Telephones
Each ward has a direct line so it is
possible to ring the ward to find out how someone is.
Ward staff can tell you their direct
telephone number or you can look on the Trust website -
It is helpful if one person telephones and
then passes on the news to others.
In many wards, patients have access to
Hospedia (the bedside entertainment, telephone and information
system). If the patient is well enough, you can call direct to the
bedside.
Staff from Hospedia visit the wards daily to
explain how the system works. There is a charge made for using
Hospedia, details of which can be found at the bedside or on the
Trust's website.
Payphones are available in main reception and
other reception areas.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones may be used in public and
communal areas and in some departments where there is a low risk of
interference with medical equipment. Please check with a member of
staff first and be sensitive to others when using your phone in a
patient area.
Cash machine
There is a cash dispenser machine on Level 2
in the main entrance, opposite the main reception desk. There is
also a change dispenser adjacent to the cash machine.
Quiet places
Inside the hospital there is the Chapel in
North Block and the Sanctuary on the Concourse on Level 2. There
are also several places outside where you can go for quiet
thought.
Chaplaincy department
The chaplains care for the spiritual needs of
the whole hospital community – patients, carers, relatives, friends
and staff. They are available to offer help and support to you
while you are in hospital, whether or not you consider yourself to
be ‘religious’. There are chaplains representing different
Christian traditions, including Church of England, Roman Catholic
and Free Churches, and also chaplains from Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu
and Jewish faiths. To contact the chaplains please telephone 0118
322 7105, or ask the ward staff to contact them for you.
Information Zone
The Information Zone in the main foyer on
Level 1 has a team of volunteers who can help you
with leaflets on support groups, local facilities and
transport, as well as NHS and Department of Health promotional
literature. The Information Zone is open Monday to Thursday between
10am and 4pm.
The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service
The service is based at the Berkshire Cancer
Centre, in North Block. You can either drop in or telephone on
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, between 10am and 2pm – no
appointment necessary. The service offers support for anyone who
has cancer, their friends, relatives or carers; information on all
aspects of living with cancer; and details of local and national
support services and organisations. To contact, please telephone
0118 322 8700.
Who to contact if you have any problems
If you need any further information, ask to
speak to the person in charge of the ward, area or department and
they will try to resolve your problem immediately.
If you are uncomfortable doing this, ask to
speak to PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service). They are a
confidential NHS service that can provide you with on-the-spot help
to resolve your concerns. They can offer help and information to
get the services you need. Telephone 0118 322 8338 or e-mail
talktous@royalberkshire.nhs.uk
Useful Contacts
Royal Berkshire
NHS Foundation Trust
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
0118 322 5111