• Continence Advisory Service
• Falls prevention
• Hearing loss
• Healthy ageing
• Keeping warm in winter
• Optical services
• A smile for life - mouth care
  
• Patient information about Whipps Cross University Hospital
• Discharge from hosptial
• Intermediate care
• Transitional care
• Residential care
• Deaths and bereavements
• Living with a terminal illness
• Planning for later life as a lesbian, gay man, bisexual or transgendered person
• Lesbian, gay and bisexual faith groups
• Adult protection
• Crime prevention
• Direct payments
• Helping you to get out and about
• Need help with shopping?
• Welfare Benefits

Transitional care in the Ainslie Unit

What is Transitional care?

You have finished your treatment at Whipps Cross Hospital. Your nurse and/or social worker will have discussed your ongoing care needs with you. You may however have to transfer to a TRANSITIONAL BED (sometimes referred to as a 'step down' bed) as:

• You may be waiting for a place in your home of choice- as there may be a waiting list in your preferred residential or nursing home
• You may be waiting to be rehoused or for major adaptations to be carried out in your own home
• You may be waiting for social and/or health care packages to be arranged to support you when you return home.
• You may be waiting for items of equipment that you will need when you return home.

How long will I be in the in Ainslie?

It should not take more than 6 weeks for your ongoing care to be organised and some people are in the unit for as little as 1 week. It really depends on your own situation.

What and where is the Ainslie Unit?

Ainslie is a 32 bedded Unit situated in Chingford. The unit provides Intermediate Care (rehabilitation) and Transitional care.

The Ainslie Unit looks after men and women from the age of 18 and who are residents of Waltham Forest.

What is the Unit like?

Ainslie has two 16 bedded wards on two floors. There are 4- bedded and some single rooms for people with complex individual needs. Each ward area has a large sitting room with armchairs and a television and a large dining area for everyone to come together to eat and socialise.

What should I bring with me to the Unit?

Please bring your own choice of comfortable clothes. We can label your clothes for you for a very small charge if you or your relatives are unable to do so. We have a small laundry where your personal clothing can be washed, however you may prefer your relatives to do this for you. Other items to bring are:

• Toiletries
• Towels
• Flannels
• Nightwear
• Slippers/Shoes
• Walking aids
• Hearing aids
• Dentures
• Books/CD's/Games/personal stereo

Who will be looking after me during my stay?

The Unit has a Senior Sister and a team of nurses. There is also a social worker attached to the unit. There are Therapists who work mainly with patients in our intermediate care rehabilitation beds. There are administrators, a porter and domestic staff. We also have access to a pharmacist.

A local GP visits the Unit twice a week to check on any problems and prescribe treatments. If however you need urgent medical attention between visits we can call the GP to visit any time day or night.

Some people do not work on the unit all of the time but come to see you if you require them, such as Speech and Language or your own social worker.

What are the visiting hours?

Visitors are welcome at any time, between the hours of 9am and 9pm.

Who should I speak to if I have any concerns?

Marion Gendoo, the senior Sister is available for you to talk to, if she is not on duty then please speak to the nurse in charge, who will try to resolve any issues, however, if this is not possible she will report on to the most appropriate person to help you.

What is the telephone number of the unit?

The direct line for the unit is: 0208 535 6596.

What buses run to Chingford?

W16, 444, 212, 357

There is also limited parking for visitors. Please be aware that the unit is in a residential area and cars parked illegally will be clamped/removed or be subject to parking tickets.

What is the address of the Unit?

Ainslie Unit, 3 Friars Close
Larkshall Road, Chingford E4 6UW.

Who can I contact if I want to make a complaint?

In the first instant please speak to the Nurse in Charge. If you do not feel your concern has been dealt with then we have a Head of Nursing who is based at Chingford Health Centre. Debbie Flanagan 0208 529 6726.

She will ensure that all your concerns are thoroughly investigated.

The PCT Patient and Liaison Service (PALS) is also available should you be experiencing any difficulties, they can be contacted on: 0208 539 3939.

We hope you enjoy your stay with us We would welcome any comments or suggestions that you may have following your stay in the unit.