Hospital Communication Book

The Hospital Communication book has been designed to help you communicate more effectively with patients who have difficulties with understanding or communication. These difficulties may be due to a variety of reasons including  hearing or sight impairments, learning difficulties or disabilities, dementia or limited understanding of the English language.

The book contains simple symbols and photographs to enable patients to describe feelings, everyday items, body parts and medical procedures. It also contains basic Makaton (sign language) information and tips to help you improve communication methods that you can use to ensure that you can help your patient understand what they need to know or be aware of  and also so that they can communicate their needs to you.

The book has five sections:

• Section 1 - My basic needs
• Section 2 - Food and drink
• Section 3 - How I am feeling
• Section 4 - Tests and treatment and
• Section 5 - Communications Tools.

A copy of the communication book should be available in your work area but if you have difficulty locating it, you can download the booklet or by clicking on the image below. 

 

This is full of useful images and advice to help you communicate with
people with a wide range of needs in hospital.

  

You can access all the sections listed below via this booklet

 

Section 1  My basic need [pdf] 3MB

• Allergies
• Impairments, health conditions and communication
• Things I may need
• Places and clothes
• Personal hygiene and personal care

Section 2  Food and drink [pdf] 2MB

• Dietary needs
• Help with drinking
• Drink choices
• Help with eating
• Food choices
• Nil by mouth

Section 3  How I am feeling [pdf] 2MB

• Pain images
• Male and female body images
• Pain scale
• Signs and symptons
• Bristol Stool Chart
• Maternity

Section 4  Tests and treatment [pdf] 1MB

• Treatments
• Tests and observations
• Tests and treatments
• X-Ray

Section 5  Communication tools [pdf] 1MB

• Days, dates, letters and times
• British Sign Language alphabet
• Communication tips
• Going home

If you have any queries about the Hospital Communication Book, please email esth.patientexperienceteam@nhs.net.