Acute Stroke and Neurology Unit
Date issued: August 2024
For review: August 2026
Ref: C-583/MB/Ward/Acute Stroke and Neurology Unit
PDF: Acute Stroke and Neurology Unit Merrival ward final August 2024.pdf [pdf] 189KB
About Merrivale Ward
Merrivale Ward specialises in care for Stroke and Neurology treatment.
Our Specialist Stroke beds have now been expanded onto Monkswell Ward to provide us with 12 more beds, which is the adjoining neighbour ward to us.
Merrivale Ward has a capacity of 32 patients, including Stroke and Neurology, we also have capacity for 12 more Stroke specialist patients on Monkswell Ward.
Our patients on Monkswell Ward continue to receive the specialist Stroke care and therapy required.
Each patient is unique in their recovery and rehabilitation with individual time scales and different outcomes.
Please ask to speak with a member of the team looking after your friend/family member if you have any specific concerns.
There may be times when you are unable to receive an update regarding your friend/family member over the phone due to our nurses and Doctors treating other patients, if this is the case, please leave your phone number with the ward administrator, who will inform the relevant staff member to call you back with an update, this may not be straight away, so please be patient.
Please note, only next of kin can be given information over the phone, this is due to data protection, there are no exceptions unless authorised by the ward manager. We alsorespectfully ask that in the case of several next of kin being involved with a patient, that you nominate only 1 of you to call.
Patient Property
Whilst we can provide hospital gowns, nightwear and basic toiletries, we encourage all patients families and friends to bring in what they can.
We recommend the following:
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Day Clothes: Comfortable, loose-fitting trousers/skirts, shirts/t-shirts, jumpers/cardigans. Solid, supportive shoes or trainers
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Nightwear: Stretchy night dresses and/or pyjamas and dressing gown. Slippers, (not slip on or flip flop style as they can be a falls risk).
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Toiletries: Shower gel. Toothpaste and toothbrush. Hairbrush or comb. Shampoo and conditioner. Shaving gel and razor.
We will complete a property checklist of patients belongings for each patient.
Many families and friends like to provide electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, radios and iPads to make sure their loved one has entertainment and stimulation whilst an inpatient,we encourage It as it does make their stay that little bit easier. Please note, we cannot accept responsibility for lost, stolen valuables or property,
Please label each device accordingly.
Visiting Times
Merrivale visiting Hours: 8am to 7pm.
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2 visitors by the bedside at any one time.
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Please use the chairs provided.
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Please only consume food and drinks in the relatives room, not on the ward.
Monkswell visiting Hours: 8am to 7pm.
- 1 Visitor by the bedside at any one time.
Please be aware the visiting policy may change with Infection status, such as Covid-19.
Mealtimes
We have protected mealtimes between 5:30pm to 6:30pm. This is to ensure that patients are able to enjoy their meals without interruption and to ensure our patients feel comfortable to enjoy their meal.
Patients will not have any unnecessary interventions during this time.
We recognise that many people eat and drink more when they are physically assisted by someone they know and are comfortable with. Therefore, we welcome family and friends to assist their loved ones during mealtimes.
Please liaise with the nurse in charge if you would like to assist your loved one during mealtimes as some patients will have specific diets or swallowing difficulties, and we will offer guidance on this.
Nursing
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Matron: Navy with red piping
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Ward Manager: Navy with yellow piping
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Sisters: Navy with white piping
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Clinical Educator: Burgundy with white piping
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Nurses: Blue
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Nursing Associate: Caribbean blue
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Health Care Assistants: Band 3 Dark green or Band 2 Light green
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Stroke Clinical Nurse Specialists: Navy with white spots
Learners
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Student Nurses: Navy and white stripes
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Trainee Nursing Associate: Caribbean blue and epaulettes
Therapists
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Physiotherapists: White with navy piping
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Occupational Therapists: White with green piping
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Dietitian: White with burgundy piping
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Speech and Language Therapists: White with blue piping
Ward Clerks: Navy and white patterned
Matron: Kate Gardner
Ward Manager: Victoria Phare
Useful Contacts
Monkswell Ward
Tell: 01752 432419
Derriford Hospital Switchboard
Tel: 01752 202082
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Tel: 01752 439884
Stroke Association
Tel: 0303 3033 100
Parkinson’s UK
Tel: 0808 800 0303
Epilepsy Action
Tel 0800 800 5050
Meningitis Now
Tel: 0808 8010 388
Encephalitis Society
Tel: 01653 699599
MND Association
Motor Neurone Disease association
Tel: 0808 802 6262
