Accommodation for family members
Because space is limited on Ocean Ward it may not always be possible for both parents to stay with children. Alternative accommodation close to the hospital may be available in Heartbeat House - a house run by the Wessex Heartbeat Charity for relatives and a five minute walk away from E1. A key deposit of £25 is required. This is refundable unless you choose to give it as a donation
Mellor House is seven minutes walk away. The house is provided by the hospital trust and costs £7 per night for each parent or £12 per night to other family members.
Information about booking accommodation for family members can be obtained from ward staff.
Transport
Buses to Sainsburys and Shirley leave the front of the hospital about every twenty minutes- bus numbers 17A, 5, 10, 10A. Buses to City Centre also leave from the front of the hospital. Bus timetables are held at the main reception. A free taxi phone is situated by the main reception desk.
Reclaim Travel Costs
You may be able to reclaim your travel costs on admission and following discharge from hospital if you are on income support or working tax benefit/credit. Please ask ward staff about this facility.
Chaplaincy
The hospital chaplains are available to support you and your family whether you are religious or not. The chapel is open 24 hours a day. A room is also available for Muslim prayers. The Chaplains are happy to be called at any time to offer support in times of stress or just for a chat. Your local Chaplain is welcome to visit at any time. Details of services are available, please ask your nurse.
Trolley Shop
A League of Friends trolley visits the ward each morning. This sells newspapers, magazines, sweets, drinks and other items.
Laundry
A washing machine, tumble dryer and iron are all available on the ward.
Post
Post is delivered to the ward and the address is:
E1 Ocean Ward
Southampton General Hospital
Tremona road
Southampton
SO16 6YD
Cash Machines
A Nat West cash machine is available on C Level, centre block next to children’s X-ray. There is also a LINK cash machine in the same area but this charges for cash withdrawals.
Shopping
There is a Tesco Metro within easy walking distance. Sainsburys supermarket is a fifteen minute walk. Shirley is the closest shopping area. Southampton City Centre is ten minutes by car.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any area in the hospital or in the hospital grounds.
Alcohol
It is the policy of the hospital that alcohol is not permitted.
Parking
Parking on site is limited. Please use the main hospital car park. Disabled parking is available near the main entrance. You can ask your nurse to issue you with a discount to take to the main reception to get a reduction in charges. If your stay on the ward is over six hours you can get a discount form from a nurse and you will only be charged £8.40. Long stay car parking tickets are available from the Travelwise office. Please gain a note from your nurse before you visit Travelwise:
- £8.40 – 1 week unlimited
- £23.00 – 1 month unlimited