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: 02 June 2023
We are fortunate to have a dedicated community of more than 500 volunteers who make a huge contribution to the Trust.
Our volunteers regularly go above and beyond, giving up their valuable time to provide support in roles ranging from mealtime assistants to hospital guides, patient experience and helping out in our charity shop.
Our Happy To Chat volunteers offer time to chat for patients who may feel isolated or lonely in hospital by befriending them, talking and listening. They encourage patients to take part in social activities where appropriate and provide additional support to improve patients’ discharge experience.
The commitment and dedication of our volunteers is second to none and we are immensely grateful for all that they do. We welcome volunteers from the age of 16 upwards and believe that everyone has something to give.
Among our volunteers is Frankie North, who volunteers with her border Collie Clara as part of the Pets as Therapy programme. Frankie and Clara come to visit patients and staff on the surgery ward every Wednesday.
The duo have been volunteering for several years as a way of giving back to the teams who have looked after Frankie and her family so well. Frankie said: “I volunteer at the Trust as a payback for all the care and support myself and my family have had over the years.
“I really enjoy volunteering with my therapy dog Clara, I feel we are in a privileged position to see the pure joy and the relaxation animal contact can bring to both patients and staff.”
Terry Perring is a patient experience volunteer and has been with the Trust since 2003, first working as a Health Care Support Worker and now volunteering.
Terry wanted to give back to the NHS that had looked after him so well, so decided to take up a volunteering role at our hospital.
Terry said: “I chose to volunteer with the NHS because I like the feeling of working with a large organisation with one singular goal: to make patients’ experience as stress and trouble free as possible – and of course to make them better.”
In his daily role Terry visits patients in their beds to ask them a series of survey questions, to give them the chance to discuss any issues and also to give personal feedback to further improve patient care.
Recognition for our volunteers
The contribution our volunteers make is hugely valued. Every year we hold a celebration during volunteers’ week to recognise and thank our volunteers for their support.
Volunteers are also recognised at our annual Pride of Portsmouth Awards, which celebrate our dedicated staff and volunteers.
Our Trust Chairman, Melloney Poole OBE, has introduced a Kindness of Your Heart award which is awarded monthly to an individual or volunteer team in recognition of the dedication and commitment they have shown in their role or roles.
Become a volunteer
If you would like to apply to become a volunteer for Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, please download the application pack and return using the contact details below.
Telephone: 023 9228 6401
Email: voluntary.services@porthosp.nhs.uk
In writing:
Voluntary Services Office
A Level Queen Alexandra Hospital
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO6 3LY
If you're interested in volunteering and becoming one of our Ward Assistants please download this role description and email your application using the application pack above to voluntary.services@porthosp.nhs.uk
