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Acute Admissions | Health Insurance | Valuables | Food Services | Personal Laundry | Smoking Policy | Radio and Television | Interpreter Services | Visitors | District Nursing
| Discharge Procedures | How you can assist in your care | Cultural Officer | Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
Acute Admissions
The Commonwealth and State Government Medicare Agreement requires you elect to be treated as a public (non-chargeable) or private (chargeable) patient upon admission to the health service.
A public customer will be treated by the health services nominated doctor, cannot choose a specific doctor and will not be charged for medical or health services.
A private customer will be treated by their nominated doctor, provided the doctor has the right to practice at the service. Private customers are responsible for the payment of health service accommodation, medical service, prosthesis and dental fees.
Health Insurance
If you are admitted under private health insurance you may be required to pay an excess, depending on you cover level. Please check with your health insurance company if you are unsure.
Valuables
Please do not bring large amounts of money or jewellery into hospital with you. Lockable drawers are beside each bed and you are advised to place valuables in this drawer, which can be locked by the nurse in charge. The health service does not accept responsibility for valuables.
Food Services
Except where special diets are prescribed, a menu choice is offered. Hospitality staff visit the wards daily to assist is completing menus in advance. If you have special dietary or cultural meal needs, please discuss these with the nurse in charge or hospitality staff.
Personal Laundry
All customers and/or relatives are responsible for their own laundry. If needed, and external laundry service is available at extra cost. Please contact the nurse in charge if you need assistance with your laundry.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited within the health service and directly outside the main entry.
Radio and Television
Television rental is $1.10 per day or free television is available in the sitting room. Personal radios are allowed if battery operated with earplugs. Personal televisions or video players are not allowed.
Interpreter Services
Interpreter services are available for people who have difficulty understanding English. A free telephone interpreter service is available, or on prior notice, an on-site interpreter can be arranged. Interpreters are available in Italian, Greek, Turkish, Vietnamese and Tongan.
Visitors
Visiting hours are between 10 am to midday and 3 pm to 8 pm. We request visitors be restricted to two or three at a time. If a patient is less than 18 months old, we request the full-time attendance of a parent or carer during their stay. Main meals for the carer/parent are free of charge, however nappies, clothing and milk formula are the parents responsibility.
District Nursing
A home nursing service is available to any person who may need assistance when returning home. This service covers wound dressing, injections, supervision and medicine administration.
Discharge Procedures
Your doctor will inform you when you are to be discharged from hospital. You will then need to make arrangements with your next of kin to collect you before 10 am on the day of discharge. Staff will arrange any services required such as Meals on Wheels, home nursing and home help. You will receive a follow-up phone call 24 to 48 hours after discharge to find out how you feel and how you found your treatment. Please inform staff if you do not wish to receive this phone call.
Except in certain cases (eg, acute mental illness), every customer has the right to leave the health service if they choose. If you discharge yourself against medical advice, you will need to sign a disclaimer form, as leaving is your responsibility. If you discharge yourself and your condition does not improve, or causes you concern, please seek further medical assistance.
How you can assist in your care
Please tell medical staff your medical history and information such as names and dosages of any medicines you are taking. If you bring medicine or tablets to hospital, please give them to nursing staff for safe keeping. Advice the health service if you are, or have recently received treatment elsewhere.
Ask your doctor to explain treatment, drugs or tests they recommend to you. Follow medical and nursing directions given to you for treatment and report any change in your condition. Check with a nurse before consuming food or drink bought in by visitors.
Cultural Officer
A Tongan cultural officer works at the service each Wednesday and Thursday, please inform the nursing staff if you wish to see the cultural officer.
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer
The Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer checks in at the hospital five days a week to ensure Koori customer needs are acknowledged. Please inform the nursing staff if you wish to make contact with this officer.
For more information about your rights and responsibilities as a public hospital patient please go to http://patientcharter.health.vic.gov.au
For further information about the Australian public health system please go to http://www.health.gov.au |
