Other wards

Ward: A3

Box: 2

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Hills Road,

Cambridge,

CB2 0QQ

 

Enquiries: 01223 216 303 / 01223 216 305

 

 

Ward A3 is part of a regional Neurosciences Unit. We specialise in caring for patients who require surgery or treatment for conditions relating to the brain and spine.

 

Finding A3

 

Ward A3 is on Level three of the A block at Addenbrooke's, which is between the main Outpatients Centre and the main reception (entrances are on level 2). Ask at either reception for directions.

 

For security, there is an intercom at the ward door.

 

If you are likely to be hospitalised for two weeks or more, your visitors can get a discounted parking ticket from the main reception. This allows you to exit from the car parks for 14 consecutive days from the day you validate the ticket.

 

> Finding us - Parking ticket discounts

Staff on A3

 

During your stay, you will be cared for by one of two nursing teams, led by a senior staff nurse. Nurses work three shifts:

• Early (0700-1500)
• Late (1400-2130)
• Night (2100-0730)

 

During the overlap, we handover your care to the next team of staff. Your named nurse for the shift will come to see you briefly at the start of each shift. Nurse practitioners also work with the consultants and can give you further advice and information about your care and treatment.

 

Ward assistants will bring you your meals and drinks and ensure the cleanliness of the ward.

 

Our ward clerk works Monday to Friday: 0800-1530 hours, and can help with general enquiries, make clinic appointments and book hospital transport.

 

Your doctor's name will be written on the board behind your bed.

 

On your arrival

 

When you are first admitted, you will meet a member of the medical and nursing staff as soon as possible. If there is a short delay, please bear with us – we might be waiting for another patient to be discharged or be busy caring for other patients.

 

Visiting hours

 

You may visit from 10.00 to 12.00 hours and from 15.00 to 20.00 hours. At other times, please contact the nursing staff.

 

Up to two visitors only are allowed at each bedside at any time. Children may visit at the discretion of the nurse in charge and must be strictly supervised by a parent or guardian.

 

When you have visitors, please be considerate of other patients, who may be feeling very unwell; a lot of noise or commotion may prevent them from resting.

 

Visitors can also meet you or wait in the ward's day room. If you are well enough, they can take you out of the ward for a change of scene but please check with a member of staff first.

 

Visitors are kindly requested not to sit on the patient's bed.

 

Because space is limited and to reduce infection, we do not allow cut flowers on the ward. Any flowers delivered will be placed in the day room.

 

To help us prevent the spread of any infections, please ask visitors to use the hand rub at the entrance to the ward on arrival and on leaving.

 

 

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Food and drink

 

We will bring you three meals each day (breakfast, lunch and supper) and hot drinks at intervals. When you arrive, we will explain how this works and will ask you if you have any special requirements. Please check with nursing staff before you consume any food or drink that has been brought in for you or purchased in the hospital.

• If you miss a meal please ask a member of staff. We may be able to order from the “missed meals" service (within hours)
• You may be able to store refrigerated items, but this is not always possible.
• We cannot reheat any food in the ward area
• We are unable to microwave food for patients due to health and safety regulations.
• Tea is served mid morning, afternoon and in the evening.
• If you are on a special diet or therapeutic diet, the ward staff will contact our hospital dietician to arrange this for you. The dietician will also be available Monday–Friday to provide specialist information regarding your diet.

 

Ward facilities

 

We have a day room for patients and visitors' use, which has information about health issues and organisations associated with patient care.

 

At the ward entrance, there is a vending machine for Hospedia cards (for bedside TV and telephone use).

 

Post is delivered twice a day to the ward. Outgoing post can be placed in the out tray on the reception desk.

 

Toilets on the wards are for the use of patients only. Toilets for visitors' use are situated at the ward entrance.

 

Clothing and laundry

 

We encourage patients to wear daytime clothes when they feel able. We do not, however, have facilities to launder your clothes routinely. It is very helpful if relatives can take responsibility for this.

 

Drug rounds

 

Please try not to interrupt the nursing staff while they are doing the 'drug round' or checking medicines.

 

Doctor's ward rounds

 

You'll be looked after by a team of doctors led by a consultant.

 

On certain days the whole team will see you during what's known as the 'consultant ward round' and you'll have daily visits from at least one member of the team.

 

Please note you may not see your consultant everyday.

 

These visits aren't just for them to tell you things - they're an opportunity for you to tell them how you're feeling and ask any questions you may have.

 

Whenever a healthcare professional comes to see you during your stay, they should explain what they're doing or plan to do. If they don't - or you don't understand what they've said - don't be afraid to ask them to explain.

 

Many hospitals train student doctors on the rounds. If at any time you'd prefer they weren't present during your examination, let one of the nurses or doctors know.

 

 

End of your stay with us

 

Your staff will let you know in advance when you are likely to be discharged from the ward and will discuss with you how you will get home.

 

You will be given a supply of your medication your hospital doctor has prescribed and possibly a list to pass on to your GP.

 

The hospital doctors may want to see you in their outpatient clinic at a later date.

 

> Preparing to leave hospital

 

 

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