Coming into hospital
We recognise that coming into hospital for surgery or treatment can be an unfamiliar and sometimes daunting experience. That’s why we aim to make your stay at Parkside Hospital as comfortable as possible.
Before you come into hospital for treatment, it is vital that you follow any individual instructions given in your personal confirmation letter. For example, you may be required to refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to your operation.
If you take regular medication early in the morning, please ask your consultant whether you should take it on the day of your operation. Please also observe any directions regarding X-rays, blood tests or other tests before admission.
You will have received a pre-admission form, which should be completed and returned to us before your stay in the pre-paid envelope provided. However, should your admission date be within the next few days, please bring the form with you and hand it to the Patient Liaison Officer. Please ensure you return the form as your surgery may have to be cancelled if it is not received.
Medical Insurance
Please ensure you’ve checked and understood the terms and conditions of your policy and obtained authorisation from your insurers prior to admission. You must bring your authorisation number or claim form when you come into hospital. If we perform your treatment and your insurer refuses to pay, you will be liable for the charges.
Self-paying patient
Should your admission be self-funded, either on a package or deposit basis, you will be required to pay all hospital fees 48 hours prior to admission. Payment by personal cheque should be no later than 7 working days prior to admission. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, credit transfer or bankers draft.
On arrival at the hospital
Your admission letter will confirm the time which you should arrive at the Hospital. Although the precise time of the surgery or treatment will not usually be finalised until the day of admission, it is important to arrive on time so that your Consultant(s) have the opportunity to meet with you and answer any questions you may have before you are prepared for the procedure.
On arrival at the Hospital, please report to the Main Reception unless you have been advised to the contrary. A member of staff will show you to your room where you will have time to settle in and make yourself comfortable. We generally advise not to drive yourself but to ask a friend or family member to bring you. There is ample parking on site.
What to bring with you
- Nightwear, dressing gown and slippers
- Personal toiletries
- Books or magazines
- Any medication you are currently taking, in clearly labelled and secure containers. In most cases you’ll be able to continue taking your medication during your stay
- The results of any relevant tests
- Your insurance documents or method of payment
Please avoid bringing any items of value such as cash or credit cards or jewellery with you.
Your room
Every in-patient bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and shower, satellite television, a direct dial telephone, internet access and comfortable seating for your visitors. Housekeeping staff are on hand to ensure high standards of cleanliness are met.
Catering services
Our daily menus are both delicious and nutritionally balanced to aid your recovery. We cater for all dietary requirements (including vegetarian and kosher), as well as for allergies and special diets such as gluten-free. Hot and cold drinks are available at all times.
Patient services
It’s often the little extras that can reassure you during your time in hospital. If you’re staying with us overnight, a newspaper of your choice will be delivered to your room each morning. Please also ask us if you’d like a clergy member from any religious denomination to visit you and we’ll arrange this.
If a Parkside specialist or consultant has prescribed medicines for you, these can be picked up from our in-house pharmacy before you go home.
If you have any questions prior to admission, please call us on 020 8971 8012.
Outpatient Suite
Our modern, purpose built Outpatient Suite offers 21 consulting rooms across two floors with easy access to all areas. There is a comfortable, spacious waiting area on both floors with a dedicated children’s waiting area and T.V. Car parking and tea and coffee are available free of charge.
Imaging, Pharmacy and Pathology services are all available within the Outpatient Suite.