For patients | Staying with us
Staying with us
If you are coming into stay at the centre, you will stay on Ward 5b/Rahere Ward at St Bartholomew's (Barts) Hospital. Ward 5b is a 22-bedded women’s oncology unit specialising in gynaecological and breast cancer. The ward also cares for women at varying stages of their cancer journey, either having radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery.
Ward contact details:
Ward 5b (Rahere ward)
Fifth Floor, King George V Wing
St Bartholomew’s Hospital
West Smithfield
London EC1A 7BE
Tel: 020 3465 6551
Hospital switchboard tel: 020 7377 7000
Checking in
If you are being admitted to hospital the day before surgery, you will need to go to ward 5b after 2pm. When you arrive, please report to the ward clerk at the nurses station, your bed will then be allocated.
If you are being admitted on the day of surgery, you will need to arrive at 7am, on ward 7a. A nurse will be there to meet you and prepare you for surgery. If you are having major surgery you will be transferred post op to ward 5b. If your surgery is relatively minor, you will stay on ward 7a and be discharged later the same day.
Your nursing team
The nursing team is managed by Claire Murrell, Head of Nursing, our team of matrons and the ward Senior Sister. The sisters and staff nurses have great expertise in the area of women’s health and cancer nursing. They are committed to giving a high standard of nursing care and ensuring your stay is as comfortable as possible. They will be able to provide information, advice and support to you and your family during your stay. You may have also met a clinical nurse specialist during your outpatient appointment. You can still talk to them if you need to, especially if you require additional information and support about your condition and the impact on yourself and your family.
The matron visits the ward on a daily basis and is dressed in a purple uniform. The sisters are dressed in navy blue uniforms. Staff nurses wear either a striped dress or a striped tunic with navy trousers. The ward is a learning environment therefore you may come across student nurses who will be wearing a similar uniform to staff nurses but with white piping. We also have nursing assistants who are dressed in a lilac uniform. All staff wear a badge with their name and designation so that they are easily identifiable.
Other members of team
Doctors
There is a doctors ward round at 7:30 every morning. You will also see doctors at various times throughout the day.
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics
Some women may need to see other members of the team to help them during recovery and planning for going home. Your ward nurses will be able to refer you if you require their input.
Housekeeper
The housekeeper is responsible for assisting with the day-to-day running of the ward, with a special focus on enhancing the caring environment.
Domestics
There are a team of domestics who are responsible for cleaning and maintaining a clean ward.
Chaplains
Sometimes it is difficult to talk to family, friends or health professionals about the many different issues connected with cancer. Chaplains are very used to talking to people from any faith or community. They can provide a confidential place for people to talk over anything that concerns them. It does not matter if these discussions have nothing to do with faith or religion. If you would like to talk to a chaplain, please ask a member of staff and they will arrange a visit for you. For more details, click here.
Interpreting service
Barts and The London has its own bi-lingual Health Advocacy Service, which provides information, support, interpreting and advice to patients whose first language is not English. Please visit Barts Barts and The London's main website for details.
Before your discharge from hospital
If you think that you may have problems managing at home post operatively, please discuss this at your preadmission appointment. It is important that we are aware of your home circumstances so we can offer any support you may need. We have a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and we can involve your local Social Services in helping you at home. It is important that we do this as early as possible in order to ensure adequate care at home.
Preparing for your stay
For details about what to bring with you and other facilities available at the hospital, please visit Barts and The London's main website or read our ward leaflet.
