1 Know which department to visit.
I was sent a letter to go for a blood test at Northwick Park hospital. When I arrived there were separate car parks and entrances miles apart for differnt departments. If I parked in the wrong place, I would have to take a long walk and pay twice and be late for my appointment. There was no answering service at car park entrances to get advice. I had no idea where to go. I didn't know that the department I needed was haematology.
I went to see my uncle's body in the morgue in Barnet hospital. No such building. They don't label it as such inhospitals because it unnerves the patients and visitors. Instead it has a mystery name to disguise it such as the trees or the John Smith building.
Check the drop off points. The A & E may be for ambulances over, no access for cars and taxis.
2 Take with you food and water and a change of clothing.
You could be sitting hours waiting for your name to be called..
3 Know which name you are registered under.
You may use your middle name, but be known by your first name to the hospital. If you are waiting to be called as John or Mary when your first name is Ali or Mae you might miss the call.
4 Check all facts on the hospital typework.
I was listed as having an accident in a bedroom when I fell over an uneven paving stone in the street. It makes a big difference if you are suing somebody. I was able to phone and correct it. The person who answered said they would post the new version to me.
5 Shop around
if you have to wait, such as for medicine to be dispensed, while waiting you can go shopping, and shop around for the cheapest sandwiches or meal deals. At Northwick Park hospital on the fourth floor you find a Costa, a shop selling cards and scarves, gloves and gifts, a bag shop,a Marks & Speners, A Smiths bookshop.
6 In A and E by the check in area are masks, jugs of water, toilets, each with washbasins in the cubicle, a machine selling chocolate bars and snacks and drinks.
Also free newspapers.
Newspapers. Photo by Angela Lansbury.
Useful Websites
https://nhsgp-online.uk/area/
https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/northwick-park-hospital/R1K01
Please share links to your favourite posts.
No comments:
Post a Comment