Barts and The London HIV Service | Your inpatient stay
Your inpatient stay
Inpatient care on ward 13F, The Royal London Hospital
HIV is a complex condition and there are many different reasons why an HIV patient may be admitted to our ward.
Modern treatment approaches combined with our high standards of care means that HIV patients who have been diagnosed and attend the clinic very rarely stay with us in the hospital. However, if someone presents as unwell, usually because they have become ill before discovering their HIV diagnosis, then we will admit that patient to ward 13F, our brand new state-of-the-art ward in the new hospital. This is a 22 bed ward, beds are either in single rooms or 4-bedded bays and all our rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Caring for you
The HIV consultant who cares for you when you stay with us will be part of our team that provides care in the clinic, though not necessarily someone you have already met. Your day to day care is provided by junior doctors and a HIV registrar. A team of specialist nurses on the ward will provide you with the best possible care.
Holistic approach
As a patient staying with us you can expect to have all your nursing and medical needs met in a holistic and individualised manner. This care will be regularly reviewed and adjusted according to your needs. Where appropriate we will call on our highly skilled multi-disciplinary team.
Visiting times
Family and friends are more than welcome to visit you between 11am and 9pm.
Rehabilitation and support during your stay
During your stay you may require emotional, psychological or physical support and rehabilitation. You may be referred to our specialist HIV social worker, psychologists, physiotherapist or occupational therapist who can provide an individualised rehabilitation or exercise programme and specialist assessment and treatments. We have on site gym and rehabilitation facilities and a regular rehabilitation group programme.
Returning home
Because of the varied conditions that cause HIV positive people to stay in hospital, the length of stay in hospital is variable. Most of our patients become well again and return home. If you require support to enable a successful discharge you may be referred to our social worker, occupational therapist or physiotherapist who can assist with:
- arranging help at home
- arranging community based rehabilitation
- advice on successful return to your normal daily activities including returning to work
Some patients may require further inpatient rehabilitation on discharge and the team will discuss this with you and refer you to facilities such as Mildmay UK, local inpatient facilities, or specialist neurorehabilitation facilities as required.
Feedback
We aim to provide a very high standard of care and in order to maintain this we welcome feedback from our patients on ‘how we are doing’.
Directions for patients and visitors
Once you have entered the Royal London Hospital follow the signs to lift core 5 and take a lift to the thirteenth floor. You will then see signs for ward 13F.
