Daniels Rehabilitation Unit Mount Vernon Hospital

Please do not remove this booklet from Daniels Rehab Unit

Information Booklet

Welcome to Daniels Rehabilitation Unit (DRU) The staff in DRU aim to make your stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible, and keep you and your family updated about your care. If you need more information, or have any questions please ask a member of staff who will always be happy to help.

Daniels Rehabilitation Unit is situated at Mount Vernon Hospital and is part of the Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Trust and the Specialist Neurological Rehabilitation Service.

Our aim is to provide high quality rehabilitation and treatment tailored to your individual needs, to increase your functional independence. We also provide expertise and advice in managing long term disability and support you in maximising your health and well-being.

We work as a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in partnership with our patients and their families. It is important that you actively participate in your rehabilitation and fully engage with the team to achieve your goals.

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Meet the team Doctor The consultant and specialty doctors in rehabilitation medicine (RM) are responsible for your medical care including managing your medication and any investigations you may need. They work closely with many other medical specialties, including the neurologist, nurses and therapists. A doctor is available on the ward daily and is happy to discuss any concerns you may have. A consultant ward round takes place weekly.

Nursing Staff The rehabilitation nurses and health care assistants will assist and promote your independence with all aspects of your personal care. They do regular observation rounds to monitor vital signs and blood glucose as required. They work closely with the therapists to support you by providing nursing

interventions, a therapeutic environment, education and support. They may also work closely with other specialist nurses.

Occupational Therapist The aim of the occupational therapist (OT) is to promote your functional independence and help you overcome difficulties in self-care and activities of daily living. They will help you practise everyday tasks within your ability and improve physical function, thinking, and problem solving.

They also provide advice regarding equipment use, including seating and wheelchairs, and offer guidance with regards to accessing your home environment and any suitable equipment provision. They can signpost to other support services and vocational rehabilitation.

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Physiotherapist The physiotherapists work closely with other therapists and nurses to help improve your movement control and mobility. They will also work with you to help prevent stiffness or loss of movement through posture management and exercise.

You may be provided with a splint or support for your arm or leg. Therapy assistants work closely with you under the supervision of the physios and occupational therapists.

Speech and Language Therapist If your ability to communicate or swallow has been affected, you will be seen by a speech and language therapist. This may involve therapy sessions, techniques to practise independently, or specific food and drink recommendations to help with your swallowing.

Dietitian While on the ward, the nurses will weigh you weekly and check for signs of malnutrition. If indicated, a referral to the dietitian will be made. The dietitian will aim to work alongside you to achieve food and fluid requirements. If required you may receive food supplements and/or additional high energy/protein snacks depending on your individual needs. If you are unable to swallow you may be prescribed food in a liquid form via a tube.

Clinical Neuropsychology The role of clinical neuropsychologists is to assess the cognitive and behavioural effects that you may have as a result of your neurological condition or brain injury. They work with the team to identify any difficulties you are experiencing and offer an individualised approach to your treatment, which may include

strategies, group work and emotional support for you and your family/carers.

You can find more information about individual members of the team on our photo board. The multi-disciplinary team meet weekly to discuss your rehabilitation and ensure things are progressing towards your discharge.

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The Rehabilitation Process

Pathways There are two main patient pathways on Daniels:

Rehabilitation Pathway Where the focus is on patient goals, encouraging recovery and promoting independence in daily living activities.

Review and Re-assessment Pathway Where goals are focussed on maintaining existing levels of function; compensating for lost function (eg through provision of equipment/adaptations); and supporting adjustment to change in the context of deteriorating physical or cognitive function.

Assessment After you arrive you will undergo a period of assessment with the doctor and therapy disciplines involved in your care. This can take up to two weeks as we often need to gather a lot of information, and evaluate test results. Once we have completed our assessments, we will discuss our findings with you and if you wish, your family/carers. We will continue to reassess for any changes throughout your rehabilitation.

