Lighthouse Ward - E406
About Us
Lighthouse Ward provides a nephro-urological service across the
whole of the South West of England and Wales. We have 9 inpatient
beds, four bed spaces for haemodialysis and a two bedded treatment
room. We are one of the few sites in the UK which can offer kidney
transplants and many of our patients visit us for this life
changing operation. We also see children aged 0-17 for regular
weekly haemodialysis treatment.
We have recently combined the nephrology service with the
urology service. By aligning the two services we are already making
positive advancements, such as offering pioneering new treatment to
our patients.
Our welcome video
Take a look at our ward welcome video to find out all about the
Lighthouse ward, featuring our patient presenter - Leah!
Philosophy of the ward
We frequently treat our patients over a long period of time and
as such build strong relationships with them and their families.
'Family' is a good word to use when it comes to describing the
philosophy of Lighthouse Ward. We are a large team with different
specialist roles but have a mutual belief in treating children as
individuals and to ensure we deliver the best care possible to meet
their needs.
Parent and Patient facilities
There is a small kitchen area for parents to use to prepare
light meals. We have a microwave, fridge and kettle as well as
communal tea/coffee. Some of our cubicles have an ensuite facility
and bays are able to utilise a shared bathroom. We are one of the
few wards to have laptops available for parental usage which can be
a welcome distraction.
Play facilities
Other than the main activity centre which all children can
access we have two social spaces on the ward where you will find a
range of activities suitable for varied ages. The play room is
manned by Lucy our lovely play specialist who is able to offer
activities and toys to amuse your child like board games and arts
and crafts. Another really important aspect to Lucy's role is to
distract and prepare children for medical procedures and
treatments. We are really lucky on Lighthouse Ward to have a
separate teenager room with a juke box, range of games consoles,
flat screen TV and DVD library.
Leah had a kidney transplant in
September 2016. Here she is with the CBBC team shortly after who
visited us for a special Hospital Takeover program
Community Outreach Team
As a specialist centre for the South West and Wales we also have
a responsibility to support other hospitals in our area and deliver
treatment to more remote patients. Meet Jo who travels all over the
South West to teach parents how to do home dialysis and lead
clinics to perform check up's and deliver treatment to patients on
a local basis.
Day in the Life
Hi, my name is Amber and I am a
patient on Lighthouse Ward.
Most days dad and I try to get up
early so we can get a shower and do our teeth before the doctors
arrive. Some days I have to have blood tests so this is normally
done before breakfast. After bloods Siobhan the housekeeper comes
to ask what we would like for breakfast, I usually have toast.
When the doctors do their rounds they
decide on a plan of treatment for the day. They ask me as well as
dad to find out how I am feeling. Whilst I am waiting on my meds I
have time to visit the play room. There is always something fun
happening like a magician or a therapy dog visit.
My treatment can take up to 4-5hrs so I get comfy on my
bed and Lucy the play specialist helps me stay busy with toys,
books and crafts.
Soon it is time for lunch and I like
to have a roast dinner most days - the food is very good!
In the evening I have more meds and I
like to watch TV in the play room or listen to the juke box.
Sometimes my brothers and sisters visit me and it feels like being
at home.
Throughout the day I see the nurses
who look after me. They check all my observations to make sure I am
well. I don't like staying in hospital but all the staff make sure
I have as much fun and smiles as possible.
Amber (far left) and her
siblings
The team in the colourful play
room on ward 37
Contact details
Please call us on 0117 342 8337.
For more information about the hospital and your stay please
visit the General Information page
