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Patient Information
The following information aims to help you to become familiar with our hospital and help make your stay as comfortable as possible.
PREPARING FOR ADMISSION
WHILE IN HOSPITAL
LEAVING THE HOSPITAL
YOUR RIGHT TO INFORMATION
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What do I bring to hospital?
You should bring the following items: night clothes, slippers, dressing gown, soap & washer toothbrush & paste, comb, tissues, shaving kit for men, and any other toiletries you may require.
Admission requirements
It is important you complete a Patient ‘Election’ Form on (or shortly after) admission. You must elect to be treated as a public or private patient. This applies even for emergency admissions. Remember it is your choice to be either a public or private patient, regardless of whether you have health insurance.
Private patients can choose to be treated by their own doctor (provided he/she has admitting rights). They can also see their doctor for post-operative care and other follow up treatment that may be required.
Private patients are also responsible for payment of all hospital and doctor’s fees.
Public patients cannot choose their own doctor, will receive follow up treatment in our Outpatients’ Clinics, and do not receive any bills relating to their care in hospital.
Compensable Patients
If your admission is the result of a traffic or work related accident you will be admitted as a compensable patient (different fees apply). Please notify staff if this applies to you. You must still elect to be public or private in the event of your claim being rejected. No accounts will be sent to you if you tell us who is responsible for your medical expenses.
Veteran’s Affairs
Please notify staff if you personally are the holder of a Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold or White Card, all of your claimable accounts will then be sent to DVA.
To download a copy of the Barwon Health's Gold Card Total Care Program brochure, click on the link below.
Barwon Health Gold Card Total Care Program (PDF 610 KB)
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Pharmacy
Please bring a list of all medicines you take and any recent changes that have been made. This includes all prescription medicines and those purchased in a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. These medicines will be reviewed by a your treatment team and then given to hospital staff for safe keeping during your hospital stay. All of your medicines are provided as part of your care while you are an inpatient. Do not take any medicine from your own supply while in hospital, as this will interfere with your treatment. Please advise us of any unexpected or allergic type reactions you have had to any medicine in the past.
Family spokesperson
When you are ill, family and friends naturally want regular updates on your progress. However, frequent enquiries to the ward can make it difficult for staff to spend time caring for patients. To avoid this, please nominate one person to be the main contact who can keep everyone updated on your progress.
Smoking & your operation
It is important to cease smoking by 6.00 pm on the day prior to surgery. Failure to do this may cause cancellation of your operation. Smoking is not permitted in the grounds of the hospital.
Teaching
An important function of this hospital is teaching medical and other health care students. We try to coordinate these programs so that no patient is seriously inconvenienced. You may be asked to participate in the program. We believe you will appreciate the importance of this training and hope you will be able to assist us with your co-operation. If you do not wish to participate please see the Unit Nurse Manager.
Pastoral care
Chaplains are available to support patients, relatives and staff. Barwon Health chaplains represent all Christian denominations and world faiths. Please ask a member of the ward staff to arrange for a chaplain to visit you. The hospital’s multi-faith Spirituality Centre is located on Level 3 of the Bellerine Centre, just next to Admissions.
Alcohol
Alcohol cannot be brought into the hospital.
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Electrical appliances
Due to the potential fire risk, you must ask ward staff before you bring in personal electrical equipment such as hair driers, portable radios or CD players.
Meals
Every day you will be given a menu card to order ahead for three meals. Your meals will be chosen for you if you are unavailable or unable to choose for yourself. If you are in theatre or having tests, your chosen meal may be altered automatically to fit in with your schedule. Please tell your doctor or nurse if you have special dietary or religious requirements and you will be referred to a dietician. Due to food safety regulations, patients should not bring in food from outside that needs to be heated. Food to be served cold must be refrigerated.
