Ann Marie Howes Centre

About our unit

Ann Marie Howes Centre is a 32-bedded short stay inpatient unit for adults aged 18 and above.

The referring hospital will liaise directly with the unit, ensuring a seamless handover of care. We work within the discharge to assess [D2A] model with an average length of stay of approximately 2 weeks, but it may be less, if a patient no longer needs Inpatient care.

Within this short time frame, our multi-disciplinary team of Clinical Lead Nurse, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacist and Healthcare Assistants make every effort to help patients maximise their potential, in order to regain independence wherever possible. We have a Doctor on site Monday - Friday and Consultant cover once a week.

 

What should patients expect when they arrive?

Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Nurses will assess soon after admission, and together with the patient identify goals to achieve during their stay. Therapy assistants and healthcare assistants will also support and continue those programmes, encouraging independence throughout the day and night where applicable.

A medical Consultant visits the unit once a week, and transport to clinic appointments at Heartlands or QEH are arranged as appropriate.

We have housekeepers and domestic staff who ensure nutritional needs are catered for, and the cleanliness of the environment is always of a high standard.

We are proud of the service that we offer at Ann Marie Howes, and want to make the experience as positive as possible. We aim to provide a safe, clean and friendly environment where patients' dignity and confidentiality will be maintained at all times.

 

When should a patient expect to return home? 

Planning to go home is always a priority and an estimated discharge date will be given shortly after admission, but this a guide only, so if goals are achieved sooner or no progress made, this will be adjusted accordingly. As soon as it is identified that a patient no longer requires inpatient care, then discharge will be facilitated.

Throughout the stay, staff will help the patient and family/carers to prepare for discharge, and if ongoing rehab or care is needed at home, with consent, we will make referrals to the necessary agencies. We will make every effort to ensure a smooth transition from AMH to home or into a 24-hour care facility if that is what is required.

Hospital Discharge Patient Leaflet

 

Laundry

Unfortunately, we are not able to wash personal items of clothing, and it is important that relatives/friends check regularly for dirty washing as this will have to be taken to be washed. The dirty washing will be placed in red (Alginate) bags that can be placed straight into a washing machine and will dissolve during the washing cycle. If there is a problem with washing personal items, please speak to the Nurse in Charge.

 

Visiting

Your relative /friend is going to be with us for a period of time and there is some information that you will find useful.

We encourage open visiting and only ask that you avoid mealtimes: 

• 12 p.m. - 1p.m.
• 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

This allows people to have their meals without interruption as nutrition is a vital part of their health, wellbeing and recovery from illness.

If you decide to visit early in the morning (08:00-10:00) please be aware that there will be limited availability of professional colleagues to respond to your queries.

If you are a carer, you may have been involved in the admission process but if this did not happen and you feel that there is any information that we need to know about your relative/friend that would be of benefit to us please speak to a member of staff.

We have a small car park that is mainly used by staff, but we do have ample parking on the road outside of the unit.

There is disabled parking next to the entrance of the building. 

The centre is on the following bus routes:

• 17, 72, 169 and 168

 

Contact Details

• Reception:  0121 675 2030
• Matron:  0121 675 2047
• Clinical Team Leader: 0121 675 2052
• Nurse in Charge:  0121 675 2049

 

Infection Control

Please help us to stop the spread of infection.

• Please use the hand gels available at all entrances and exits
• Wash your hands after using the toilet
• Do not visit if you have had diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours
• You are welcome to ask a member of staff if they have washed their hands