During Your Stay

Accommodation at The Christie

Our wards are arranged in bays of four or five beds. The male and female beds within the wards are kept separate, in bays or as an annexe. However, there is a short stay medical assessment unit for emergency admissions and occasionally it is necessary to have male and female patients in the same bay.

Local amenities

You may like to go out after you have had your treatment - always check with the ward sister first.

The Christie is located five miles south of Manchester city centre. A bus ride takes about half an hour.

You can walk to Withington or take a short bus or car ride to Didsbury. Both places have branches of the main banks and building societies as well as shops, cafe bars, restaurants and pubs. The Red Lion on Wilmslow Road serves food at lunchtime. There are two parks: nearby Fog Lane park is just off Wilmslow Road, and is a 10 minute walk. Fletcher Moss Park with its botanical gardens is on the other side of Didsbury, so you need to take a short bus, taxi or car ride.

Moving and handling

The Christie has a policy of minimal manual lifting which aims to reduce the risk of injury to patients and staff. If you are unable to move yourself independently, after assessment and discussion we may need to use special equipment to move you.

Special diets

Please tell your nurse on admission if you have any special dietary needs (diabetic, gluten free, diary free or liquidised). The nurse will inform the catering department about this. If you are on a gluten-free diet, gluten-free bread and biscuits can be sent you ward. If you are on a dairy-free diet, soya milk is available. Kosher meals and halal meals are available on request. The menu folder at your bedside has more information.

State benefits

Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Care Allowance are reduced after a certain period in hospital. This can have a knock-on effect on other benefits. Some benefits are not affected. Contact your local Department of Works and Pensions or Job Centre Plus for details about how this affects any of your benefits. If you need a sick note while you are in The Christie, ask the ward administrator to give you one. If you have any queries about your benefits, financial or work situation, while at The Christie contact the social work department.

Things to do

Because your treatment takes up only part of the day, you are likely to have spare time. You may like to bring a supply of books, crosswords, MP3 players and so on.

Activities such as art, glass painting and card-making are organised at the hospital. The classes are free and all materials are provided. Look out for posters advertising these or look in the information folder on the ward.

There is a pleasant conservatory leading to the garden just off the glass corridor. You can use it any time, and you are welcome to take your visitors there as well.

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