Clinical pharmacists ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the medicines that are prescribed for you. If you are a patient on a medical ward your pharmacist may take a medications history from you, and prescribe and advise you on the use of the medicines that you will be taking home on discharge.

Clinical site managers (CSMs) are senior nurses who manage the hospital beds and are the senior hospital managers on site during evenings, nights and weekends.They wear navy tunics/dresses with a red trim and can be contacted for you by staff.

Dietitians advise on your diet and order special meals if appropriate.

Doctors

• Consultants are the most experienced doctors in the hospital. They are ultimately responsible for the treatment you receive.
• Associate specialists are senior doctors who are responsible to a named consultant. They often run their own clinics and make clinical decisions as delegated by their consultants.
• Specialist registrars and staff grades are experienced doctors who provide specialist care under the direction of your consultant.
• Senior house officers (SHOs) are doctors in training who work on the wards most days.
• Foundation year 1 doctor (preregistration house officers) are based on the ward and will see you regularly. They carry out tests and prescribe treatment under the direction of your consultant.

Domestic assistants and ward housekeepers provide drinks for patients, run the ward kitchen and clean the ward. They will wear different coloured aprons for different tasks.

Matrons are very experienced nurses and make sure the environment is clean and safe. They are also here to provide you with assistance, support and information. They wear navy uniforms with a red trim so you can easily recognise them. If you do not see a matron but would like to speak to one, please ask a member of the ward team to contact one for you.

Maintenance staff are responsible for the repair, servicing and upkeep of buildings and equipment to support patient treatment and care.

Midwives are responsible for providing midwifery care to a mother and baby during the antenatal, intranatal and postnatal periods.

Nursing assistants help with treatment and looking after your comfort and wellbeing. They will deliver much of your care under the direction of the registered nurses on the ward.

Registered (or staff) nurses, led by a sister or charge nurse, assess, plan and deliver the nursing care you need.

Senior ward sisters wear navy with white trim uniforms.

Junior ward sisters wear royal blue uniforms.

Consultant nurses and specialist nurses may be involved in your care giving extra advice and support about specific conditions; for example pain relief, wound care and diabetes. Our specialist nurses wear navy with a white spot uniform.

Occupational therapists assess and plan your treatment with a view to helping you manage daily activities. This may include providing adaptations at your home.

Phlebotomists take blood from every patient admitted to hospital. The blood is analysed by biomedical scientists.

Physiotherapists help you on the ward or in the therapy department with your breathing and mobility.

Porters take you to and from the various places you go for treatment.

Radiographers take X-rays and scans. Occasionally these can take place on the ward using mobile equipment.

Social workers can provide services or advice to patients who may need help on leaving hospital if they, or their carer, think they will find it difficult to manage.

Speech and language therapists can help you with any difficulties you may have with talking or eating and drinking.

Volunteers help out with a number of tasks on many of the wards, assisting the nursing staff with a number of duties, dependant on the ward they are on.

Ward clerks provide administrative and clerical support to the ward. If you need a medical certificate for your employer or the Benefits Agency, the ward clerk will arrange this.

Homerton – a university hospital

Homerton is a training centre for the next generation of doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare staff. An essential part of staff training is working with patients.

To help them learn the skills they need, student nurses or student midwives will carry out some aspects of our care under the supervision of a qualified nurse or midwife.

Medical students accompany the doctor on ward rounds and may wish to examine you or talk to you about your medical condition.

Student radiographers, pharmacists, physiotherapists or occupational therapists may accompany their qualified colleagues to the ward and assist with their duties.

The students appreciate your co-operation, but you are under no obligation to have them observing your care.

Students are also present in outpatients and other clinic areas and they may assist with your care

If you do not wish to have students present, please tell a member of staff.