Who else will be involved in my treatment and care?

Hospitals can vary in how they manage your care but, in addition to the Consultant, there will be a team of people helping you to get well and acquire skills that will help you to go home. This team of people are usually called a ‘Multi Disciplinary Team’, often abbreviated to MDT, and includes the different health care professionals that you need to get well. They will be working together to get the best outcome for you.

If you have never been in hospital before they can be busy, confusing places with lots of people coming and going. Hospital staff wear different coloured uniforms that allow you to see at a glance what their job is and you will soon get to know which colour uniform is what job. Don’t be afraid to ask though if you are not sure. When you are first admitted to the ward you will be given a named nurse (they may be called something different, but the role will be the same) – this nurse is responsible for overseeing your day to day treatment and care. If you don’t know who this person is then it may be written above your bed or you can ask one of the other nurses. This nurse is the person that is regularly on the ward and the one you can go to with questions, queries and worries about your treatment and care. This doesn’t mean you can’t ask any of the other members of staff but your named nurse will be the one that should be most familiar with your ongoing care and treatment.

It is likely that you will also be seen by a Physiotherapist and an Occupational Therapist. They will work with you to ensure that your physical fitness and practical skills are either maintained or developed and will play a large part in helping you assess what you may need to help you go home when the time comes.

There may be other people involved in your treatment and care but these will be the main ones you come across first. Never be afraid to ask questions of your ‘Team’, they are there to help and support you to get better.