Reverse boarding

This leaflet aims to give you information to help your understanding of the reverse boarding process for adult inpatients. It should answer many commonly asked questions, but if you have any other questions that the leaflet does not answer, or you would like more information, please ask the nurse looking after you.

Reverse boarding has been introduced to support the reduction of overcrowding in our emergency department (ED) and assessment units. This is to make sure there is enough space to be able to help release ambulances and help us to look after all our very poorly patients.

Patients are identified on the wards who are either being discharged or are well enough to be able to sit in another area on the ward. This will then enable patients from ED, or the assessment areas, to have a bed.

We appreciate that this is a difficult situation; however, patient safety and the patient experience remains our priority.

Why me? What does this mean for me?

You have been identified by the nurse in charge on your ward as someone who is well enough to sit in a comfortable chair in another area of the ward. This may be in the corridor or the day room. We will then prepare bed spaces and move patients to more appropriate areas or whilst waiting for other patients to be discharged.

It can take some time for these moves to be completed, and for the bed space to become available. You might see your bed space empty whilst the patient from the ED or assessment areas is being transferred; we appreciate that this may feel frustrating.

Will this a cause a delay in my care?

Rest assured, your care will not be impacted, and any needs/medications or investigations will continue as planned.

You are still a patient on our ward and will be looked after. Staff will check on you regularly, and ensure that you are comfortable.

You will be safe in a visible and designated area, and have regular refreshments, meals and access to the toilets during this time.

If you are waiting in the day room or corridor to be discharged, it might be because we are waiting for your medication to be delivered to the ward for you to take home, or waiting for someone to collect you as arranged.

Will my family be able to find me?

Yes, as you will be on the ward and the team will notify your relatives.

How do I go to the toilet?

We will have made sure that there are toilet facilities nearby so that you can go by yourself or with the help of staff if needed.

What about my lunch/food?

We will have made sure that you have your meal as chosen by you and will provide a bedside table for the tray to be on.

What happens if I feel unwell, or need help from a nurse?

You will be provided with a hand or call bell to alert staff if you need help, and staff will regularly check in with you to see if there is anything that you need.

If you have pain, or are worried about pain, please ask the staff for your usual medication to help manage this.