The patient information centre

The patient information centre is a service for patients, relatives, visitors, carers and staff. It provides a variety of general advice and health information.

Funding for the centre was generously provided by the St Helier Hospital League of Friends and the Trust's own charitable funds. Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington officially opened the centre on 16 October 2009.

Staff and volunteers in the centre help patients and other visitors to access a wide variety of information, from illnesses and conditions to local healthcare services and support groups.

Trained staff offer practical advice, and a comprehensive resource centre gives people access to a range of resources in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Common queries

Common queries include how to find certain departments in the hospital and opening hours of clinics, questions about treatment, and comments about the care received at the hospital. The centre is also able to 'signpost' visitors to local groups who provide help and support.

The patient information centre aims to be the first point of call for anyone seeking information, wanting to discuss a problem, worrying about a condition and how to deal with it or thinking about making a complaint.

The centre's staff will either assist you directly, provide you with information on where to find out more, or refer you to another member of staff or department. The patient advice and liaison service (PALS) is also located in the centre.

The patient information centre offers:

• health-related books and leaflets;

• details of local and national support groups;

• free internet access to research medical topics;

• information about the Trust and the services it provides.

As well as offering services for patients, the patient information centre is also a resource for staff in the Trust and the team are happy to help with any queries.

All services provided within the centre are confidential and free. However, there maybe a small charge for photocopying and faxing to cover costs.

Inside the patient information centre

The centre has been designed to be bright and welcoming and to allow a wide range of activities.

When you walk in you are greeted by a member of the team at the reception desk. They will ask the nature of your query and then direct you to the most appropriate source of information.

There is an informal area with sofas and comfortable chairs which helps to create a relaxed environment. In this main area, there are a selection of leaflets which cover a variety of health information.

In addition, there are two dedicated computers with internet access to both national and local health sites. The team will assist you in accessing these sites.

There is also a separated area which allows you to talk more privately to a member of staff.

Plans for the future

The centre is a new addition to the Trust's services for patients and visitors. The development and direction of the service will be driven by the needs of local people.

We are currently talking to local support and advice groups about having a presence in the centre. This will allow local people to access all the help and support they need under one roof.

New services and future developments will be promoted here and around the hospital.