Staying in hospital

Privacy and dignity

We believe that patients should be cared for in an environment that actively respects individual beliefs and attitudes and protects their modesty and dignity.

If you have any concerns or questions about privacy and dignity, please contact a member of the ward staff in the first instance. Alternatively you can contact one of the Matron Team, PALs or the Patient Experience team.

Matron Team
Tel: +44(0)1926 495 321 ext 8118
PALSTel: +44(0)1926 495 321 ext 8020

Patient ExperienceTel: +44(0)1926 495 321 ext 4676

What to bring

If you are coming to one of our hospitals for an overnight stay or longer, there are many things you will need to remember to pack. This will include clothes, toiletries and other items for relaxing and passing the time.

If you are bringing in items of high value, lockable safes are available on each ward. Please speak to the Ward Manager or Nurse in charge to use one. Please note you will need to provide a padlock.

Free Wi-Fi

Patients can use the free Wi-Fi connecting to the ‘NHS Wi-Fi’. Patients connecting to this will be asked to register using their email address.

Infection prevention and control

We are committed to the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections. The Trust's Infection Prevention and Control Team are responsible for developing and implementing a strategy for the prevention and control of infection in order to protect patients, visitors and staff.

If you have any issues related to infection prevention and control and would like to talk to a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Team you can call:

Tel: +44(0)1926 495 321 Ext 4190 (Monday -Friday, 9am-5pm)

Meals during your stay

Eating well helps you to recover, so we want you to benefit as much as possible from the foods that you eat.

Meals are served three times a day and brought to your bedside, or served in a communal dining setting. The menu booklet is held at the nurses station and a member of the team will visit you each day for you to choose your food. The menus provide a choice of meals based on meeting your nutritional needs and providing healthy choices and always include a vegetarian option.

A range of special diets including modified textures for patients that have swallowing difficulties are also available. If you have special dietary or specific religious needs, for example halal or kosher food, there are specific menus.

The Trust operates a protected mealtime policy. Protected meal times are a designated quiet time on the ward where patients who are eating are permitted to do so without interruptions from Doctors, nurses or any other staff. You should also, where possible, not be taken for any tests during mealtimes. A relative, carer or close friend may visit you at mealtimes to assist you with eating and drinking, please liaise with your nurse in charge to arrange this. If however you have to visit another hospital for tests, or are not on the ward at a mealtime, the ward staff will offer you an alternative meal such as a sandwich, piece of fruit, yogurt, juice drink and perhaps a slice of cake or something similar.

We are sure you are aware of the dangers that can result from eating incorrectly stored or cooked foods. Please assist us by not bringing in the following foods; cooked meat and poultry, Fish and shell fish, cream cakes, milk and dairy products and prepared sandwiches. Any food that is bought in must be in a sealed container and labelled with the patients name and dated on arrival. Chilled food can only be stored for 24 hours. Thank you.

Information on admission

You will receive a letter from the Trust giving you instructions about admission to a ward. This will include all essential details you will need to know.

If you are not able to keep your appointment for any reason, please telephone the hospital and let them know as soon as possible. Please also ring your ward before leaving home to ensure your bed is still available. Occasionally the hospital may have so many emergency admissions that some patients might have their treatment delayed or rescheduled. The Trust does its utmost to avoid this situation.

Information on discharge arrangements

On your admission you will have been asked questions about your health and home situation. When a treatment plan has been agreed we are able to advise how long you are likely to be in hospital. Subject to your recovery, your discharge date may be reviewed.

Each ward has a nominated Discharge Co-ordinator and fairly early on in your hospital stay discussion will take place with the healthcare team, you and your carers, about your discharge. This is essential so that all the necessary help and care can be put in place in good time before you are ready to go home.

Going home you should consider:

  • Do you have a key or someone at home to let you in?
  • Do your friends and family know you are going home?
  • Do you have clothes, shoes and coat, to go home in?
  • Will there be enough food and drink in the house?
  • Will your accommodation be warm enough?
  • Have you arranged your transport home

Warwick Hospital radio

Radio Warneford provides an award-winning radio service for patients and visitors at Warwick Hospital. The station broadcasts a wide selection of programmes 24 hours a day via our free patient Wi-Fi service.

Find out what's on and how to listen.

Personal electrical equipment

Patients whilst in the hospital are restricted to using small electrical items which are powered either by batteries, or a low voltage plug adaptor, or an inline charging adaptor which has an output of less than 25 volts (the voltage is usually shown on the label attached to the adaptor casing).


If you are unsure about the suitability of an adaptor or the equipment you have brought in, then you should speak to a member of staff. It may be necessary for the member of staff to contact the on-site electrician for advice. In this case, the equipment is not to be used until it has been checked by the electrician. This could take up to 12 hours.


The equipment, its in-line adaptor and its associated mains lead and plug must be visually in good condition and be inspected for damage by the ward staff before being used on Trust premises.


Any damaged equipment, adaptors, plugs, mains leads or in-line adaptors will be immediately withdrawn from use and if necessary retained by staff until the item is replaced or repaired by the patient carer.


Items which patients may bring in and use on Hospital Premises

Any electrical appliance powered either by batteries, a low voltage plug adaptor, or an inline charging adaptor which has an output of less than 25V such as:

• Tablet computers

• Personal MP3/music/video/photo players (with earphones attached)

• Hand held televisions (with earphones attached)

• Small personal DVD players (with earphones attached)

• Personal CD players or radios (with earphones attached)

• Mobile phone chargers

• Patient connected electrical medical devices

• Laptop computers – only when placed on hard services – must NOT be used on bedding due to the potential to overheat


Items which patients must NOT bring onto Hospital premises

Any electrical appliance which runs on direct mains power (220-250 volt) such as:

• Portable televisions on direct mains power (eg. a standard TV set)

• Hi-Fi/Radio/CD/DVD players on direct mains power

• Hair dryers, hair tongs, hair straighteners, or similar

• Mains extension leads

• Any cooking appliances including kettles, toasters, or tea/coffee cup heating elements

• E cigarettes

• Mini drinks fridges

• Fan heaters

• Tabletop cooling fans

• Butane or gas powered devices (The above lists are not exhaustive)


Devices must not be charged in an oxygen rich environment


Electrical sockets are primarily for the use of medical equipment. Patients may only use an electrical socket when one becomes available which is not required for clinical use.


The Trust reserves the right to prevent the use of, or remove from use, any electrical item which contravenes this guidance and/or statutory regulations.


SWFT operates a smoke free site

Simple steps to keep you safe during your hospital stay

While you are in hospital, keeping you safe and well is a priority for the staff looking after you. There are also some simple things you can do to help keep yourself safe during your hospital stay, such as asking for help when needed, protecting yourself from slips and falls and helping to prevent blood clots.

The NHS England National Patient Safety Team have created a video and leaflet providing tips on keeping yourself safe during your hospital stay.