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Key working team You will be allocated to a key-working team who will meet with you within the first two weeks of your stay to discuss your main goals and expectations. They will explain the rehabilitation process and answer any questions you might have. Your named key workers will keep in touch with you and your family/carer and co-ordinate with the team. Feel free to speak to your key worker(s) if you have any concerns.

Goal setting You will be given opportunity to discuss and set short term goals every two weeks during your stay; these will help you keep on track towards your main goals. It is important for you to participate in goal setting as part of the rehabilitation process.

Engage in rehabilitation Rehab is a two-way process and dependent on your willingness to participate and work hard. It is vital that you engage with the therapists, nurses and doctors to achieve your rehab potential and develop self-management skills.

Meeting with the team During your rehabilitation we will arrange a meeting or ‘case conference’ if needed. This will give you opportunity to hear about your progress from the whole team and to help plan your discharge from hospital. We encourage you to invite one or two family members/carers to the meeting, who will support you as you leave hospital.

Estimated Discharge Date (EDD) An estimated discharge date will be set by the team early on in your admission. This date is a “best guess” and may be brought forward or extended by the MDT if deemed appropriate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much therapy will I get? This will depend on what you need. The therapy team will identify your needs by completing an assessment and determine how often you need to be seen to achieve your goals. Individual sessions are timetabled daily by the therapy team and you will be provided with a daily plan. Therapy takes place in all areas; on the ward as well as in the gym or treatment rooms. Please be advised, sessions may need to be re-arranged at short notice, due to events that may occur during the day.

What can I do in between my therapy sessions? You will be given self-directed work by the therapy team. This might include a work sheet or exercise programme. Please complete this in between your sessions and at weekends; if you need support to do this, please ask. Nurses will facilitate this at the weekends.

Is there anything I should bring or wear to my therapy sessions? All patients are encouraged to wear day clothes as it is an important part of your recovery. Please wear loose fitting clothes, T-shirts, tracksuit trousers or shorts are best. Please wear supportive flat footwear, such as trainers or sturdy shoes.

You will be provided with a bedside locker, but space is limited. Therefore, please arrange to have clothing brought in for just 3-4 days at a time. Nursing staff will put dirty clothing in a bag; this will need to be taken by a relative/carer to be laundered.

Can my family attend therapy sessions? Yes, this can sometimes be helpful. If you wish a family member or friend to attend a therapy session, please discuss this with your treating therapist first.

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What groups can I attend? There are a number of therapy groups on the unit. The therapists will discuss referral to a group when you are ready. For more information please see the welcome board located in the corridor.

What will happen if I become unwell? Mount Vernon Hospital is a non-acute site with limited medical cover and access to medical facilities out of hours such as X-rays, blood tests etc. In the event that you become unwell and are deemed medically unstable, you may need to be transferred to an acute medical ward in a hospital that is equipped to handle the emergency. Once the acute medical issue has been resolved you will be able to return to the unit to continue your rehabilitation if appropriate. In rare instances, if the medical issue is ongoing or recurring, you may need to continue rehabilitation at the Alderbourne Unit in Hillingdon Hospital where access to acute medical input is easily available.

Gardening group

Cardio group

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Ward Facilities Daniels Rehab Unit has 16 beds. It consists of a male bay and a female bay, along with three side rooms for those patients who may have infection control needs. There is one shower room and two toilets based on each side of the ward. Our Therapy Gym is located on the first floor and accessed by a lift. There is a garden that patients and visitors are welcome to use. Please note: patients may need supervision/assistance to access the garden. Daniels Ward has a coded entrance and exit to ensure safety of all our patients. We do not give out the codes to families.

Visiting Times

DAY 2–5pm EVENING 6–8.30pm

Visiting is restricted to two visitors per patient at any one time. Visitors should please be considerate of other patients, who may be feeling unwell; too much noise may prevent them from resting. Children are welcome and must be supervised at all times. Patients may leave the ward accompanied by their visitors, as long as it is safe to do so. Please inform the nursing staff before leaving the unit.

