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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.
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.
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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.
Date: 29 September 2021
Time: 12:00
Exercise plays an important part in a patient’s recovery and can prevent hospital readmission, meaning patients can take charge of their own health.
The cardiac rehab team run a successful cardiac rehab programme for patients under the care of the cardiology department at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
The sessions are held across the local area and see patients at all different ability levels and ages.
Being diagnosed with a heart problem can be a big shock to some patients and can have both a physical and emotional toll on a patient’s wellbeing. Patients who are referred to the programme may have been extremely unwell and through exercise they can begin to get back to normal life but also meet other patients who have been in a similar situation for ongoing emotional support.
Sue King, cardiac rehab sister, explained: “The programme is a really important part of a patient’s recovery and through the right levels of exercise, we can get patients back to feeling themselves again.
“Often patients come to us feeling worried and nervous, but they leave us with a new confidence. We are a safety net for them, we provide them with weekly check-ups and a safe place to ask questions and meet other patients who have been through a similar experience.”
Patients 73-year-old Steve Farrow and 30-year-old Jack Whiting joined the programme on the same day. Now on their seventh session, they are looking forward to graduating.
Jack said: “This whole journey has been a whirlwind, something I didn’t expect to go through at the age of 30. It came as a total shock, with no symptoms or family history of heart disease. Thanks to the team and having the opportunity to join this programme, I am feeling not only physically better, but mentally too.”
The long-term aim of the programme is for patients to carry on their exercise long after completing their sessions, taking on healthy eating habits and remaining a healthy weight.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team had to look at other ways of running the programme without being able to meet face-to-face. It was a challenge, but they adapted by creating bespoke walking programmes, implementing a new app and reassuring patients through telephone check-ups.
Consultant cardiologist and lead for the programme, Dr Peter Haworth, praised the team for their efforts. He said: “The programme plays a really important part in a patient’s recovery. The aim of the programme is to rehabilitate patients, prevent readmission and teach patients the skills and knowledge to optimise their own heart health. We do this in a supportive, friendly environment and often find that individuals stay in touch long after the formal classes are complete.
“We faced some challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to continue a service for our patients, but I am extremely proud of the cardiac rehab team for stepping up and thinking of innovative ways to deliver high-quality care.”
#WorldHeartDay #ProudToBePHU
