Admissions

COVID-19

Due to state safety restrictions, information on this page may be subject to change. Please see our COVID-19 information for the latest details and how you may be affected.

What to bring

• Referral letter (if applicable)
• Private health insurance card
• Medicare card
• Department of Veterans Affairs card
• Pension card
• Pharmacy entitlement card
• Your general practitioners (GP’s) name and contact details
• Any current medication and prescriptions
• Clothing
• Toiletries (no alcohol-base mouth wash)
• Razors (our nurses will collect razors on admission, however they may be used on a daily basis, and returned to nurses on completion of daily use)
• Mobile phones and chargers
• Laptops (optional)
• Hand held hair dryer (optional).

Your room is fitted with safety switches. You are only permitted to bring the above listed electrical devices into the facility. Electrical devices must be inspected on admission by nursing caregivers to ensure they are free of any apparent damage.

What not to bring

• Furniture
• Candles
• Aromatherapy burners (candle or electric)
• Heat/cold or wheat packs
• Electric blankets
• Night lights, bedside lamps
• DVD players
• Computers/games consoles (other than a standard laptop)
• Hair dyes, spray tan or nail polish
• Laundry washing detergents or fabric softener
• Cleaning fluids, bleach
• Alcohol based mouth wash
• Glass bottles
• Spray air-fresheners, fly spray
• Glues, art paints, drills, pliers, knives or craft tools
• Drum sets, guitars
• Weights or exercise equipment
• Weapons of any type.

Any of the above items (or those deemed to be inappropriate or dangerous) will be removed by the caregiver who finds the item. You will be asked to notify a family member to pick up these belongings as soon as possible.

No PLC art paints, craft glues, or art materials are to be used in patient rooms. You may use the art rooms and items provided.

Belongings and valuables

Upon admission, our nurses will search your belongings in your presence and at any time if we think you have an item that is perceived as a risk to yourself, our caregivers or other patients.

Please limit the amount of personal property brought into the hospital and do not bring valuable items.

We do not take responsibility for your possessions in the event of a theft of property, loss of property or damage to any vehicle.

Fees and health insurance

Prior to being admitted, we will contact your health fund or third party insurer to confirm your level of cover and any additional out of pocket costs you may have.

All out-of-pocket expenses are discussed with you and/or close relative prior to admission and are payable on admission.

Identification

We will take your photograph when you are admitted, as required by the Health Department. This will act as identification for medication administration purposes.

All caregivers wear photo identification tags.

Medications

Upon admission, all medications and supplements should be handed to our nurses for safekeeping and dispensing.

Our nurses are responsible for administering all medications and supplements. We will only distribute medications prescribed by your doctor.

Housekeeping

Your room is cleaned daily but we ask you to keeping your room neat and tidy. You are responsible for making your own bed each morning with assistance provided where necessary.

Flowers

Any flowers delivered to the hospital should be addressed with your name so they can be delivered to your room.

Mail

Incoming mail, including facsimiles, is delivered daily. Outgoing mail may be left at reception. Please ensure all outgoing mail is appropriately stamped.

Your caregivers

Your caregivers include doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff who have a range of specialist skills to help you during your stay. Please speak to any of your caregivers if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Pastoral services

Our pastoral practitioners are specifically trained in mental health and are available to listen and support you on your spiritual journey, if required. Please speak to your doctor or nurse to access these services.

Interpreter

Interpreters can be arranged as required.

Discharge

Your treating medical health doctor and the clinical team will develop a discharge plan with you. This is done soon after you are admitted and includes arrangements for ongoing management, follow-up instructions and education. Wherever possible your family and carers are encouraged to be involved in this process.

We provide continued support and therapy after you leave hospital. 

Telehealth

Telehealth offers the ability to access care from the home, work or other private space without the need for a face-to-face appointment.

St John of God Health Care uses both phone and video call to connect you to your healthcare providers.