Information for the public
Information and support
Information and support
At the hospital
When you arrive at hospital you should be asked if you'd like a family member, carer or friend with you.
The hospital staff should explain:
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what your injuries are
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the possible tests and treatments, and when these are likely to be done.
Children and adults who may need extra support
If the person who is injured is a child or adult who might need extra support (for example, because they have a learning disability or dementia), a member of the hospital staff should be assigned to look after them and to contact their families or carers. If possible, parents and carers should be able to stay where the person who is injured can see them. Staff should work with family members and carers to explain injuries and treatment in a way that the person who is injured can understand. Brothers and sisters of any children who are injured should also be included when support is offered to the family.
Support during treatment
Once a treatment plan has been agreed, hospital staff should explain and give you some written information about:
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how long they think it might take for you to recover from your injuries
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when you're likely to be able to return to your normal activities, and
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whether you will recover fully.
They should also give you information about:
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how much weight you should put on the injured bone
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things you can do to help yourself recover (including who to contact for more advice about this), and
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any help you might be able to have in your home.
They should ask if you have any questions and answer these honestly. Staff should make sure that they know what information you've already been given to avoid any confusion.
You should have the opportunity to see any pictures of your injury taken before and after treatment if you want to.
Some treatments for broken bones are often done while a person is awake with parts of the body being numbed by anaesthetic. If you have this done, healthcare staff should reassure you during the procedure.
When moving to another hospital
If you move to another hospital, the name and contact details of the person who was responsible for your care at the first hospital should be written down for you.
You should be told where you are going, why you are being moved and who will be responsible for your care at the new hospital (including their contact details). This should also be written down for you.
Your hospital records
If you are transferred to a ward or another hospital, staff should send all your hospital records, including any photos of your wounds, with you.
Hospital staff should write a short and clear description of your injuries, plans for treatment and how they expect you to recover. They should send this to your GP. The information should include a short summary that you and your family can understand.