Family information

Family and friends are actively encouraged to support you in your rehabilitation.

It is helpful if families can identify a nominated spokesperson who will be a main point of contact for the ward. This helps the team to deliver consistent communication.  It is that person’s responsibility to disseminate information to the rest of the family.

Please take a look at the following guidance:

Personal items

Home clothing is worn on the ward and a small wardrobe is provided for storage.

Please bring appropriate clothing, footwear and toiletries for the person you are visiting

This helps our patients not to feel ‘hospitalised’, helps with their mood and is more dignified for them.

Please ensure clothes are taken home for laundry and restocked regularly.

Supportive shoes such as trainers or slippers with backs are recommended.

Oxford Health cannot be held responsible for any loss of personal belongings Valuables can be stored in the hospital safe in necessary.

Mealtimes and food

We operate a protected mealtime policy.  This means that whilst patients are having their meals, all non-essential activities on the ward will stop in order to reduce interruptions.  The nurses, ward assistants and nutrition assistants will be available to help those patients who require extra support with eating and drinking during these times.

We kindly ask that visitors speak to the ward coordinator about whether it would be beneficial to be present during mealtimes.  Often, those who have had a stroke can experience difficulties around eating and drinking due to altered swallow and cognition.  Therefore, having fewer people present can help reduce distractions and allows for a calmer environment for patients to eat and drink.

Please also avoid calling us during mealtimes where possible.

Meals are served at the following times:

• Breakfast – 08.00
• Lunch – 12.00
• Dinner – 17.30

Drinks and snacks are available to patients throughout the day.  Please always check with staff if you want to bring in food or drink to the ward.

Visitors

Visitors are welcome between 11am and 8pm outside of mealtimes but there should not be more than two visitors per patient at one time.

Sorry, no flowers are allowed on the ward.