Your Inpatient stay: Preparing to come to hospital

Getting to hospital

You will usually have been sent a card or letter telling you the date and time to arrive at the hospital.

If you are not clear about the arrangements, please telephone the hospital for clarification. Car parking for patients and visitors is available at or near the entrance of our hospitals. At Western Isles Hospital we ask that all patients and visitors park within this area. We ask that all patients and visitors park within this area.

A drop-off/pick up point is available at the front door of the hospital for patients who are elderly or infirm. Disabled parking spaces are also situated at the front of the hospital. If you are not disabled, you must not park at these points or in areas which obstruct other users' access to parking spaces or buildings.

If you are a patient travelling to attend planned day surgery, a useful factsheet has been produced.  View the factsheet here. 

Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway

There are regular buses stopping at the hospital entrance. Current information about bus times and routes can be obtained online or by calling at the Bus Station, or phoning 01851 704327.

Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh, St Brendan's Hospital, Balivanich, Harris and Rural Lewis

There are regular bus services which stop at the hospital entrances. Current information about exact times and routes can be obtained from the Uist and Barra Bus and Ferry Services Timetable, or from the Comhairle website.

Ambulance/Ambulance Car

The Ambulance Service provides transport to the hospital for patients who require it for medical reasons.

Patients can now book ambulance transport directly via a specialist Scottish Ambulance Service contact centre in Inverness. They will be able to talk to specially trained staff and request ambulance transport to and from their healthcare appointment up to 28 days in advance.

Telephone: 0300 123 1236

Anyone hard of hearing can contact the service via Text Relay on 0300 123 1236 18002.

Patients who need support can ask their carer or GP to make the request on their behalf.

What to bring with you to hospital

A bedside locker and wardrobe space will be provided for the storage of your personal items.

The following list contains what you should bring with you:

  • Your admission card or letter
  • Any prescribed medication you are taking, must be handed over to medical or nursing staff and will be returned to you on discharge. It is important that you let the doctor or nurse know about the tablets or medication you are taking, and to show them any special cards giving details of treatment. If you know you are allergic to any drugs or medications, let them know as well. Please bring your medications in the original containers.
  • Any other medication you are taking, obtained from a chemist or over the counter.
  • Toiletries, e.g. soap, facecloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo.
  • Night-dress/pyjamas.
  • Dressing gown and slippers.
  • Day clothes.
  • Something to read/jigsaw, etc. if you wish.

Please mark your clothing clearly with your name and area/village, to prevent items getting lost. The League of Friends at each hospital can help out with labelling clothes if required. If you require this service, please ask nursing staff to arrange it.

If you are unable to have your personal laundry washed by relatives or friends, please inform the ward staff.

What not to bring with you

  • NHS Western Isles cannot accept responsibility for money or valuables unless they are handed over to the Senior Charge Nurse, and an official receipt is obtained.
  • Do not bring any alcohol with you, as consumption of alcohol is not permitted.
  • Do not bring large quantities of money, valuables or personal effects with you. A small amount of money may be required for telephone calls, newspapers, etc.