Support while you are in hospital
Support when in hospital
If you are in hospital and require additional support during your stay, you may be referred to a hospital social worker. A social worker can support you, your family and carers with any practical or personal difficulties you may have. If you already have one who has been visiting you in your home, they will continue to visit you in the hospital.
If you have any mental health conditions, your healthcare teams should refer you to the liaison psychiatry service that will support your mental health needs.
If you need additional support due to a learning disability, you might be referred to the learning disability liaison nurse.
A referral will depend on whether the healthcare team can meet your needs. If you are referred, the learning disability liaison nurse will offer additional support during your hospital stay.
The Butterfly Support Scheme for those with dementia
The Butterfly Scheme allows people whose memory is permanently affected by dementia to make this clear to hospital staff and provides staff with a simple, practical strategy for meeting their needs. The patients receive more effective and appropriate care, reducing their stress levels and increasing their safety and well-being.
The Butterfly scheme should be offered by your healthcare team prior to your hospital stay. However, you can ask to opt into the scheme by telling the hospital staff, or asking for the Butterfly champion or Dementia lead.
More information on the Butterfly scheme
Lasting Power of Attorney
If you have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), then they will be responsible to ensure that your needs and wishes are being met while you are in hospital.
More information on managing someone else’s affairs
Advanced Decision (Living Wills)
An advance decision to refuse treatment lets your healthcare team know your wishes if you are not able to communicate with them.
You can find out more about an Advanced decision, how to set one up and what they are used for using the link provided
Find out more about Advanced decision (living will)
Compliments, comments, concerns or complaints
If you have any compliments, comments, concerns or complaints while you or someone you care for are in hospital, contact the PALS department.
Make a compliment comments, concern or complaint