Pre-admission, Admissions and discharge planning

 

Our care begins when your doctor sends you to book in for your procedure, through your pre-admission appointment.

Your comfort, safety and peace of mind are our first priority.

Pre-admission process

Please contact your Health Fund to confirm the level of cover you have in place for your hospital stay.

You will need to complete the relevant registration forms to enable the hospital to process your admission. These are given to you by your GP or specialist. Please  fax or mail the completed form to the hospital as soon as possible, or within 5 working days of your admission date. Forms can be sent to:

Admissions
St John of God Hospital Berwick
Gibb Street
Berwick VIC 3806

We will contact you at least 1 working day before your admission to confirm the following:

• admission time
• your fasting requirements
• any out of pocket expenses not covered by your Health Fund

Pre-admission nurse

The Pre-Admission Nurse will review your registration form and may contact you, if necessary, to discuss the content of your registration form such as your medical condition, medications or to address any issues prior to your arrival in hospital.

We also hold Pre-Admission Clinics for some medical operations. You will be advised by the Pre-Admission Nurse if you are required to attend one of our Clinics and what you will need to bring with you on the day.

Admissions process on arrival

Please go to the main reception located in the hospital foyer.  Our reception caregiver will complete your paperwork, confirm details and register you as a patient, and arrange for you to be escorted to your room where you will be met by your attending nurse. Your attending Doctor will visit you after you have settled into your room. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak with your Nurse or Doctor.

What to bring to Hospital

• Health Fund membership details
• Patient admission signed consent form
• Medicare card
• Centrelink card
• Pharmacy concession details
• Any letters from your doctor or anaesthetist
• Your x-rays or reports (if relevant)
• All you current medication including prescribed and over the counter medications, alternative therapies and vitamins. (We can only administer medications from original, correctly labelled packs)
• Any repeat prescriptions from your current medications
• Slippers, night attire, dressing gown and day clothes
• Personal toiletries, including tissues

Patient enquiries

Once you are admitted to the hospital, your friends and family may telehone using the patient enquiry telephone numbers below:

• General enquiries - 9709 1414                            
• Day Surgery Unit - 9709 1474
• Maternity Ward - 9709 1400
• Medical / Surgical - 9709 1461  

Please note, when relatives or friends telephone the hospital enquiring about your condition, we only provide very general information as we respect your privacy. After an operation, your relatives should first enquire at the ward about your condition and when you can be visited. If further information is required, the Nurse Unit Manager will be pleased to arrange for your relatives to speak with the appropriate medical staff.

Outpatients

You will be advised if you need to attend the Hospital as an outpatient at one of our Outpatient Clinics. We will make all necessary arrangements and bookings for you and advise you if the time and locations of your appointments.

Surgical patients: fasting

Generally for morning surgery you cannot eat or drink from midnight onwards. For afternoon surgery, you can have a light breakfast at 7.00am (tea, toast or cereal) but nothing thereafter. Water may be consumed until 10.00am. Please do check your specific requirements prior to admission.

Valuables

Please do not bring jewellery or large sums of money to the hospital. A small, locked drawer is provided in all rooms but the hospital cannot accept responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, your property. It is wise to keep only a small amount of money for items such as newspapers, magazines and toiletries.

Department of Veteran’s Affairs patients

St John of God Health Care partners with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA). Our DVA Liaison Officer can guide you through our package of support for patients associated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Please ask the nursing staff for assistance in contacting our DVA Liaison Officer. There is also designated parking available for DVA patients in Gibb Street.

Discharge planning / going home

Planning for your discharge from hospital starts at the time you are admitted. It is a team process involving you, your family/carers, doctor, nurses and any allied health staff who have been involved in your care such as the Physiotherapist. This is to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place to support and assist you at home.

These arrangements may include: District Nursing, Personal Care assistance, medical appointments, hiring of medical aids, and community based services such as Meals on Wheels.

Your doctor will advise you as to when you will be ready to go home. Discharge is on or before 10:00 am on the day of discharge.  At the time of discharge, please make sure that you collect your x-rays, medication and any valuables before leaving the hospital. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance during your hospital stay, please ask to speak with the Discharge Planning Coordinator. Please ensure a family member or friend is available to take you home.