Keep well in hospital

Sleep is as important as eating, drinking and breathing.

It allows our bodies to repair themselves and our brains to consolidate our memories and process information. 

When someone comes to visit you consider asking if they can bring some ear plugs, a sleep mask, book or puzzle to help you sleep. 

Feel free to visit our Patient Library which can be found on the first floor of the Berry Offices. There are a large variety of books that will suit all interests. 

Patients are able to freely access books during their stay and are also welcome to take the books home. 

For whatever reason you or a loved one is in hospital it is very important to eat well to aid recovery. Eating little and often small and nutritious meals will help to:

• Fight infection.
• Give you more strength to move around and breathe better.
• Stay in hospital for less time.

If you are visiting a loved one ask them if they'd like any snacks bringing in to help with their appetite. Always choose full fat and full sugar food and drinks.

While in hospital, older people can spend up to 83% of their time sitting in bed.

You can help keep a loved one well in hospital by reducing the risk of pressure sores. 

• Help them walk around the ward, if their medical team say it is ok.
• Encourage them to change position if they are in bed when you go to visit 
• Ask staff for extra pillows or mobility aids if needed. 

You can help reduce the risk of falls during a stay in hospital by: 

• Informing the medical team if they are at risk of falling
• Informing the medical team if there has been a fall in the last year
• Informing the medical team if they seem more confused or feeling dizzy
• Informing the medical team if they wear glasses or a hearing aid but are not using them
• Keeping around their bed clear of hazards.
• Taking them appropriate footwear.
• Helping them use mobility aids if appropriate.