Current visiting times

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. 

Read more on visiting times...


Messages for loved ones and keeping in touch

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.

Read more information about messages for loved ones…

Current visiting times

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...


Messages for loved ones and keeping in touch

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.

Read more information about messages for loved ones…

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.

The Sunflower Scheme

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: 

  • Deafness
  • Blindness
  • Dyslexia
  • Speech impediments
  • Mobility impairment
  • Autism
  • Asthma
  • COPD and breathing difficulties
  • Mental health conditions

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

  • an awareness from staff that you may wish extra time or support
  • a respectful approach to offering you extra help
  • Signposting to useful resources that can help you further

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.

  • Tesco
  • Post Office
  • Sainsbury’s
  • Marks & Spencer’s
  • B&Q

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.

 

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Queen Alexandra Hospital,
Cosham,
Portsmouth,
PO6 3LY

  • 023 9228 6000

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