Preadmission

Our dedicated team of professional staff are committed to providing patients with the highest standards of care. Throughout our patients’ stay, from preadmission to discharge, each patient will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

PREADMISSION INFORMATION:

Clerical preadmission

Preadmission is an important part of your hospital care. To ensure we can confirm your admission, financial and other arrangements, we ask that you:

• Fill in the online admission form, or complete the admission form that you would have received from your doctor, as soon as possible and send it back to the hospital.
  
  Please have the following ready when you fill in your admission form:
• Personal/Next of Kin details
• Medicare Card
• Funding details (eg DVA, Private health insurance, workcover or self funding)
• Benefit details (eg pharmacy benefit card or pension card)
• Item numbers if these were quoted by doctors’ rooms
• Information your doctor supplied to you re implantable medical devices (eg prosthetic and disposables) – If applicable.

• If you have any concerns with step 1, please telephone 02 9717 0700  between 8:30am and 5:00pm

If you have private health cover, please contact your health fund prior to check for any excess or waiting periods. We know that health and billing charges can be difficult to understand and we are happy to assist in any way we can, however we also advise that you seek clarification from your doctor and health fund.

Nursing Preadmission Information

You may be contacted by telephone prior to your day of admission by our Preadmission Nurse. If you are contacted:

• Your medical history will be reviewed with you and admission and discharge details discussed.
• Please take this opportunity to discuss any concerns regarding your admission

Your doctor will notify the hospital of the date of your procedure / operation and inform you of your day and time of admission. Your doctor will also explain your procedure or operation and complete the consent form with you.

Preadmission Clinic

If you are having a major surgical procedure you may be asked to attend a preadmission clinic at the hospital so the nurse specialist can speak with you about your hospital stay, your operation, previous surgical and medical history, what to bring to hospital, as well as allay any concerns you may have.

It is a very valuable service in respect to your entire stay in hospital.

Discharge planning will also be addressed at this clinic (eg who will care for you at home on discharge, who will take you home etc). You are welcome to bring a relative or friend to this clinic.

DAY OF ADMISSION INFORMATION

On the day of admission

Please check in with the Front Reception in the Main Foyer at the time indicated by your doctor, and you will be directed to your admission area.

Your doctor will inform you of the scheduled time for your surgery and subsequent ‘nil by mouth’ time. This means nothing to eat or drink, including water, prior to your operation.

Please note: There is a $25 Incidental fee payable on admission for overnight patients. This is a standard fee applicable to all patients staying overnight and includes access for you and your visitors to Foxtel and high speed wireless internet. Unfortunately this fee is not covered by your health fund.

Please bring with you into hospital anything applicable to your admission including:

• doctor’s admission letter
• health fund number / details (if applicable)
• medicare card
• regular medications
• pension health benefits card (if applicable)
• pharmaceutical benefits card (if applicable)
• relevant x-rays and / or test results
• for a child - favourite toy, formula, bottle and any special dietary needs (if applicable)
• slippers
• night attire
• toiletries
• personal articles i.e. sanitary pads (if applicable)
• method for settling your account
• please do not bring valuables

DO NOT (unless your doctor gives you special instructions):

• Eat or drink anything after midnight for morning surgery
• Eat or drink anything after 7am for afternoon surgery – (a light breakfast prior to 7am is acceptable ie. tea and toast)
• Smoke cigarettes or chew gum
• Wear jewellery. A wedding ring and watch are permitted
• Bring valuables ie. mobile phone and large amounts of cash
• Wear make-up or nail polish

Day procedure patients (additional information)

• Please shower on the day of admission before coming to the Day Surgery Unit and put on clean clothes
• Wear garments that are comfortable and easy to remove
• Check with your nurse before informing relatives / friends regarding the time that you should be picked up