Telephones
There is a patient phone at most overnight bed locations. Calls from outside the hospital between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00pm can be directed to all patients by ringing 03 5226 7111. Telstra Phone Away Cards can be issued by Patient Accounts for patients wishing to make calls from the hospital. The use of mobile phones is permitted in the public areas (lounges, waiting areas, corridors etc) so long as there is no operating medical equipment within 2 metres (due to possible interference).
There are public phones on all floors of the hospital for use by patients and visitors.
Television/radio
Bedside televisions are available for hire at $4 per day or $20 per week. TV hire cards are available from the Ward Clerk. Proceeds will purchase equipment for the hospital. The Hospital Information Channel and Good Health TV are free and can be viewed on channels 1 & 3.
Valuables & personal items
Please do not bring jewellery, money or valuable personal items to hospital, except small amounts of change for newspapers or other small necessities. The hospital cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage to your property.
Mail
Mail is delivered each weekday (excluding public holidays). All correspondence should be addressed with your given name, surname, room or ward number and WING on the envelope.
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In order to prepare the room promptly for subsequent admissions, please arrange to leave the hospital by 10.30 am on the day of your discharge.
Private Patient Fees
Hospital Fees
The maximum daily fee in a shared room is $ 268 *. Day Stay fees (including Greta Volum Centre) range between $195 and $308 *. Additional fees apply for surgically implanted prostheses if used. There are NO theatre fees for private patients. Basic hospital insurance will usually cover these fees. If you have an agreed excess with your insurer you must pay this amount yourself prior to admission. Check with your health fund if you are unsure of your cover.
For your convenience we submit accounts to your health fund on your behalf. When the claim is approved your fund will pay us directly. Please remember though that the account remains your financial responsibility until paid. If your fund rejects your claim you will be asked to pay the account yourself.
Enquiries
If you have any concerns about admissions as a private patient, or any accounts you may receive, please contact Patient Accounts: 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday on 03 5226 7244.
Non-insured Private Patients
If you have no health insurance you must pay the estimated fee prior to admission. For an estimate, phone 03 5226 7215. Payment by cash, cheque or credit card (phone payment available) can be made on Heath Wing, Level 3. If paying a deposit prior to admission presents a problem, please contact us on 03 5226 7215 to discuss a part-payment agreement.
Other Charges
You will receive accounts from your treating Specialist, Pathology, Medical Imaging and Anaesthetics, if applicable. These are claimable (up to the schedule fee) from Medicare (75%) and your health fund (25%).
Single Rooms
Only private and Department of Veterans’ Affairs patients may request single room accommodation, however this depends on availability. Single room fees are up to $525* per day. Your health fund may only cover part of this cost, so it is a good idea to check on your level of cover.
*All fees correct at 1 April 2008, subject to change without notice.
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Continuing care
After discharge you may need assistance from community based care services. With your consent, our staff will ensure appropriate referrals are made for you and services arranged.
Hospital in the home
This service provides acute care in the home as an alternative to inpatient care. Your doctor may recommend you to the program if your medical condition can be safely and effectively managed at home with the support of your GP, nurses and any other necessary services. The Hospital in the Home staff are available to discuss this service with you and your family on 5226 7943.
Transport home
Transport is the responsibility of the patient and family. However if you require assistance to arrange transport, contact the Unit Nurse Manager.
Providing feedback
We hope your stay with us has been a positive experience. If you have any comments or suggestions please write to:
Consumer Liaison
The Geelong Hospital
PO Box 281
Geelong VIC 3220
clo@barwonhealth.org.au
Telephone: 5226 7111
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If you want to know more about your care, you can:
- Ask a member of the clinical team treating you
- Get a second opinion if you like
- Choose another person or organisation to speak on your behalf
- Ask about the qualifications and experience of staff providing your care and treatment
- You can apply through Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation to see and receive copies of your health records. Our FOI officer can provide advise about making such a request on 5226 7627. There may be a charge for this service.
If you want access to general health and medical information, you can
- Visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au or phone Better Health Channel on 1800 126 637. This information is quality assured by the Department of Human Services.
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