On the ward you will see many different members of staff. If you’re not sure who they are, please ask them to explain. All staff wear identity badges. If you can’t see someone’s badge, you can ask them to show it to you. If at any time you have questions about your treatment, please ask your doctor or a nurse.
As a university hospital, West Mid is closely associated with Imperial College London and New Buckinghamshire University amongst others. We appreciate patients’ cooperation in helping us to train future doctors, nurses and other clinical staff. You may be asked if one of our medical students can observe / participate in your care. If you are not happy about this, please inform a member of the ward staff.
Doctors
While in hospital, you will be under the care of a consultant. He/she is in charge of a team of doctors, who will look after you and pay regular visits to check on your progress. Many of our doctors (but not all) wear a blue uniform, with 'Doctor' or 'Consultant' on the tunic top.
Nurses
There is a senior nurse in overall charge of the ward. He/she is supported on the ward by nurses and healthcare assistants.
Matrons
Matrons are senior nurses who to make sure that good standards of care are provided. They also monitor cleanliness, infection control and catering as well as nursing care. They offer assistance, advice and support to patients and their families. If you have any concerns during your stay regarding
any of the areas mentioned above, please bring it to the attention of the matron.
Other hospital staff
You may also come into contact with other healthcare professionals, including therapists, dieticians, radiographers, pharmacists, social workers, admin staff and hospital volunteers. All wear different uniforms but they will have name badges to identify themselves.
Volunteers
Hospital volunteers are members of the public who give up their spare time free of charge to help the hospital. All the volunteers wear ID badges, have gone through an application procedure and checks and are registered with the Voluntary Services Department. For more information about volunteering at the hospital, please call 020 8321 5413 or see the Getting Involved section of this website.
Ecovert FM
Ecovert FM are the facilities management partners of the trust and provide many of the support services at the hospital. These include cleaning, catering, portering, maintenance and many others services. You may see some of the staff during your stay here. They will be dressed in a variety of uniforms, all of which will have the Ecovert FM logo on them.
Overseas Visitors Manager
The NHS provides free healthcare to people who live in the UK. People who do not normally live in the UK are not entitled to use the NHS free of charge – regardless of their nationality or whether they hold a British Passport or have lived and paid National Insurance contributions and taxes in this country in the past. You may be asked to prove your status to the Overseas Visitors Manager who will then determine if you are eligible or not.
