Patient FAQs

Our top doctors and specialists can be found through the find a specialist tool.

Our hospitals and services have different visiting hours. Please speak to our caregivers to find out the best time to visit.

Patient and visitor parking may be available. Please go to the getting here and parking page for more information.

Patient pick up and drop off bays are available. Please go to our getting here and parking page for more information.

We recommend you check with the ward nurse manager before bringing flowers and gifts to your loved ones in hospital.

Flowers cannot be taken to patients in intensive care, critical care and coronary care units as they pose an infection control risk. Potted plants are not allowed in patient rooms.

Your doctor will outline any special instructions you should follow before your surgery, particularly regarding fasting and medications.

You may be asked to fast, which means to abstain from eating and drinking for a set period, before your surgery. This is a precautionary measure.

You should bring the following items with you when you are admitted to hospital. Your doctor will let you know if you need to bring any other items.

• Your Medicare card and concession cards such as the Safety Net Card and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Card
• Your health fund details
• Name and address of your general practitioner
• Emergency contact details of your next of kin
• Any x-rays or scans related to your condition
• Any current medications you are taking, including natural remedies and supplements
• A list of allergies to food, medications, latex, dyes and dressings
• Details of your employer and the date, time and place of accident if your surgery or procedure is covered by Workers’ Compensation or the Motor Vehicle Injury Trust
• Pyjamas or nightgowns, dressing gown and slippers (non-slip sole)
• Personal toiletries
• A small amount of money for items such as newspapers and magazines
• Bring your personal items in a small bag (hand luggage) that can fit into limited storage space provided in patient rooms.

Please do not bring jewellery, valuables or excess cash to hospital. While care is taken with your personal belongings, facilities for safekeeping are limited and we cannot take responsibility for any loss or damage.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. We are dedicated to offering you and your family exceptional care – from pregnancy to birth and into the early parenting of your precious new baby.

If you wish to deliver your baby at one of our hospitals, ask your general practitioner (GP) if you live within our catchment area and are suitable for a referral.

Yes, our maternity services provide a range of parent education, breastfeeding and postnatal classes as well as tours. Please speak to the maternity unit about costs and timings of classes and tours. 

Yes we offer interpreter and translator services. Please speak to our caregivers during your pre-admission appointment regarding your requirements.

When you are admitted to hospital you will be asked if you have any dietary requests or requirements which our catering department will aim to accommodate. Please speak to our caregivers on admission to discuss your specific requirements.

Your doctor will let you know what time you should come to hospital. On arrival you may need to wait in a patient lounge or in your room before having your surgery or procedure. We do everything possible to minimise your waiting times and keep you informed about any unforeseen delays.

Your discharge time will depend on your surgery, recovery and doctor’s advice. We aim to help you leave hospital as soon as you are ready so you can return to your daily activities. Please speak to our caregivers on admission or on the ward to find out more.

We have a mixture of single and shared rooms at our facilities. While we make every effort to provide your room preference based on your level of health cover, single rooms cannot be guaranteed and are allocated on clinical need. You will be charged for the room you occupy.

Yes, you can access the hospital WiFi if you are a patient or visitor. 

To access the hospital WiFi:

• Connect to the ‘Guest’ wireless network
• Enter your details and accept the terms and conditions
• Click the ‘hotspot’ login.

We ask that you bring only one support person with you to hospital. This person can accompany you while you wait to be admitted and in your room prior to surgery.

While you are undergoing surgery and recovering, your support person is welcome to return home or wait at the hospital. We will contact them when you are ready to be discharged or ready for visitors if you are staying overnight.

No, we welcome people from all cultural, religious and social backgrounds. Our focus is on providing high quality care in a welcoming environment for all.

An admission form outlines important information about you and your surgery and helps us prepare for your admission to hospital.

It also includes your consent to your procedure or surgery and must be signed by you or your guardian.

Forms need to be completed before you come to hospital.

If you cannot return the form within 24 hours, please contact our admissions department.

We manage all personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) and all relevant State legislation.

If you wish to access your personal information, contact the privacy officer or health information manager at the relevant hospital or service. We do not charge an application fee, but you may be charged administration, photocopying or counter fees.

Information will be given on the availability of these services at other health care facilities, if that is your preference. In keeping with our Values, our caregivers fully respect and support a patients’ right to exercise their choice in medical decisions and will provide them with full information on all of their options, including directing them to their GP or treating specialist.

In all circumstances where a patient may be facing a serious or life threatening complaint, regardless of the nature of the illness, we will always ensure that they receive the most appropriate care.