Inpatient Unit - Leslie Smith Ward, Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital

See our welcome pack for patients, relatives and carers.

The 24 beds on Leslie Smith Ward are for short-term rehabilitation for patients over the age of 18, with the aim of preventing unnecessary acute hospital admissions and supporting timely discharges from the local acute hospitals.

On admission to the unit we will complete thorough assessments with each patient and will discuss a plan of care. Patients' medical needs are met with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Monday to Friday under the supervision of a doctor Monday to Friday. Out of hours medical cover is provided by IC24.

*From 15 October for three months, when patients with disabilities are admitted to Leslie Smith Ward they will be invited to take part in a pilot project designed to improve care.

They will be asked if they would like to join a scheme based on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, which is known across the UK and the NHS as a discreet sign that the wearer has a hidden disability and needs additional help.

Patients who agree to take part will be given a green wristband decorated with sunflowers.

Staff on the two wards will complete hidden disabilities training and will then wear a hidden disabilities sunflower badge to remind them to think about how they communicate with, and offer support to, patients wearing wristbands.

The project aims to lessen stigma and empower patients with hidden disabilities to share their care needs and identify where they may need help.

It will also enable the ward’s nursing and therapy staff to ensure equipment which supports the patients’ recovery is put in place.

Our Patient Experience team will adapt the Patient Feedback Form to allow the patients to share their experiences of the scheme.

The pilot will be reviewed at the end of January and, if successful, will be rolled out across the Trust.