Astley Ward
Astley Ward
Patient Information
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Author ID: DH
Leaflet Ref: Med 009
Version: 5
Leaflet title: Astley Ward
Date Produced: August 2025
Expiry Date: August 2027
Introduction
Astley Ward is anAcute Care of the Elderly Medical Ward delivered by a team of specialist practitioners who are experts in providing care for people who may benefit from a specialist team.
The specialist team is made up of a consultant in elderly care, nurses and a multiprofessional team including a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and social worker. Other specialists such as a dietitian, podiatrist and nutritionalist etc. will also be available should you require them.
Aims
Astley Ward will provide an assessment of your needs whilst you are in hospital and ensure that the support you require is available for you to be cared for in your own home/community when you are discharged from hospital.
Staying in hospital longer than is necessary may have a negative effect on you. The Unit will address your immediate medical concerns and begin the assessment process that will continue after your discharge to ensure that you recover well at home.
The aim of Astley ward is to:
- Maintain your level of independence by reducing your hospital stay.
- Deliver quick,effective care.
- Reduce the need for you to have further hospital admissions.
- Improve your wellbeing.
The Unit
Astley Ward is a a Acute Care of the Eldery Medical Ward which has 27 beds, consisting 3 Side rooms , and 3 bays . .
The focus on the unit is to improve your wellbeing. Unlike other hospital admissions you may have experienced, on Astley ward you will be:
- Encouraged to wear your own clothes during the day.
- Sit out of bed for periods of time, including meal times, unless unable to do so due to your medical condition.
- Participate in your own care with support from the staff.
What you can expect from the team
The Astley Ward team will ensure that you are treated with compassion and dignity and that we will treat you as an individual at all times.
Whilst you are in hospital undergoing medical treatment, at the same time we will also be considering your individual needs ahead of your discharge This will be completed with you and your family or carer. The team will decide which assessments you require and whether these need to be done in hospital or if they can be done in your own home. Likewise, it may be that some of the medical investigations you require may be done following discharge. Following the initial assessments, you will be informed of the expected date you will be discharged. This will be communicated to you and your family.
We will keep you fully informed at all times and welcome working in partnership with you and your family. It is important that you understand the care and support being offered to you, and we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. The team will be available each day to speak to you and your family at an agreed time.
Benefits to you
The benefits for you as a patient are that you will :
- Receive timely specialist assessments
- Return home as soon as safely possible
- Receive all the support you require in the community
Medications
All patients are encouraged to bring in their own medications and any alterations made will be explained. If you have any special requirements such as a blister pack, please inform the staff at the earliest opportunity.
Discharge from the Unit
You will be informed when you are to be discharged and we will discuss with you any treatment or referral plans and give you a written copy of this. Your transport needs will be agreed and, in the case that you meet the requirements, then you may be transferred to our Discharge Lounge. This is a fully staffed area where you can await your transport.
We will try and sort out any outpatient appointments before you leave, however, if this is not possible we will arrange for any appointments made to be sent to your home.
The Trust supports Johns Campaign which supports visiting outside of normal hours for relatives and carers of patients with a Dementia Diagnosis https://johnscampaign.org.uk
Following discharge
Once you are at home you may have questions or concerns. To address this, we will give you emergency contact numbers where you can get help and advice.
Feedback
Astley Ward at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary is an Acute Care of the Elderly medical ward, and we would therefore be delighted if we could contact you post discharge for your feedback on your experience. If you would not like to be contacted, please let a member of staff know.