Information for patients and carers

Staff at Caterham Dene Ward 2

Caterham Dene Hospital provides a 28 bedded in-patient ward offering a short period of rehabilitation following an acute illness or surgery. 

With access to First Community's team of nurses and therapists, your rehabilitation programme provides the opportunity for you to improve your independence in a fully supported environment, whilst supporting you with the next steps and discharge planning.

 

Before your admission to Caterham Dene Hospital

Before your admission to Caterham Dene Hospital your needs will be assessed by those referring you, to see if you would benefit from the service. With your agreement, they will arrange for your transfer to Caterham Dene Hospital.

The team at Caterham Dene Hospital is comprised of ward-based GPs, nursing staff providing 24-hour nursing care, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and therapy assistants. The team also work closely with social services and other First Community Services.

Your medical needs are managed by our ward-based GPs.

 

Visiting Times

Daily visiting times are 2pm to 8pm. If you need to visit outside of these times, please contact the ward reception on 01883 837517 to discuss with the nurse in charge.

 

Services and facilities

  • All meals and refreshments will be provided (special dietary requirements are catered for).
  • There are no laundry facilities on the ward so please arrange for someone to do this for you.
  • At First Community we have access to the Language Line Insight App for translation services, 24/7, if required. Reasonable Adjustment needs are identified, and recommendations are made to enable communication.

 

What should you bring?

  • Walking aid - if you have one
  • Clothes - whenever possible you will be encouraged to get dressed. Comfortable clothing that is easy to get on and off is preferred, so you can get dressed and exercise
  • Nightwear - pyjamas or night dresses
  • Footwear - you are encouraged to wear supportive slippers or trainers. Slipper socks are available on the ward for a small monetary contribution, provided by the Friends of Caterham Dene charity
  • Toiletries/personal care items - soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, underwear, hairbrush/comb, razors, nail clippers/files and continence products (if worn)
  • Mobile phone and charger- if you have one and would like to have it with you
  • Please do not bring valuables as there are no facilities to keep these safe
  • If you are not able to arrange any of the above, please ask a friend or relative to help.

 

Meal times

Breakfast 8am - 9am

Lunch 12.15pm - 1.15pm

Dinner 5.15pm -6.15pm

 

How long will you stay?

The length of stay is usually 2 to 3 weeks.

Rehabilitation goals and a rehabilitation programme will be jointly developed and agreed between you, your therapist/s and nurse/s.

Goals will be set with you which may include:

  • Increasing your confidence in managing activities that are important to you
  • Building your strength, increasing your stamina and improving your mobility
  • Building your confidence in managing your condition and medications
  • Helping you to eat a well-balanced diet.

 

What to expect while you are at Caterham Dene Hospital

The rooms at Caterham Dene are single sex rooms with multiple occupancy, so you will be sharing the room with other people. We are committed to ensuring that your dignity will be maintained at all times. There are two individual rooms which are allocated on a needs' basis. It may be necessary, during your stay, to change your room to accommodate all patients' needs.

Within the first few days of your admission the team will arrange a meeting with you and your family, if you would like them to be involved, to discuss the service and discharge arrangements in more detail.

During the first week of your stay we will:

  • Assess, with you, your rehabilitation needs. 
  • Work closely with you and your family/ carers to decide what support you will require when you leave Caterham Dene Hospital.

 

staff on ward

The team welcomes you and your family to request regular updates on your progress and discharge plans while you are at Caterham Dene Hospital. A meeting can be arranged should you and your family wish to speak to members of the team, including the Ward GP, as part of your stay and discharge planning.

There is a ward matron, ward sister or nurse in charge on duty daily. They undertake regular rounds throughout the week, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns.

If you have any questions or concerns throughout your admission, you can talk to any member of the team or request to speak with the ward matron, ward sister, Ward GP or your therapist.

Please be reassured that the team keep up to date with national infection, prevention and control guidance and any changes will be communicated with you.

 

Activities:

You will be encouraged to work on activities to aid your recovery.

Remember that all activity with our nursing staff, for example walking to the toilet and participating in your own care, is aimed to help your progress in your rehabilitation.

Your rehabilitation may include the following:

  • Getting on/off chair, toilet, bed (e.g. practicing at your home heights)
  • Awareness of how to reduce your risk of falls
  • Sitting out in a chair for meals
  • Walking
  • Washing and dressing
  • Improving eating and drinking
  • Managing your medication
  • Completing a personal exercise programme
  • Attending exercise classes
  • Steps/stairs
  • Daily living tasks practice e.g. drink preparation.

 

First Community provides front-line NHS community healthcare services in east Surrey and parts of West Sussex.

We provide first-rate care, through our first-rate people, offering first-rate value. For more information visit:  www.firstcommunityhealthcare.co.uk

If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email:  fchc.enquiries@nhs.net   Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care, Caterham Dene Hospital, Church Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5RA.

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For office use only: Version 2 PFD_ASBB004 Publication June 2025