Whether you are going to hospital for surgery, tests, or to visit someone, finding your way around can be challenging. Department names and services may use unfamiliar words, so getting to know your hospital’s layout and the names of common departments can make your trip easier.
Before your hospital stay#
If your admission is planned, you have a chance to learn the layout before your stay. You can:
- Visit the hospital’s website to find a map and location details for its wards, departments and services.
- Call the hospital to ask for directions.
- Check any pre-admission pack you receive, which may include a map.
Before the day of your admission, you may need a pre-admission assessment to confirm you are ready for your surgery or procedure. This may be done by telephone, or you may need to attend in person.
If you do need to attend, use the visit as a chance to learn more about the hospital, including where to go on the day of your admission and the names of the departments you may need.
Some hospitals provide an online map, and some offer an orientation video to help familiarize you with the layout.
Navigating your way around the hospital#
When you arrive, you can ask staff at the information or reception desk for directions or a brochure with a map. Some hospitals use a color-coded navigation system marked on the floor to guide you to the right department or service. For example, blue lines might lead you to specialist clinics and a red line to the emergency department.
Hospitals also place signs in prominent positions to help guide you to the right place.
Who to ask for directions#
- Staff at the reception or information desk can give you directions when you arrive.
- Volunteers may also be available to help with directions or information.
- If you are looking for a patient on a particular ward, ask ward administration or at the nurse’s station for directions to the patient’s room.
- If you have been admitted, ask your nurse or other staff for directions. Porters are usually available to take you to the different departments you need to visit while you are a patient.
Non-medical services#
Larger hospitals often provide non-medical services, which may include:
- Public toilets
- Café
- Florist
- Newsagency
- Vending machines
- ATMs
- Chapel and prayer rooms, or ‘sacred spaces’
- Information desk
- Mail box
- Public telephones
- Pharmacy
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.