Meal Times

BREAKFAST 8–9am LUNCH 12.30–1.30pm DINNER 5–6pm

If you have any special dietary, cultural or religious food requirements; please inform the staff on your admission. Symbols in the menu will indicate the diet suited for you. Meal times are protected to ensure patients have a quiet and relaxed environment to enjoy their meal. If you require assistance with eating your meals, a member of staff will help you. Food may be brought in by family, please talk to a nurse regarding what is appropriate before bringing in any food.

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Reheating of food is not allowed. We encourage healthy eating habits, so please try to bring healthy snacks, such as fruit and low sugar drinks.

Valuables On your admission, your belongings and valuables will be listed on a ‘patient’s property sheet’ and a copy will be given to you. We encourage you not to bring any valuables into the hospital, but we appreciate you may wish to have your mobile phone with you. A relative, friend or carer can take anything of value home if you don’t need it, as the Trust cannot accept liability for any losses.

Mobile phone chargers can be used, but please ensure your cables are not a trip hazard. Extension leads are not permitted due to safety regulations.

Personal hygiene Due to limited shower facilities, we cannot guarantee you a daily shower in the morning; however we will endeavour to provide an alternative time, either a morning or shower later in the day.

Infection prevention and control Good hand hygiene from staff, patients and visitors is essential to help prevent the spread of any infection during your stay in hospital. Hand gel is provided at the entrance to the ward, bay and at the end of a patient’s bed. It should be used by everyone before entering and leaving the ward.

Please be aware that allocation of a side room is dependent on clinical need and at the discretion of the ward manager. We are unable to guarantee that you will remain in the same bed space (either in the bay or side room) throughout the length of your admission. In case of infection, isolation to a side room may be necessary and wearing gowns and gloves may be required by visitors. Toilet and shower facilities may be restricted due to infection control. A member of staff will explain any individual needs. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Medication All medication should be checked in by the ward pharmacist. We are unable to use and dispense medication from dosset boxes. All medication will be administered on the medication rounds by the nursing staff. Please do not interrupt nurses when doing this round. If you are able to manage your medication by yourself, you will be assessed and supervised with this.

Smoking The hospital is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is NOT allowed on hospital property and designated areas are allocated. Similarly, the Trust has a strict no alcohol/no recreational drugs policy.

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Chaplaincy This team offer spiritual and pastoral care for patients and carers of all faiths. Please speak to a nurse if you would like more information.

Entertainment Free Wi-Fi is available in the trust.

TVs are available in the bay and side rooms. The TV will be switched off at mealtimes and at 10pm. When using the TV please be considerate of other patients in the bay.

Radio Mount Vernon can be listened to through the grey ear pieces attached to the bedhead, use the dials to find channel 2 and adjust the volume. Radio staff visit to take requests or call 01923 844532 (extension 4532).

There is a coffee shop located in the treatment centre and a canteen is available in the main building. These are open Monday-Friday. Vending machines and a cashpoint are also available.

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Preparing for discharge

Assessment of your home environment Your Occupational Therapist may discuss carrying out an Access Visit (an assessment of your home environment). Nearer your discharge you may also need a Home Visit (an assessment of you in your home.)

Equipment/care You may need equipment to help you go home. Medical equipment is provided by your local borough and requested through your Occupational Therapist. Not all patients require medical equipment to go home, so if you have any questions please ask the therapy team. If you need carer support at home this will be discussed with your occupational therapist.

Wheelchairs If you require a wheelchair to help you get around long term, you can be assessed for this by an occupational therapist on the ward. A prescription or referral will then be sent to your local Posture and Mobility Service. If your wheelchair has not been delivered by your discharge date, we will give you information regarding private loan of a temporary wheelchair until your own is delivered. We are unable to loan our own wheelchairs out to patients being discharged.

Time at home Where possible, we will encourage you to spend time at home during the weekends with support, in order to help with getting back into your usual routine. We aim to support you and your family to feel confident to do this. This may not be possible for everyone to do, so please speak to your therapy team about this if you want more information.

