The QA hospital site remains incredibly busy, and we will only be using our Emergency Department (ED) for life threatening injuries or illnesses. You will be redirected to alternative services if you arrive at our ED requiring minor care. Please make sure you use NHS 111 Online and Pharmacies to get help and advice on non-life threatening injuries and illnesses. Find more information on how to keep well, here.
We know how important it is for patients and families to be able to see visitors. Please help us keep our patients and staff as safe as possible by checking the guidance below before you visiting.
We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication. Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Voluntary Services team can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.
If you've had experience of using our services and would like to make a comment then please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Your views are very important to us and we would like to hear where you think improvements are needed or where things have gone so well that you would like to share your thanks or gratitude with the staff involved. When things have not gone so well then you can be sure that we want to hear from you, so please get in touch with PALS.
We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication. Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.
The Queen Alexandra Hospital is located just on the hill slopes of Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth. It is conveniently situated for both the M27 and A3M.
Family members and carers play an important role in supporting patients during an episode of ill health. We are committed to the active involvement of family members, friends and carers during a hospital stay. Family members and carers play an important role in supporting patients during an episode of ill health.
If you've had experience of using our services and would like to make a comment then please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Your views are very important to us and we would like to hear where you think improvements are needed or where things have gone so well that you would like to share your thanks or gratitude with the staff involved. When things have not gone so well then you can be sure that we want to hear from you, so please get in touch with PALS.
During your stay in hospital you will meet a number of different members of staff. All members of staff wear name badges, but if you are not sure who someone is or what they do, please feel free to ask them to introduce themselves and explain what they do.
If you have any questions about your treatment, please ask a doctor or a nurse.
If you've had experience of using our services and would like to make a comment then please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Your views are very important to us and we would like to hear where you think improvements are needed or where things have gone so well that you would like to share your thanks or gratitude with the staff involved. When things have not gone so well then you can be sure that we want to hear from you, so please get in touch with PALS.
There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved with the Trust, from volunteering to attending our public meetings, our Annual General Meeting or our hospital open day which is held every year.
We host regular Facebook Live sessions, hosted by our Chief Executive or one of our Executive team. These are an opportunity for both our staff and members of the public to learn more about particular topics of interest and ask any questions they may have. Recent topics have included a focus on how we work with our military colleagues, the background to our Respect and Protect campaign and our Culture Change Programme.
Every year we hold an open day at for our local communities to find out more about what we do and the range of services we provide at Queen Alexandra Hospital. We offer activities for all age groups interactive stalls and a wide range of department tours. Tours have included our mortuary, microbiology, robotics, blood sciences, hospital radio and more. More than 700 people attended our latest open day, which was held on 28 September 2019 and planning for next year’s event is already underway.
We run a series of public meetings throughout the year as an opportunity for members of our local community to hear about the latest developments across the Trust, provide feedback on our services and ask any questions.
We welcome and value your feedback and use the views you share with us in a number of ways to learn and make improvements as well as sharing best practice. Feedback can be provided in a number of ways.
Sign up for regular updates
If you would like to receive updates from us on news and activity across the Trust then please contact us via Communications@porthosp.nhs.uk to sign up.
Winter is a challenging time of year for many and it is important that we all know how to access the right services for our needs.
Being prepared, taking steps to support our own health and wellbeing and knowing where to go to get the right care in the right place at the right time are actions we can all take to help stay happy and healthy through this season. Below you will find information about different illnesses that are common at this time of year and the support available to you to stay healthy.
If you have a minor illness, pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of conditions. They can also tell you if you then need to contact your GP practice. It is best to call a pharmacy or contact them online before visiting in person. You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them. You can find a local pharmacy here.
If your pharmacist thinks you need support from your GP practice, you can contact your surgery online or over the phone. However, there are a range of people who can provide expert help and therefore you may not always see your GP. Your practice will advise if they believe you need to go in for an appointment in person.
Our Emergency Departments is here for people with life-threatening conditions only. If you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do, visiting 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. Please help us to keep our Emergency Department free for those who need them most.
Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days.
The main symptoms of Norovirus are:
feeling sick (nausea)
diarrhoea
being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
a high temperature
a headache
aching arms and legs
Treatment:
You can usually treat yourself or your child at home.
The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
You will usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.
How to limit the spread of Norovirus:
Stay at homeand get plenty of rest. Don’t return to work or send children back to school until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
Wash your handsthoroughly and often with soap and warm water. Alcohol hand gels don’t kill the virus.
Use bleach-based household cleanersand hot water to disinfect household surfaces and commonly used objects.
Avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for other people.
Use detergent towash contaminated clothing and beddingat 60°C and use disposable gloves if possible.
One of the most common illnesses during the winter period is Flu which will often get better on its own, but can make some people very unwell.
Flu symptoms
a sudden high temperature
an aching body
feeling tired or exhausted
a dry cough
a sore throat
a headache
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
diarrhoea or tummy pain
feeling sick and being sick
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that can come and go in a seasonal pattern. During Winter, symptoms of SAD can be more apparent and noticeable.
Symptoms of SAD:
a persistent low mood
a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
irritability
feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.
You should consider seeing the GP if you think you might have SAD and you're struggling to cope.
The GP can carry out an assessment to check your mental health. They may ask you about your mood, lifestyle, eating habits and sleeping patterns, plus any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour.