Treves Surgical Unit, incorporating Abbotsbury and Lulworth Wards

The Treves Surgical Unit is a 67–bedded unit for surgical patients which is divided into two wards: Abbotsbury and Lulworth.

They are mixed wards but every attempt is made to ensure that all patients who are booked admissions will be admitted into a single sex bay within either ward. Mixing of the sexes will be avoided unless absolutely necessary, for example when no other bed is available on the unit. Patients have the right to postpone their admission date if they consider sharing a ward occupied by both men and women unacceptable.

Contents

What to bring with you

  • Any medicine and tablets you may have been taking and any treatment cards
  • Night clothes
  • Dressing gown and slippers
  • Towels and flannels
  • Toiletries
  • Any personal appliances you normally use, e.g. hearing aid, walking stick etc.
  • A small amount of money for things like newspapers
  • Items to pass the time like books, knitting, writing paper and pen

You are advised not to bring valuable property or large sums of money with you. Personal property, valuables and cash can be deposited for safe keeping at the General Office on North Wing. Please ask the ward staff to arrange this for you.

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How to get to the unit

We are situated on Level 2 of the North Wing. When you enter the hospital by Entrance 1, North Wing follow the signs to Abbotsbury/Lulworth or use the lift to your right.

You can download a PDF map of the hospital to help you find our ward.

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When you arrive

On the ward you will be met by a nurse or the bed co-ordinator who will show you to your bed and help you settle in. You will be given two identity bracelets, which you will be asked to wear throughout your stay.

Depending on the type of surgery you are due to have it may not be necessary to change into your nightclothes until bedtime. There is a small wardrobe and a locker by your bed for your belongings.

You will be seen by your doctor who will take down the information needed for your operation and any test required will be ordered and carried out; for example, blood tests or x–rays. If you have recently attended a pre–clerking clinic some of this will already have been achieved.

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Hospital staff

During your stay you will be under the care of your consultant, assisted by one or more doctors. These doctors are occasionally accompanied by medical students from Southampton Medical School or other medical schools. Should you wish not to take part in any teaching work you may refuse. Your treatment will not be affected in any other way.

The nurses on the ward work under the direction of the Ward Sister. The nursing staff are divided into teams led by the Named Nurses. This is to try and ensure you are looked after by the same small number of nurses. However, any nurse will be pleased to help you. On admission you will be allocated to a Named Nurse. This is a trained nurse who will be responsible for planning your nursing care from admission to discharge. All members of staff can be identified by their name badges.

Doctor’s rounds

You will be seen by your consultant or a member of their team daily.

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Visiting

Visiting hours: 2:30 – 3:30pm, 7 – 8pm.

We would ask that you and your visitors are sensitive to the feelings of surrounding patients. Your visitors may occasionally be asked to temporarily vacate the bedside during doctors’ ward rounds and emergencies, or while you are receiving nursing care. At night there is a security system in place that will not allow anyone in without ringing a bell to gain entry.

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Other information

Meal times
  • Breakfast: 8am;
  • Lunch: 12 noon;
  • Evening meal: 6pm;

If you need help with meals or are on a special diet your nurse will assist you. Drinks are brought to patients at regular intervals during the day but are available at any time.

Medical Certificates and Benefits:

If you need a sick certificate for absence from work after surgery please ask for one on discharge. The first certificate which employers require is the claim form SC1. This can be obtained on the ward. The form, which you complete yourself, covers the first seven days of illness. After one week an inpatient certificate can be completed on request by your nurse.

If you have any problems or queries regarding your pension, benefits or finances the hospital social worker will be pleased to advise you. Please speak to your Named Nurse who will arrange for you to see them.

Personal call bell and radio

A personal call bell and radio is situated at the side of each bed. To call a nurse you need to press the orange button. You can also control your radio and overhead light from this unit. This will be explained to you. The Patientline system at each bed also provides a radio. An information leaflet by your bed will explain more about Patientline.

Telephones

The Patientline system includes a telephone so you can make and receive calls from your bed. Please do not bring a mobile phone with you as these may affect the working of some medical equipment.

Trolley shop

The trolley shop visits the unit each day and sells newspapers, magazines, sweets etc.

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Leaving the ward

Before you leave hospital staff will discuss the following points with you so that suitable arrangements can be made:

  • Ensure that arrangements have been made at home for your return. If you foresee any difficulties please ask the Ward Sister or Charge Nurse to put you in touch with the Social Worker or the Community Nursing service in good time;
  • Arrange any follow-up appointments that are needed;
  • Check your transport arrangements. If you are traveling by ambulance car a charge is usually made;
  • Give you a letter for your GP telling him or her about your treatment and progress, and the date you will leave hospital;
  • Give you a limited supply of medication if needed;
  • Give you an advice sheet about your surgery.

Please check that you:

  • Ask for a medical certificate if you need one for your employer;
  • If you borrow a walking aid from the hospital please return it when it is no longer required. This way you will help future patients by ensuring there is a supply of aids in store for loan;
  • If you anticipate any further problems please discuss them with your nurse or social worker who will be pleased to help.

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