FAQs

Coming into hospital can be a time of worry for some patients, and effective communication and a high standard of care can put their minds at ease.

As part of our dedication to keeping patients informed throughout their journey through the hospital we have put a series of questions together based on those that patients often ask.

If you have any questions which are not answered here please give our helpdesk a call on 01633 820300.

Can anyone use St. Joseph's Hospital?

St Joseph's aims to welcome as many patients as possible, both fully paying and insurance customers. Our friendly helpdesk staff will offer assistance if you are unsure if your medical insurance will cover you. You can contact them on 01633 820336.

In order to make hospital treatment as stress free as possible we offer fixed priced packages for most procedures. For more information and package options please call 01633 820336.

Can children be treated at St. Joseph's Hospital?

Yes, children are welcome here at St. Joseph's Hospital for consultations in the Outpatient Department. Only children 16 years of age and over can be admitted to the hospital. Please see Younger Patients for more information.

Can my partner/spouse stay overnight?

Under normal circumstances there is no provision for relatives to stay overnight, apart from parents wishing to stay with children. If, however, having a relative to stay overnight with you is a priority, then our staff will do their best to accommodate your wishes.

Do I need private health insurance?

We understand that not everyone takes out private health insurance yet they may still want to use private healthcare without the worry of hidden costs.

This is why at St. Joseph's Hospital we have created fixed priced packages for most common procedures. For other procedures our pricing structure is very simple, for more information please contact our helpdesk on 01633 820345.

How can I pay for treatment?

We offer a range of payment options to ensure payment is swift and easy. Our accounts department accepts all major credit and debit cards, cash, cheques with a valid bankers card and direct transfer. Credit and debit card payments can be made by telephone. All Outpatient Reception Desks are equipped to take payments.

We normally ask for those who are not covered by medical insurance and who are taking the fixed price and self pay options to pay in advance of admission to St Joseph's Hospital.

If you have any queries or questions concerning billing please contact our accounts department on 01633 820320.

How soon can I come to have my treatment?

Once your GP has referred you to your chosen consultant your appointment will be made as soon as possible at a time that is convenient to you.

If you then require treatment this can then be booked whenever you feel ready or as soon as possible.

Your consultant can provide you with more information on recovery periods if you have a holiday or prior engagement planned.

What is a high dependency unit?

At St. Joseph's we do a large amount of routine day case surgery, after which the patient does not require intensive nursing treatment.

We also have the facilities to offer intensive nursing care which involves constant observation by a dedicated team of nurses.

This department is known as HDU (High Dependency Unit) and is generally used for those patients who undergo major surgery.

What will I need if I am coming into hospital?

When your appointment has been booked for your treatment a Patient Information Pack will be sent out to you which will outline the items you will need to bring into hospital. This differs depending on your procedure and whether you are a day case or inpatient.

You do not need to request this booklet as it will be sent out automatically. However, if you have not received this booklet and your treatment is within the next two weeks, please call 01633 820300 and request another copy.

What does fixed price payment cover?

Fixed Price cover aims to make paying for treatment simple.

A fixed price package would normally include:

• Accommodation & Meals

• Theatre Costs

• Inpatient Days

• Consultation Fees for Surgeon & Anaesthetist

The fixed price package would not cover certain items such as the pre-post operative consultations and any charges for services during your stay, such as telephone calls.

When will I be able to go home?

For you own well being we advise that you should not return home until your consultant or a member of the care team visits you to explain any precautions you may need to take and then discharges you from the hospital.

After most procedures we recommend that you do not drive. If you cannot arrange for a friend or relative to come and collect you then reception will be happy to arrange a taxi from a local reputable company.

As part of our dedication to patient care we would like you to take the time to fill in our Patient Questionnaire before vacating your room. One should be provided in your welcome pack; if not one of your care team will be able to provide you with a copy.

When can my friends & family visit?

At St. Joseph's we do not have strict visiting times as we understand that some people would find it hard to visit at set times each day, especially if they are travelling long distances.

All visitors are asked to first report to the main reception area, where one of our staff members will direct you to the room and inform a member of the nursing staff that you are on your way.

In some circumstances it may not be possible for you to visit a patient, for a medical or personal reason, and this will be indicated on the door of the room. We ask that you please respect these notices and ask a member of the nursing staff when a visit would be permitted.

Visitors are welcome to bring flowers and gifts for patients, and vases will be provided on request from a member of staff. As a visitor we welcome you into the hospital but ask that you please do not smoke in the hospital, or bring alcohol without prior permission from the ward sister.

Why do I have to fast before an operation?

For some treatments and procedures here at St. Joseph's you will be asked not to eat most foods for a set time before you are admitted into hospital.

Fasting may be unpleasant in the short term but is normally recommended when you are going to have an anaesthetic as this will prevent you from vomiting.

Your consultant will give you instructions on exactly what to do before your admission.