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.

News

Hospital plea: know where to go for medical help this bank holiday weekend

Date: 25 May 2023

Rowena Fricker with KWTG poster May 2023   landscape 2 ambulances

People seeking medical help in Portsmouth and its surrounding areas are being urged to only use Queen Alexandra Hospital’s Emergency Department for life-threatening injuries and conditions - ahead of this week’s busy Bank Holiday weekend.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust remains very busy and previous spring bank holidays (2021 and 2022) have shown over 350 people attending its Emergency Department each day, many of whom could be treated elsewhere in the community.

Data reveals:

  • Demand is typically above average with Sunday the busiest day.
  • The top complaints of patients visiting ED over previous Bank Holidays are abdominal pain, shoulder, head, hip, ankle and leg injuries and chest pain.
  • Attendances peak in the early afternoon with midday-3pm being the busiest time.
  • Around two in five patients require admission to a hospital bed.
  • Based on previous figures, the hospital is predicting over 350 people a day could turn up at the Emergency Department.

Dr Mark Roland, Deputy Medical Director at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “The hospital is incredibly busy right now, and Bank Holidays are typically even busier. People may struggle to access their GP and may not know where to go for medical treatment, so end up at the Emergency Department, putting even more pressure on our staff at a time when we’re already dealing with an influx of seriously injured or seriously ill patients.

“We are urging our community to consider using alternative treatment centres for non life-threatening illnesses or conditions. We have three Urgent Treatment Centres in the area which can treat a range of conditions and illnesses including sprains, stings, burns and other injuries. If people aren’t sure where to go, they can call 111 or visit 111 online. Pharmacists are also available to offer advice.

“We’re always open but it’s crucial we keep the hospital’s Emergency Department free for the people who need us to save their lives.”

For a full list of pharmacies open to the public over the Bank Holiday weekend, visit: www.england.nhs.uk/south-east/our-work/pharmacy-opening-hours/

For more information on the best places to go to seek medical help, visit: www.porthosp.nhs.uk/knowwheretogo

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