NHS Constitution

The NHS belongs to all of us. The NHS Constitution brings together in one place what the NHS does and what it stands for.
As well as setting out the principles and values of the NHS, the Constitution outlines the rights to which patients are entitled, the responsibilities to which the public and patients owe to one another and the pledges to which the NHS is committed to achieve. Staff also have rights and there are pledges the NHS makes to them and, in return, they too have responsibilities to the NHS.

At North Bristol NHS Trust we have pledged our commitment to the principles and values of the NHS Constitution. We are committed to putting patients first, recognising people as individuals, striving for excellence and working well together. We aim to provide the highest possible standards of healthcare, to be the specialist service of first choice for patients, both for local and tertiary services and to provide the best possible patient journey, within the resources available – values which are highlighted in the Constitution.

As a patient some of your key rights are to:

• To receive NHS services free of charge
• Not be discriminated against
• Be treated with professional standards by qualified and experienced staff
• Expect NHS organisations to monitor and try to improve continuously the quality of their services
• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Accept or refuse treatment and only be physically examined with consent
• Be given information about any test and treatment options open to you, what they involve and their risks and benefits
• Have access to your own records
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Have any complaint acknowledged within three days and properly investigated
• Compensation if harmed by negligent treatment

Some of our key pledges to patients are to:

• Ensure that any transfer between services is as smooth as possible and you are fully involved
• Provide a clean and safe environment
• Share with you any letters sent between clinicians about you
• Treat you with courtesy and give support in the handling of any complaint and ensure it has no effect on any future treatment
• Identify, acknowledge and learn from mistakes, complaints and claims

Some of your responsibilities are to:

• Treat NHS staff and other patients with respect
• Keep appointments or cancel within a reasonable time
• Give positive or negative feedback about your experiences and the treatment and care you receive

Full details about the rights, responsibilities and pledges set out within the NHS Constitution are available at:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england 

www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/NHSConstitution/Pages/Overview.aspx

The care patients with dementia receive is very high on the agenda for North Bristol Trust (NBT).

Nationally it has been widely acknowledged that more should be done to support patients with dementia, their carers/family and the staff that are looking after them.

Here at NBT, and in partnership with colleagues at neighbouring University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), we have a series of measures that we continue to implement to ensure this group of patients, carers, family, and staff are offered appropriate ongoing support.

NBT have an established nurse led Specialist Dementia Care Team who offer specialised holistic assessment and care planning, carers support and liaison into community services. We also have a Mental Health Liaison Team who offer specialised medical and nursing support. All of our Care of the Elderly Consultants are experienced in supporting people with dementia and other disorders which cause cognitive impairments. We also have a world-renowned Cognitive Neurology Service specialising in diagnosis and research, Specialist Parkinson’s Consultants, and an Admissions Frailty Unit.

These are the principles NBT have implemented.

1. NBT Dementia Strategy 2022-2025: We are proud of the development of our new Dementia Strategy.
2. Education for staff: All staff, whether clinical or non-clinical, have dementia awareness training to recognise the signs of dementia and to generally raise awareness of the issues affecting people with dementia and their families.
3. Dementia champions: All wards and departments have identified Dementia Champions who receive additional regular training and support. Their role is to support patients with dementia and staff by promoting good practice in this area and they also provide feedback to the Dementia Care Team.
4. Environment: NBT continues to improve the environment of care for people with dementia. Changes include recent environments updates to Elgar House, ongoing changes to signage and clocks for every patient room, larger white boards so nurses can write information for individual patients, and reminiscence walls in the Emergency Department and some wards.
5. Use of This is Me: NBT has embraced the use of the ‘This is Me’ document for patients with any cognitive issue. Wards can order these to give to patients/carers/family to complete and we have several dementia stands where these are available. The ‘This is Me’ document enables staff to know more about the person and how to support if the carer/family is not present. 
6. Nutritional care: Specific assessments for elderly patients to make sure they are eating and drinking enough have been rolled out across the Trust. Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to malnutrition, and we are committed to ensure that this doesn’t happen whilst they are with us. We offer a range of food to meet the dietary requirements of induvial patients and have a Dietetics department.  We also offer specialist swallow assessments when required from the Speech and Language Department.
7. Johns Campaign and Carers Support: NBT support carers; we have a Carers Charter and offer ongoing support via the Carers Liaison Service, a carers pass, complementary parking for carers who stay for long periods of time to support and access to staff Restaurant. 

Information on dementia including care in hospital and the hospital discharge processes can be found on the Alzheimer’s Society website.

At North Bristol NHS Trust men and women are usually cared for separately. Sometimes there may be wards for both sexes, but men and women will be cared for in separate areas. 

However, men and women may be nursed together in areas like intensive care where special facilities are needed. If you have any concerns or questions about this please talk to a member of the ward team.

If you wish to be cared for by a member of staff of the same sex as you, please talk to a member of the ward team. We will try to take full account of your religious and spiritual needs.

