After suspending visiting earlier in the year, we are now able to offer limited visiting to some wards at the discretion of the nurse in-charge.”
Read more on visiting times...
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.
After suspending visiting earlier in the year, we are now able to offer limited visiting to some wards at the discretion of the nurse in-charge.”
Read more on visiting times...
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.
More information on visiting hospital for an appointment.
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.
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 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.
Last updated: 13 March 2023
A discreet way to make the invisible, visible.
The DisAbility Staff Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team have launched the Sunflower Scheme in conjunction with Hidden Disabilities on Friday 2 December 2022 at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
On Monday 3 April 2023, a training programme on the sunflower scheme will be launched, where health professionals will learn how they can support patients and colleagues that have a hidden disability. Upon completion of the training, staff will demonstrate their commitment to supporting people who wear the sunflower by signing a pledge and wearing a white sunflower badge that shows they are allies and supporters of the scheme.
The Sunflower scheme is a global initiative aimed to support inclusive practices. A hidden disability can make daily life more challenging for those who have one. Patients at PHU that have a hidden disability may wear a sunflower lanyard or badge to discreetly indicate to health professionals they may need additional support, help, or more time.
A hidden disability can include:
PHU recognises that not everybody who has a hidden disability requires additional support and not everybody who requires additional support will wear a sunflower lanyard or badge.
Patients can expect
The sunflower training scheme will be launched in early 2023. Health professionals, wards, and departments will learn how they can support patients and colleagues that have a hidden disability. Upon completion of training, staff will demonstrate their commitment to supporting people who wear the sunflower by signing a pledge and will wear a white sunflower badge that demonstrates they are allies/supporters of the scheme.
Mark Orchard, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of the DisAbility Staff Network, said: "Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and DisAbility Staff Network are excited to launch the Sunflower Scheme across Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. A hidden disability can make daily life more challenging. Wearing a badge or lanyard discreetly indicates to people they may need additional support, help or more time.
"All staff, across all of the sites from which we provide care, will be invited to participate in training on how to support staff and patients with a sunflower lanyard or badge. Patients can expect awareness from staff that they may require extra time or support, and a respectful approach to offering extra help. It is important to us the scheme is embedded across all of our Portsmouth Hospitals sites not least because it aligns with the Trust's vision of 'Working Together to drive excellence in care for our patients and communities' and our EDI strategy aim 'Work towards intentional inclusion.' Overall, ensuring we understand, value and respect everyone."
How to get a sunflower lanyard or badge
Patients will not be provided with a free Sunflower lanyard at the PHU. However nearby organisations do provide them for free.
Patients can also order a lanyard for £1 from the Hidden Disabilities Store at www.hiddendisabilities.com.
If you are not wearing a sunflower badge or lanyard and would like extra support or adjustment with your experience at PHU, please do not hesitate to ask any member of staff and they will be happy to help you.
If you would like to know more about the sunflower scheme and how we can help you, please contact the EDI team at EDI@porthosp.nhs.uk.
