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Patients & Visitors

OPUSS Ward
(Older Persons Unit Short Stay)

C12

About the Ward

OPUSS ward is a short stay ward for the care of older people. We aim for patients length of stay on the ward to be less than 72 hrs.

If the length of stay is greater than this then the patient may be transferred to a longer stay older persons ward.

Visiting times: 11am – 8pm

Ward Location

OPUSS ward is located in RUH Zone C on the ground floor. It is also called ward C12.

Ward Layout

OPUSS ward has 27 beds arranged in 3 bays with 3 single side rooms.

Televisions are provided and are free to use every morning, but require subscription for extended viewing beyond that.

Entrance to the ward is gained by swipe card access for reasons of patient safety. Alternatively the doorbell is linked to an intercom, which can be used to speak to the ward receptionist/ward clerk who will open the doors for you.

The main reception desk is at the entrance to the ward and there are small nursing stations in each bay

The Multi-disciplinary Team

The team includes a team of doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

The ward manager, Ana Simoes, is in charge of the overall running of the ward and nursing care. She has a dedicated team of junior sisters, nurses, healthcare assistants, domestic staff and ward clerks. A discharge coordinator, Juliet Brown, assists the discharge process.

Meals and Drinks

There is a choice of menu and we also cater for special dietary needs. Meal times are approximately as follows:

  • Breakfast 7.15am
  • Lunch 12.00noon
  • Supper 5.00pm

We serve hot drinks with meals and also mid-morning, mid-afternoon and in the evening.

The preparing to go to hospital page has important information about what to bring when you're admitted to hospital.

To help keep patients comfortable during their stay, we encourage relatives to check that they have sufficient clothing, slippers, toiletries and towels, etc.

Patients are encouraged not to bring valuables into hospital.

Please note there are no clothes washing facilities on the ward.

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If you're worried about a patient's condition – Martha's Rule

You may have heard recently that the NHS has rolled out Martha's Rule to further improve patient safety. This provides a consistent and understandable way for patients and families to seek an urgent review if their or their loved one's condition deteriorates while they are in hospital and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

The RUH offers a Martha's Rule service for inpatients and their families. You, or your relative, can call for urgent help and advice if you/they are a current inpatient and have concerns about their condition.

Martha's Rule is a patient safety service for current inpatients at the RUH. If you, or your family have recently been discharged please discuss your concerns directly with the ward team. It should not be used to report general problems such as issues with beds, room, food or parking - please speak to a member of staff on your ward.

Contact 07775 821211, any time, any day. If no one is available to answer please leave the patient name, ward and a brief description of your concern.

When should I contact the Martha's Rule service?

  • When there is a significant change in your/the patient's condition while they are an inpatient and after discussion with the ward team, your concerns have not been addressed
  • You have ongoing medical concerns after you have spoken to the ward nurses or doctors

Who will I talk to?

The Martha's Rule service is delivered by the Critical Care Outreach team, who are a team of specialist nurses. They are available 24 hours a day to help support ward staff in the care of acutely ill patients. They can offer advice over the telephone or come to the ward to review the patient's condition if there is a noticeable change.

Find out more


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