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…

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.

Case study 2022 - David

Last updated: 02 February 2023

Man in red t-shirt

Retiree David was eager to “do his bit” to protect people against COVID-19.

The 85-year-old from Billinghurst in West Sussex volunteered as a participant in the Cov-Boost trial at the Portsmouth Research Hub, run by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

David said: “When I heard about the booster study at Portsmouth I jumped at the opportunity!

“The impact the COVID-19 virus was only going to be limited primarily by the use of vaccines and that further research, including studies in humans, into the effectiveness of these vaccines was urgently needed.

“My experience as part of the trial was very positive. I am really glad I was part of this trial because I felt that I had made some small contribution to the development and use of Covid vaccines.”

David made 11 visits to the Portsmouth Research Hub, based at the John Pounds Centre in Portsea, during the course of the study.

He said: The clinical unit at the John Pounds Centre appeared to be well organised and well equipped and it was very clear that the staff had been well trained and knew exactly what they were doing.

“Any questions I had about the study and its procedures were answered either immediately or after consultation with a colleague. At all times I was kept informed of what was happening.”

The trial published its results in December 2021 and showed that six COVID-19 vaccines, were safe and boosted immunity for people who have had two doses of AstraZeneca or Pfizer-BioNTech.

Part of the study required David to complete electronic diary cards.

He explained: “I’m not very good with modern technology but the team fully explained it all to me and  after a demonstration as well I felt totally confident about it.

“I found the ongoing level of quality control, to ensure all data had been correctly recorded, very reassuring.”

 

The retiree is now keen to encourage others to be part of research.

He added: “Clinical research is a major way to acquire and develop new information about the treatment of medical conditions by, for example, testing new drugs, vaccines, medical device and re-evaluating existing medical treatments.

 “Such research relies on people volunteering to take part in clinical studies because without them medical research would disappear, and we would all be worse off. 

“To anyone thinking about taking part in research I would say yes, do get involved and make sure clinical research continues for the benefit of us all.”

If you would like to get involved in research, please get in touch with our research team.

Please email: research.office@porthosp.nhs.uk

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