On arrival
When you received confirmation of your admission, you should have been given details of where to go when you arrive in the hospital. If you don't know, you will need to go to the hospital reception and ask for a patient support officer, who will be able to direct you.
Patient support officers
Many of the staff will speak English, but you may want additional assistance to help with translation and are welcome to request the help of a patient support officer.
Patient support officers work closely with hospital staff and are able to:
- - interpret when you see medical staff
- - help with questions you may have
- - advise you on hospital routines
Either you or the staff in the hospital can request a patient support officer during office hours. Patient support officers can also be contacted out of hours, in an emergency, via the hospital hotline on 0800 588 9936.
Consenting to treatment
We want to make sure you fully understand your condition and the treatment options available to you. Before you receive treatment, it should be fully explained to you by a member of the medical team. The patient support officer can help you with this.
You may be asked to sign a consent form before the treatment starts. No treatment will be carried out without your consent unless it is an emergency and you are unable to give consent.
Sharing information
Your details will be kept confidential, but if you are a serving soldier your medical centre will be told about your admission and which ward you are on. This helps your unit and other supporting organisations to give you or your family any assistance you may need.
We must do this for all military personnel, but if you are not a serving soldier and do not wish this to happen then please tell the patient support officer on admission.
Find out more about how we use and protect patient information.
What to expect in a German hospital
You may notice some differences between German hospitals and those you are used to in the UK. Have a look at our information on what to expect in a German hospital to help you prepare for your stay.
On your ward there should be a patient information folder that provides lots of information including details on hospital routines and visiting. If there is not one available on your ward then let your patient support officer know and they can get you one.
If you have any questions or concerns prior to your stay, please do not hesitate to contact the patient support office at your local hospital. Contact details can be found on our partner hospital pages.
Visitors
Visiting times vary depending on the hospital and the ward. Most wards restrict the number of visitors to two or three per patient. You can ask your patient support officer on arrival for details about visiting in your ward.
Visitors are not allowed to bring potted plants into the ward, but are more than welcome to bring cut flowers.
Television and telephones
Your patient support officer will be able to explain the local arrangements for access to television and telephones (including mobiles) during your stay.
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