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) is committed to sourcing local, seasonal, and fairly traded food as part of our trust-wide policy to reduce our impact on the environment while maintaining quality. Through our collaboration with suppliers, we now offer the following food options for our patients:

• Most of our dishes are homemade using locally sourced ingredients, prepared, and cooked in our patient’s kitchen on-site in the Brunel Building.
• Our meat is farm-assured and comes from John Sheppard Butchers in Bristol.
• All our eggs are from free-range chickens.
• Our milk comes from Chew Valley Dairy and its partner farms. The milk suppliers are typically small, family-run farms, all Red Tractor certified. It means that the milk is traceable, safe, and farmed with care.
• Our cheese comes from Wykes Farm in Somerset and is farm-assured.
• Our ham is Red Tractor certified and comes from Houghton Hams in Northampton.
• Fish and fish dishes are from sustainable stocks and come from a supplier in St Philip’s, Bristol.

Our patient menu

We offer a rotating two-week main menu that changes seasonally and includes special dishes for celebrations. All our meals meet the minimum nutritional standards required by national legislation. The menu codes on our main menu indicate dishes suitable for specific dietary needs. You can expect to see the following codes:

• ↑ (The symbol is an arrow pointing up) - Higher energy - these dishes contain more calories and are suitable for patients with a small appetite and patients with increased energy and protein requirements.
• ♥ (symbol is a heart-shaped icon) - Healthier eating – these dishes are lower in fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
• â (symbol is a circumflex a) - Easy to chew – these dishes are suitable for those who have difficulty coping with firm foods due to having no teeth or sore mouths. Not suitable for patients with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); these patients should refer to the modified texture menus.
• V (symbol is the letter V)- Vegetarian - These dishes are made without meat, poultry, fish, and products derived from these, such as gelatine. Suitable for vegetarians who consume milk, egg, and their products. A vegan menu is also available.

In addition to our main menu, we provide a range of alternative menus to meet the needs of patients who may require a special diet for therapeutic, cultural, or religious reasons, and for patients with allergies. These include:

• Texture modified menus – IDDSI compliant, level four, five, and six.
• Gluten-free.
• Lactose-free.
• Free from 14 major allergens.
• Low potassium/low phosphate.
• Low fibre.
• Vegan.
• Halal.
• Kosher.
• Finger food menu.
• Purple butterfly menu.

Meal service times

• Breakfast times vary depending on the ward.
• Lunch is served between 12:30-13:00.
• Supper is served between 17:30-18:00.

Outside of these times, meals and snacks can be organised by the ward staff. Please ask your nurse or housekeeper.

Snacks and drinks

Extra snacks can be ordered from the main menu and are served with lunch and dinner for later. Other snacks such as soup, bread, and biscuits are available from the ward pantry 24 hours a day.

Hot and cold drinks, including tea, coffee (including decaffeinated), hot chocolate, fruit teas, full-fat and semi-skimmed milk, and squash, are available 24 hours a day and offered at least seven times per day. A water jug will be available at the bedside and will be refreshed twice a day.

Sometimes, because of an operation or as part of your treatment, you will not be allowed to eat or drink. Your nurse will explain this to you.

Meal environment

We have implemented supported mealtimes during which non-urgent clinical tasks such as ward rounds and blood tests are paused to ensure that you are not disturbed while eating. We maintain a quiet environment in the wards to promote a calm dining experience. Visitors are welcome during these times if their presence helps the patient with eating."

We are committed to ensuring your stay is as comfortable and trouble-free as possible. If at any time you need extra help, please let a member of the nursing staff know, for example:

• Assistance in choosing a meal suitable for your dietary requirements.
• Help cutting up your food or extra support and assistance with feeding.

Food from home

For dietary and food safety reasons, we discourage relatives and other visitors from bringing temperature-sensitive food to the hospital for patients. If there are special circumstances, please make sure to get permission from the ward manager before bringing food from home. We will record your request and reach an agreement. Any food that requires refrigeration must be labelled with the patient’s name and consumed within 24 hours.

You may see many different members of staff at North Bristol NHS Trust. 

Name badges are designed to aid the visually-impaired will form part of the uniform, helping patients and families or carers to identify who is who among nursing staff. If you cannot see the badge, ask them to show it to you. Our staff will not be offended if you ask them to identify themselves.

Your consultant

The doctor in charge of your medical care is called the consultant. They will discuss your condition with you and offer you the best available treatment. They will have a team of doctors and nurses working with them and a member of this team will see you every day.

If you want to know the name of the consultant please ask a member of the ward team. We are happy to be there with you when the consultant sees you.

Your nurse

You will have a nurse who is responsible for your nursing care.  They will also have help from the ward team.  If you want to know the nurse’s name please ask any team member.

Ward Sisters

The Ward Sister manages the whole ward and is supported by the ward manager. Please ask them if you have concerns.

