What to bring with you

You are very welcome to bring things from home, such as photographs, books, CDs and DVDs (space is little more limited in the shared bedrooms). There is plenty of wardrobe space so you can bring whatever day and night clothes you like.

We will provide all your bed linen and towels and although we can provide some toiletries, you might like to bring your own. You are very welcome to bring your own duvet and pillow if you would like to.

Your medicines

When you come into the inpatient centre, please bring all your medicines with you including any dosette boxes and anything that you have bought over the counter that you are currently taking such as inhalers, eye drops, creams and herbal or vitamin preparations. If you forget your medicines this is not a problem but it would be helpful if you could give permission for a friend or relative to collect them and bring them in.

One of our inpatient nurses or pharmacy staff will check through your medicines with you so we know what you are taking. It helps us if you can keep your medicines in their original containers and make sure we know about everything you are taking.

Wherever possible we will continue to use your own medicines. They will still belong to you, so we will ask your permission to do so. We will also ask your permission to dispose of any medicines that are:

•no longer used for your treatment
•out of date or may not have been stored properly
•are not clearly identifiable

Your medicines will be locked in your bedside cabinet and one of our inpatient nurses will give you your medicines from this locker. Medicines that you do not have with you or that have been prescribed during your stay will be supplied by our pharmacy.

When you go home a fresh supply of medicines will be given to last you at least 14 days. If you would like to take your own medicines back home, please talk to one of the inpatient nurses or pharmacy team.

If you are planning to go out for the day, or for a couple of days, please talk to one of the inpatient nurses or pharmacy team in advance so they can make sure you have the medicines you need. It’s helpful if you bring these back with you when you return to the inpatient centre.

Laundry

We have a laundry on site that can be used for washing your personal clothes.

Newspapers

There is a selection of newspapers in the ground floor coffee lounge for you and your visitors to read. If you prefer your own newspaper we can order one for you.

Hairdressing salon

A professional hairdresser is here three days a week and on Saturdays. Both patients and visitors can use this service. If you would like an appointment or an idea of costs, please ask one of the inpatient nurses or call 020 7787 1032.

Your day

It is important that you spend your day in whatever way you want. We are committed to the philosophy of “living every moment” and encourage you to consider what you would like to do each day. There is no set routine – you decide what you want to do and when. Depending on what feels right for you, you can stay in the privacy of you own room or spend time in the many open spaces, coffee lounges and garden that our new centre offers.

Getting out and about in Clapham

If you would like to spend some time outside the centre with your visitors – or with one of the nursing team or a volunteer – Clapham has a wide variety of shops, pubs and coffee bars as well as the wide open space of the common itself.

Gardens

We have a large garden that you and your visitors can use any time. There are two ponds so please ensure young children are accompanied by an adult. There are several large outside terraces with tables and chairs and you are welcome to have your meals or drinks in the garden.