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Discharge reports A report will be given to you to go home with, which will include a summary of all the input you have had from our team. This will also be sent to your GP so they are aware. Any onward referrals will be included with contact details you can refer to.

Follow up After discharge from hospital, you will be referred to your local community therapy services if you need further therapy and you still have ongoing goals. You will also be offered a follow-up appointment at our rehabilitation clinic if required.

Map of hospital site

3. Medical Block (Daniels Unit)

4. Treatment Centre (Coffee shop)

14. Canteen and parking office

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Travel to Mount Vernon Hospital (MVH)

By Underground Get the underground to Northwood station on the Metropolitan line. From there, catch the 282, 331 or H11 bus from the station to the Hospital, or it is a 15-20 minute walk.

Car parking at Mount Vernon Hospital Parking is limited. There is a charge for all car parks including disabled parking.

Disabled spaces can be found outside the Medical Block, Main Entrance and Treatment Centre. Concessionary parking for visitors of long-term patients is available from the car park office, located in the main building near the restaurant (tel: 01923 844406). An authorisation form approved by the ward manager is required. Please speak to the nurse in charge to request a form.

By bus 8: Watford/Abbots Langley–MVH 282: Ealing Hospital- Eastcote–Northwood Hills-Northwood- MVH 331: Uxbridge Station–Denham–Harefield–MVH–Northwood–Ruislip H11: Harrow–Pinner–Northwood–MVH

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Useful information

Website This leaflet and more information can be found on the trust website https://www.thh.nhs.uk/services/alderbourne/index.php

Hours of staff availability Nursing staff: 24 hours Monday – Sunday Medical cover: 9am – 5pm Monday to Sunday, on call out of hours cover. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy: 8.15am–4.30pm Monday to Friday Speech therapy / Dietetics / Psychology: by appointment. Social services should be contacted if you have any queries regarding an application for blue badges, safeguarding concerns, telecare applications and adult social care. Contact numbers for our closest boroughs are below:

Hillingdon: 01895 55 66 33 Harrow: 020 8901 2680 Personal independence allowance (PIP) If you wish to make an application, you must do this yourself by contacting the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). More information can be found using this website: https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim

Income support Information about how to apply, can be found via this website: https://www.gov.uk/income-support/how-to-claim

Address Daniels Rehabilitation Unit Medical Block Mount Vernon Hospital Rickmansworth Road Middlesex, HA6 2RN Northwood HA6 2RN

Telephone numbers Ward Clerk 01923 844285 Ward Manager 01923 844055 Therapy Office 01923 844679 Hillingdon Rehabilitation Service Secretary: 01895 279964

Slough: 01753 475 111 Ealing: 020 8825 5000

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Charitable organisations/carer support

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Feedback We appreciate and value your opinion. We would love to hear from you about your experience and the care you have received. You can do this by:

• Talking to a member of staff

• Giving us comments on ‘Feedback Fridays’

• Completing the Friends and Family Test

• Completing our ward questionnaire.

If you have worries, concerns or a complaint; please to speak to the ward manager. You can also contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who will listen to your concerns and help you find ways of resolving them.

Phone 01895 279973 email PALS@thh.nhs.uk

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Languages/Alternative Formats

Please ask if you require this information in other languages, large print or audio format. Please contact: 01895 279973

Fadlan waydii haddii aad warbixintan ku rabto luqad ama hab kale. Fadlan la xidhiidh 01895 279973

Jeżeli chcialbyś uzyskać te informacje w innym języku, w dużej czcionce lub w formacie audio, poproś pracownika oddzialu o kontakt z biurem informacji pacjenta (patient information) pod numerem telefonu: 01895 279973 如果你需要這些資料的其他語言版本、大字体、或音頻格式，請致電01895 279 973 查詢。

لكشب وأ ةريبكلا فرحألاب ،ىرخأ ةغلب تامولعملا هذه ىلع لوصحلا دوت تنك اذإ 01895279973 يلاتلا مقرلاب لاصتالا ىجري ،يتوص طيرش .

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Ref: PIID 503 Date: November 2019 Review: November 2020