What to expect

The Bristol Liver Unit is a progressive department which is involved in the care of all aspects of liver disease in our local population, as well as providing regional services for complex liver disease.

A900 is a 24-bedded specialised unit for patients with hepatology and gastroenterology illnesses. We have a variety of complex patients such as patients suffering from liver disease (including liver cancers) and acute upper GI bleeds.

Our ward staff are highly trained in caring for patients acutely unwell classified as level 2 patients (high dependency patients requiring specific monitoring). Alongside this, we have a day-case room where we offer a day case service to our hepatology patients for paracentesis and endoscopies for our inpatients. We work closely with the drug and alcohol services and aim to provide an environment for patients to undergo withdrawal from alcohol safely and efficiently.

What should I pack?

This checklist is to help you pack a small bag to bring with you. Having these things with you will help to ensure you are prepared and have all you need to be comfortable, and improve your experience as a patient. If possible, please put your name on your belongings to help prevent items getting lost. 

• Toiletry bag with soap, toothbrush, combe etc.
• Comfortable, easy to put on clothes
• Comfortable shoes and socks
• Nightclothes
• Underwear
• Sanitary products, incontinence pads, etc.
• Contact details for close family/friends
• Mobile phone/tablet and charger
• Medication
• Other important items such as glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids etc.

Who will look after me on ward A900?

Ward A900 is home to a large team of healthcare workers who all have different roles. Some of the people you might meet include:

• Occupational therapists will look at all aspects of daily life in your home or workplace to try and work out what might be difficult due to your illness and see if there's another way you can do them. They may be able to organise adaptations, carers or equipment to support you in this.
• Physiotherapists work to assess your mobility and function and help you to rebuild after and during illness. They may train you in exercises and techniques to continue using at home.
• Pharmacists are experts in medications and will come to talk to you about the medications you have been taking at home and how these might change based on the current situation.
• Hospital Discharge Team may help the other members of the team to coordinated your safe discharge back home
• Junior doctors will be working directly with your consultant to provide your day to day care on the ward. These can include Foundation Doctors (F1/F2), Internal Medicine Trainees (IMTs) and Specialty Registrars.
• Registered nurses will be looking after you on the ward. They are responsible for administering your medications and monitoring your vital signs and symptoms. They may perform procedures like taking bloods or placing catheters with your consent.
• Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) work closely with the registered nurses to provide your care. If you need help with washing and dressing they will support you with this as well as taking your observations.
• Other specialty teams are often involved in your care alongside the hepatology team. This is to ensure you get the benefit of all relevant expertise. This might include the surgical teams, the palliative care team or the psychiatry team.
• Housekeeping and facilities are essential members of the team working to make sure all your daily needs are met including meals, drinks and maintenance of a clean and pleasant environment.