We’re committed to your comfort and care
Welcome to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where our staff are committed to making your stay as comfortable as possible, providing high-quality and personalised care along with a welcoming smile.
Outstanding care
Our hospital is currently rated ‘good’ with ‘outstanding’ care by healthcare regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The hospital’s maternity and gynaecology services were also rated as ‘outstanding’. You can read the full report on the CQC website.
For your privacy and dignity we offer same-sex accommodation in line with Government requirements.
Preparing for your stay
To ensure your stay with us runs smoothly and is as comfortable as possible:
- Please arrive at the ward on your letter on time, any delay in arrival could result in a delayed or even cancelled operation.
- Please don’t bring any items of value with you into hospital. There may not be anywhere to lock up your belongings, and Gateshead Health is unable to take liability for any lost or stolen items.
- Our useful list of what to bring will help to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
- If you’re having surgery, please remove any jewellery and piercings before your operation. Metal can interfere with the surgeon’s equipment, and can also harbour bacteria which may cause infection post-surgery. Parts of your body may swell during surgery and we don’t want your jewellery to get stuck.
- If you’re having surgery, please remove any nail varnish from both fingers and toes as during surgery we may use the colour of your nail beds to make sure you’re getting enough oxygen.
A clean and safe environment for you
We understand that having to stay in hospital can be extremely daunting, but we can assure you that we take pride in our clean and safe environment and the care we take over your treatment plan, with the clear aim of discharging you as soon as you are well enough.
We understand that it is important that you know when you can expect to go home and we will plan for your discharge at the beginning of your stay. We will keep you informed at all times of how well you are progressing towards this aim.
When we are confident you are fit enough to continue managing your recovery at home and any follow on or community care you require is in place, we will be happy to discharge you.
Explaining your treatment and condition
Before we carry out any medical procedures you require, you will receive a full explanation of what the treatment you are to receive involves, along with the risks and benefits.
We understand your loved ones play an important part in your care and recovery and will do our best to accommodate your close relatives if you so wish.
Our staff will explain scans and test results in a professional and informative manner and be available to answer any questions you may have about your condition, including how you can manage it beyond your stay in hospital.
Professional but friendly
Making you feel at ease in our hospital is extremely important to us and our professional but friendly staff should introduce themselves to you by name upon first meeting you, explaining their role in your care before delivering the highest standards of care and treatment.
Active body and mind
Where possible, we encourage patients to stay physically active while in hospital, as well as having things to do from reading and puzzles to watching your favourite TV programmes. We believe that this will support you in your recovery, promoting a positive mindset and mental wellbeing.
We offer free Wi-Fi across the hospital and you are welcome to bring in your own device for your own entertainment and convenience during your stay.
Looking after your own self-care needs such as washing and dressing will enable you to feel confident about your return to normal activity at home.
Having patients in their day clothes while in hospital, rather than in pyjamas or gowns, enhances dignity, improves experience and in many cases shortens their length of stay.
For patients over the age of 80, a week in bed may lead to increased dependency and demotivation. Mobilising has been shown to reduce falls, improve patient experience and reduce length of stay by up to one and a half days.
For those patients who are admitted into hospital, it is important that they have their day clothes and own footwear or slippers brought in with them. This will enable staff within hospital and community rehab settings to help and encourage our patients to get up, get dressed and get moving.
If you are visiting a relative in hospital please help by bringing in:
- Comfortable day clothes
- Well-fitting footwear or slippers
- Glasses, and hearing aids
- Mobility aids
Of course, if you are not sure what you can safely do you should take advice from your care team and we will be happy to support patients who require assistance with self-care.
Patient catering
We provide well balanced and nutritious meals for patients, as well as regular snacks and hot drinks. Eating well is a really important way to aid your recovery. Hydration is also vitally important and water will always be available at your bedside. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let the staff caring for you know as soon as possible.