If you're having a procedure or admitted for medical investigations to a HCA UK hospital and are staying with us for one night or more, you'll be admitted as an inpatient. In the months or weeks leading up to your procedure, we'll send you a letter confirming your admission date, time and location. We'll also advise you of any special preparations or instructions, like fasting before your procedure.
What to do before you arrive
Fill in your patient registration form
Fill in your health assessment questionnaire
Need an interpreter?
What to bring with you
Each of our en-suite rooms are filled with home comforts, like complimentary wi-fi, satellite television and a telephone. We also recommend bringing the following with you:
- comfortable clothes to wear after your procedure
- wide-fitting clothes if you're having vein, knee or ankle surgery
- books, magazines and other things to pass the time
- any personal medication
- any previous X-rays
- mobile phone (although, in some areas of the hospital, using a mobile phone is not allowed)
What not to bring with you
We recommend you do not bring any of the following with you:
- valuables like jewellery or unnecessary cheque books or bank cards (the hospital will not assume liability for these)
- large amounts of food
- large sums of cash
If you need to bring certain valuables into the hospital, please make sure that you are fully covered by your own insurance.
Small items can be locked away in our hospital safe. The safe can be accessed between 9.00am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
If you've been asked to fast
What to do when you arrive
If you are insured, we'll also ask you to provide us with your authorisation from your insurance company. If you are paying for yourself, we'll most likely ask you to settle your account before you leave. A friendly member of staff will then show you to your room.
A nurse will then visit you in your room to make sure that you're settling in okay. They'll also take your medical history, temperature and blood pressure. If you've brought any X-rays or medication with you, please give these to your nurse. And please let them know if you have any allergies.
If you have special dietary requirements
What to expect during your stay
The consultant who arranged your admission will oversee your clinical care throughout your stay. They or your nurse will also be on-hand to answer any questions you have. You can also expect:
- access to a qualified doctor, 24 hours a day
- access to intensive care specialists, 24 hours a day
- nurse specialists to provide pre- and –post procedure care and support
- fully-trained ward nurses
- on-site pharmacists
What happens when you leave
If you are staying with us overnight your consultant and nurse will be able to advise an approximate time of discharge once you have arrived, inpatients are discharged after the consultant have seen you and assessed your recovery. If you are staying with us for a longer period of time, you will be give an approximate discharge date, and your consultant or nursing team will keep you updated during your recovery, about your progress and the day of discharge. You may not always feel well enough to drive or take public transport, so we'd recommend you arrange for someone to pick you up. If this isn’t possible, we will arrange a taxi for you.
If you've accrued extra charges during your stay, you can pay for them before you leave at the Cashier's Office, in most our hospital this is usually on the ground floor near the entrance. If you're not able to do this when you leave, we can send settle your outstanding balance online, or by post or email.
Helpful information
London Bridge Hospital inpatients
The Lister Hospital inpatients
The Wellington Hospital inpatients
The Princess Grace Hospital inpatients
The Harley Street Clinic inpatients
The Portland Hospital inpatients
HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
Contact us
If you have any queries regarding your stay please contact us and well be able to put you in touch with the correct department at the hospital you will be admitted to.
Call
020 7079 4344