Information for parents or carers
What's the ward like?Meadow Ward is an 18 bed day case surgical ward and is in our new extension on Level 5 of the hospital. You may come to us if you need an operation or to have some tests during a special sleep called an anaesthetic.
Usually you will be able to go home the same day, or go to one of our other wards if you are going to stay the night.
Emma is our ward sister. The rest of the team includes nurses and nursing assistants, a play leader, specialist nurses, hotel services assistants and of course the doctors too. You might also meet some students who are training to be doctors or nurses.
Most of our patients arrive at 7.30am or at 12 midday. You will be given a nurse to look after you so you can ask that nurse (or any of us if you can't find them) any questions at all and we will try and help.
One you are settled in to your bedspace, you may have to wait a while before the doctors come to see you. You won't be able to eat or drink after a certain time which might feel a bit strange but don't worry - you'll be able to have something after.
If you feel like playing, there is a playroom with lots of toys for all ages. We also have some TVs that you can borrow to watch DVDs. You might want to use headphones so that it isn't too noisy for the other patients around you. You can ask the nurses to find some for you. Otherwise, you might prefer to bring a music player or a book and spend the time quietly on your bed.
Your parents or carers will be allowed to stay with you until you are ready to go to the operating theatre which is where the test or operation will happen. One of them will be able to stay with you until you are asleep.
There is a comfortable chair at your bedside for them to wait in while you have your operation and the nursing staff will let them know when it is over, so that they can be there when you wake up. Depending on how long your operation is going to take, they might want to get something to eat from the vending machines in reception.
After your operation, you will be allowed to have something to eat and drink. This helps us know that you are feeling ok. Once the nurses are happy that you are ready, you will be able to go home.
Some doctors arrange special clinics called pre-admission clinics which happen before your operation or tests. This is where you can come and see the ward and find out about what will happen. If you would like to do this, but your doctor doesn't have a clinic, you can ask your parent or carer to arrange a visit for you by calling LIAISE on 0117 342 8065.