Matrons

Our Matrons are senior nurses and each is in charge of a group of wards. Their job is to ensure that you receive high-quality care and that you are as comfortable as possible they can also help to solve a problem if the ward staff cannot.

Domestic staff

Our domestic staff make sure your ward is clean and that you get your meals, drinks and refreshments. If you have any worries about these things please ask any member of the housekeeping staff.

Students

North Bristol NHS Trust is a teaching Trust so student doctors may accompany your doctor. We also have other staff in training, including student nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

Students improve their clinical skills by working under the supervision of experienced staff and by having direct contact with patients. We may ask you to agree to be seen by a student doctor or other students and so help improve their clinical skills. Please be reassured that you can say no and this will not affect the care you receive.

Your doctor or a member of the clinical team might also ask you to take part in a clinical trial or research study. These are important for developing treatments for the future. Again, please be reassured that you can say no and this will not affect the care you receive. If you have any concerns or questions, please speak with your doctor or nurse. Students will not be making any decisions about your treatment.

How can I get my belongings while in hospital?

You should bring your belongings in with you when you come to hospital but, if you need something else or have forgotten something, a friend or family member can bring your belongings to the Patient Belongings Drop Off Point in the main entrance, just past the face mask stand as you come into the Brunel Building. The staff there will then send the belongings to the patient.

What to bring

Please bring any medicines, tablets or inhalers that you take, including prescriptions, medicines that you have brought or alternative medicines, such as herbal remedies, with you into hospital. It is vital that we know about all of your medication.

Other items to remember to bring with you to hospital include:

• Nightwear, dressing gown and slippers
• Comfortable shoes, daywear and underwear
• Tissues (more hygienic than handkerchiefs)
• Wet wipes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant and any other toiletries such as shaving equipment
• Bath towel and a flannel/sponge
• Sanitary products such as tampons (if required)
• Chewing gum, if recommended by the ERAS team
• Something to read
• Any aid that you would normally use – for example, spectacles/contact lenses, walking frame, stick, crutches, wheelchair, prosthesis, CPAP machine
• Bottle of squash
• Private insurance details if appropriate
• Mobile phone and charger
• Small amount of money
• Items of religious or spiritual importance
• Admission letters and your NHS number.

What not to bring to hospital

Please do not bring:

• Large amounts of money
• Jewellery and valuable items or anything with strong sentimental value
• Television or radio
• Alcohol or tobacco.

If you have to bring valuables, please ask a nurse to store them safely for you. Please ensure that you get a receipt for your valuables. We are sorry, we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to items that you did not give to us for safe-keeping.

Before you arrive at hospital, please make sure you tell us if you have any special requirements, for example:

• Are disabled/have mobility problems
• Eat a special diet
• Use special equipment, such as a hoist or a support chair
• Prefer to have written information in large print
• Want us to arrange for an interpreter to translate into a different language
• Want us to provide information through British Sign Language
• Any questions you may have
• If you wish to have a chaperone during your examination, please let us know. 

Please tell us as soon as possible if you cannot make the date we have given you by calling the number in the letter we sent with your admission details.

Don’t forget to cancel deliveries such as newspapers or milk and to make arrangements for pets.

If you receive a pension or State benefit please tell the Benefits Agency that you are coming into hospital.

Patient transport services

The patient transport service provides planned, non-emergency transport for eligible Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire patients to and from NHS hospitals and clinics, including outpatient departments, inter-hospital transfers, renal dialysis, oncology centres and your home. We may be experiencing delays for more information please visit the BNSSG (Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board) Patient support services page. 

It is only available for eligible patients for medical reasons. It is not available for trips to primary care services such as GP practices and is not part of the emergency ambulance service.

North Bristol NHS Trust’s Annual Reports,  Financial Statements and Annual Public Meeting

Earlier reports may be available by emailing Trust.Secretary@nbt.nhs.uk.

2023-2024

2022-2023

2021-2022

2020-2021

2019-2020

2018-2019

The Institute of Neurosciences at North Bristol NHS Trust is located in the Brunel building at Southmead Hospital Bristol.

The Institute is the regional centre for Neurological services serving the South West of England. It provides specialised services for a wide spectrum of Neurological conditions:

• Neurology
• Neuroradiology
• Neuropathology
• Neurosurgery
• Neuropsychiatry
• Neurophysiology
• Nursing
• Physiotherapy

Since the 1940s the Institute has consistently been at the forefront of technical advances. The service has an excellent national and international reputation, with patient referrals from across the South West, throughout the UK and worldwide.

Using the very latest cutting edge techniques the Neurosciences team treat a wide range of conditions, Some examples include the use of pioneering deep brain stimulation techniques for the treatment of functional disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, led by Professor Gill, and developing the use of robotic surgery to deliver drugs directly into the brain with pinpoint accuracy.

There are strong links with the University of Bristol with ground-breaking research into the treatment of conditions including Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia, and the wider use of deep brain stimulation in the field of Pain management and Depression.