Patients on benefits or a pension should also be entitled to benefit while they are in hospital. A leaflet called 'Going into Hospital' explains what to do. It’s available from your local Department of Social Security Office (DSS). Patients who need sickness certificates will get them from the nurse in charge of the ward.

Help with travelling expenses may be available for patients on certain social security benefits. They will need to bring proof that they are on benefit, with their hospital letter, to the Cash Office on the first floor.