Coming Into Hospital Factsheet
Before you arrive
You will have been sent a letter giving you the date and time you need to be with us, how to get to us and which ward you will be treated on.
We will include an information leaflet with the letter which provides advice on the treatment/procedure and guidance such as whether you need to fast prior to joining us or to bring any on-going medication with you.
We suggest you bring in suitable clothes, including a dressing gown and slippers/shoes. You will need to bring your own toiletries such as toothpaste, soap and a towel as well as an empty bag for any laundry. But please don't pack too much as you may find you don't have enough storage space.
On arrival
When you arrive on the ward a member of the team will check your personal details then give you a unique identification bracelet. You must wear this for the whole of your stay or your treatment could be delayed.
We will show you around the ward and point out toilets, showers and other facilities. By your bed will be an emergency buzzer and a locker for your personal items such as glasses, dentures and any on-going medicines. Please don’t bring anything of value with you as we cannot be held responsible if it is lost or damaged.
Please keep your area clean and tidy so staff can continue to work safely and effectively.
You can leave the ward as long as you have told a member of staff.
Our hospitals have a chapel/quiet room open 24 hours a day and staff operate an emergency on-call service. If you want spiritual support we can contact your own minister or priest or a representative of your faith.
We need your consent before we can carry out any treatment/procedure. So that you can make an informed choice we will tell you who is treating you, what we plan to do, where the procedure or treatment will take place, roughly how long it takes and fully explain any anticipated side effects.
Staff will be able to tell you who will be caring for you after the treatment/procedure and how long they expect you to stay in hospital. If you need more treatment or a follow-up appointment, they will let you know when you are discharged.
During your stay
Mobile phones can be used on the ward, but we ask that you respect other patients when calling someone or using the internet.
There is free WiFi in our hospitals so that you can access the internet on your phones or tablets. Unfortunately you won’t be allowed to charge them by your bed unless the charger has been safety tested. To protect the confidentiality of patients, please do not use your devices for taking pictures or making videos.
Radio can be heard in most inpatient areas, with headphones available if needed, and most wards have TVs. But we do ask that you are careful not to disturb other patients.
Food is so important in the recovery of a patient, this is why everything, apart from urgent care, stops during breakfast, lunch and dinner. We encourage loved ones to visit at mealtimes if the patient needs some help with eating or drinking, but our staff are always available to provide extra support. So we know who needs more help, these patients are served food on a red tray. If you have any special dietary requirements, let us know.
Only certain foods which have been securely packed in an airtight container with the date on can be brought in but we won’t be able to re-heat anything for the patient.
Breakfast is served between 8.00am-9.00am, lunch from 12.00pm-1pm and dinner between 5.00pm– 6.00pm.
Support
Patients and their loved ones can get support from the Patient Advice Liaison Services (PALS) and Patient Experience and Advice Service (PEAS).
Working out of Morriston, Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals, the teams work with medical staff to ensure patients and their loved ones have the information, advice and support when they need it.
Information about each team can be found on our individual hospital pages:
You have a right to make an application to see your health record under the Data Protection Act to the Medical Records Manager at the hospital (be aware that an administration charge may be applicable).
Your discharge from hospital
Please note: From 1st March 2021 smoking in hospital grounds is against the law
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.