Boarding with patients
If you are the main support person for a patient in our care, you may be provided overnight hospital accommodation as a boarder. We welcome the presence of loved ones to help patients feel safe, supported and comforted during their hospital stay.
What is a hospital boarder?
A boarder is a support person such as a parent, relative or friend over the age of 18 who accompanies a patient and may stay overnight with their consent.
Boarders are provided overnight accommodation and meals from the hospital. Please note boarders may only stay overnight if the patient is in a private room. If a patient chooses a private room to have a boarder any difference in cost not covered by their health fund will need to be paid.
For the safety and wellbeing of all patients, the hospital may need to limit the number of boarders at certain times.
Do I need to pay to board?
There may be a fee to cover your overnight accommodation, bed linen and meals provided by the hospital. Where a full boarder fee is not charged, you may be charged for meals.
Boarder fees may vary between hospitals so please speak to a caregiver upon admission who can explain the costs.
Health fund coverage for boarders also varies between providers, including the number of days covered. Not all health funds include boarding, so please speak with one of our caregivers who can explain the application of fees.
How do I register as a boarder?
To register, please speak with your admissions team or a caregiver on your ward. You will be asked to provide some personal details and sign a Boarder Registration Form. This ensures you understand the conditions of boarding and allows us to account for you as part our safety and emergency procedures.
During your stay
We kindly ask all boarders to be mindful they are staying in a hospital environment. To help us maintain hospital routines and a safe and supportive setting for everyone we ask that boarders:
- Position their bed away from doorways, including both room and bathroom doors, and ensure it does not obstruct safe access for caregivers attending to patients.
- Fold away their bed by breakfast time each day.
- Wear appropriate attire at all times, both during the day and overnight.
- Adhere to all hospital rules and policies.
- Take responsibility for the secure storage of their medications, valuables and personal belongings. Please note that the hospital cannot accept responsibility for any personal items brought on site.
- Cooperate with hospital staff at all times, particularly in the event of an emergency.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us provide a safe and respectful environment for all patients, visitors and caregivers.