Visionary

Translating research into patient care

In Patients

This section tells you about our hospital and the things you need to know before you arrive. It is our aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Please read this and any letters you have been sent aswell as any other information that may have arrived with it. If you have any questions after reading this you can talk to the doctor or nurse in charge of your care when you arrive.

Interpreting services

If English is not your first language we have an Interpreting Service that can help you during your stay in hospital. The staff will contact the Interpreting Services asking for the appropriate language and an interpreter will visit your ward each day to identify your needs, and help you talk with our staff.

The Interpreting Service provides a wide range of languages including British Sign Language, interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing.


Coming into hospital

You should prepare for your admission into hospital to make sure things go smoothly. When you come into hospital please:

  • Bring all your medicines with you; we need to know what you are taking.
  • Bring a small bag with toiletries and the other things you need for the stay.
  • Do not bring any alcohol, illegal drugs or tobacco products - the hospital is a no smoking area and drugs or alcohol may interfere with your care.
  • Do not bring large amounts of money, or valuables, we cannot accept responsibility for any items that are not handed in for safe keeping.
  • If you receive any pensions or benefits let the appropriate people know that you are being admitted.
Patient Meals

Patients can choose their meals by ticking appropriate boxes on the Patient Choice Menu Cards, assisted by the Ward Hostess or Nursing staff on the ward. The menu is sent back to the patient on the meal tray with their food each mealtime.

The choice for patients is:

Breakfast

A continental style breakfast, with porridge, cereals, fruit juice, bread and bread rolls. Toast is served on the ward with a choice of hot drinks.

Lunch

Provides 3 main hot dishes including 1 vegetarian choice, 2 main course salads, a choice of potatoes and vegetables, a choice of hot puddings, ice-cream and fresh fruit.

Evening Meal

Provides soup, fruit juice, 2 main hot dishes of which 1 is vegetarian, a choice of potatoes and vegetables or side salad, jacket potato with a choice of fillings, 2 sandwich choices and cold sweets.

Drinks are served on the ward throughout the day. Cakes and biscuits are provided twice daily, and snacks are available 24 hours a day.

Special and therapeutic diets are also catered for.

About the catering department

  • Airedale NHS Trust has successfully implemented the ‘Better Hospital Food Programme' detailed in the NHS Plan for the benefit of our patients to provide a better quality service and improve patient's nutrition.
  • All patients have the opportunity to comment on the catering service by completing the questions on the reverse of the Menu Card each mealtime. We have an open culture and are happy to listen to our customers.
  • Also we carry out face to face surveys three times per year with 20% of patients to ascertain the satisfaction levels.
  • We operate a system of protected mealtimes on the wards. The aim of this is to provide an environment for patients to eat their meals without any unnecessary interruptions, which we hope will improve their consumption of food and aid recovery.