Your inpatient stay

Visiting

General visiting times are from 3-4pm and 7-8pm. The exceptions are:

1. Caterina Ward (children) - open visiting for parents, other visitors 2-4pm and 6.30-7.30pm

2. Drayton Ward (maternity) - open visiting for parents (and siblings under the age of 16, other visitors 2-4pm and 6.30-7.30pm
3. Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) - 10am-8pm with open visiting at other times for critically ill patients

Visiting is limited to no more than two visitors per patient at any one time.

Click here for a full visitor's guide

Contact

1. Main switchboard - 02476 351351

2. Full list of ward telephone numbers

Parking

There are three main car parks on the George Eliot hospital site; at the front of the main hospital building, outside the rehabilitation unit at the rear of the main hospital building and outside the maternity unit.

The car park outside the rehabilitation unit is for disabled badge holders only. There are also parking spaces for the disabled in the other car parks. Anyone parking in a disabled parking bay must display their blue badge along with their parking ticket.

Parking for motorbikes is available near the entrance to the catering area at the front of the hospital.Click here for a full list of parking charges. 

Infection prevention

To help protect patients and members of staff from the spread of infection. Please ensure you cleanse your hands using the alcohol gel dispensers upon entering and leaving the hospital and individual ward areas.

Please do not come to the hospital if you are suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting unless you need emergency medical attention. Anyone suffering from such symptoms who needs advice should contact their GP or NHS Direct on
0845 46 47. Click here for more information on infection prevention.

Same sex accommodation

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust is fully compliant with same sex accommodation requirements. This means patients can expect to be cared for in a same-sex bay, sharing facilities and space only with people of the same sex. The only time this will not be the case is when it is considered to be in the patient's overall best interest or reflects personal choice.

Click here to view the Trust's full declaration of compliance with same sex accommodation guidelines

Click here for more information on same sex accommodation guidelines

Preparing for your stay

Before you leave home

If you are feeling unwell on the day you are due to come in to hospital, please telephone and tell us, especially if you are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. The number to call will be shown on your letter.

If you live alone, remember to cancel your milk and papers and don't forget to make sure your property is secure.

Things to bring

1. Toiletries such as:

   1. Hairbrush, comb and shampoo

   2. Toothbrush and toothpaste or denture cleaner

   3. Soap, face wash, shower gel

   4. Towels

   5. Deodorant

   6. Hand wipes or tissues

2. Change of nightwear and underwear, slippers and dressing gown.

3. All tablets, medicines and inhalers (in their original containers).

4. The names and addresses of:

   1. Your next of kin, together with day time and evening telephone numbers

   2. Your doctor (GP)

5. List of question or concerns you may want to talk about with your medical team.

6. Any aids such as spectacles, loop system, continence aids, magnifying glass, zimmer frame, walking stick, wheelchair etc. Please ensure larger items are clearly labelled with your full name.

During your stay

Our staff aim to make your stay as comfortable as possible. While you're here, if you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to speak to a member of staff.

1. Providing a safe hospital

2. Who will care for you

3. Mealtimes

Preparing to go home

We believe that patients recover best when they are in familiar surroundings and we look to discharge patients as soon as it is clinically appropriate.

Every patient will receive a discharge plan which will include details of follow up appointments and referrals, rehabilitation care in the community and ongoing medication.

If you are concerned or unsure about any aspect of your care or treatment, including your discharge plan, please speak to a member of staff.

On site services

The following services are available on the site:

1. Shop - Located in the corridor leading from the main entrance to the hospital, the shop sells a range of newspapers, magazines, books, food and drink.

2. League of Friends Tea Bars - There are two League of friends tea bars; one in the corridor leading from the main entrance to the hospital and another on the ground floor of the maternity unit. They sell a range of hot drinks and snack food. The tea bars are run by volunteers and all the money raised in these tea bars is donated to buy equipment for the hospital.

3. Restaurant - Raveloe's restaurant is located on the upper level of the main hospital building and offers a range of hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks. There are also vending machines.

4. Deli Bar - Located in the Trust's Training and Education Centre (GETEC), the deli bar serves a range of hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks, including speciality coffees. The bar is open weekdays from 9am-4pm.

5. Cash machine - There is a cash machine located in the corridor leading from the main entrance to the hospital. Please note that there is a charge for using this machine.

6. Pharmacy - There are pharmacy outlets located on the ground floor of the maternity unit and in the outpatients department.

7. Chapel - The Chaplaincy team is committed to provide pastoral, spiritual and religious support and care to patients, their families and staff, The hospital chapel and chaplaincy team are located near to the radiology department. There is also a multi-faith prayer room located near the entrance to Elizabeth Ward.

8. Bereavement centre- The bereavement centre is located in Middlemarch House at the rear of the hospital and offers a range of services to people who are recently bereaved

9. Interpretation services - The Trust employs multi-lingual co-workers who speak the following languages – Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. If you need an interpreter in any of these languages, or any other language, to help you at your appointment, the Trust will endeavour to provide one. You may request the services of an interpreter by telephoning the Patient Advisory Liaison Service (PALS) on 024 7686 5595 or asking someone to do this for you. Click here for this detail in other languages.