well enough to leave hospital and it is safe for you to do so. This may mean that your Estimated Discharge Date is revised during your stay.

On the day of discharge

On the day you leave, your ward team will make sure you are given the relevant information and any equipment you require.

Your doctors will write a Discharge Summary for you and your GP. This gives details about the reason for your hospital stay, the treatment you received and any changes to your ongoing care or prescription.

Your doctors will also write your prescription and send it to the pharmacy to be prepared.

We aim to transfer you to the Patient Lounge on the morning of your discharge, unless it is unsafe to do so. This is a safe place where you can wait until your Discharge Summary and prescriptions are ready. Sometimes there may be some delays, but we will work very hard to keep these to a minimum.  In the Discharge Lounge, you will be cared for by qualified nurses and you will have access to refreshments, TV and radio.

For more information about leaving hospital and how you can prepare, the following may be helpful:

Getting Ready to Leaving Hospital

Guide to Leaving Hospital