Admission to hospital at TDHS

 

Whether you are coming into our healthcare service for day surgery, overnight or for a few days, we understand that it can be a stressful time. The below information may answer some of your questions.

 

Admission

If you are coming into Timboon and District Healthcare Service as an inpatient, you will have received a letter from us with your admission date. Your admission letter will explain where you need to go.

This letter contains the information you need to prepare for your visit to hospital. Please read this letter and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, please call the number in your letter.

Changing your admission date

If you need to change your admission date, please let us know as soon as possible. We will try to arrange a suitable time for you.

Rescheduling your admission

Occasionally we need to reschedule patients planned admissions. We try very hard to avoid this. If this does happen, we will contact you as soon as possible to re-book your treatment.

Booking into our healthcare service

On the morning of your treatment, we ask that you attend the healthcare service as outlined in your admission letter.

You will be signed in as a patient and your admission will be processed by our staff.

You will be given an identification wristband with your name, date of birth and hospital number on it. This should be worn at all times. You will be asked a series of questions to enable us to plan your care. Please take this opportunity to tell us about i.e.:

• Medications you have been taking at home
• Any allergies you may have
• Dietary requirements or any special needs
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant
• Your nominated next of kin to receive relevant information

The admission process can take between 10 minutes to half an hour. You may have a waiting period between your admission and going to the operating theater or ward.

Patient special requirements

If you have special requirements that the hospital needs to know about before you are admitted, please let us know. These may include:

• Mobility requirements
• Disability needs
• Spiritual Care
• Dietary needs
• Interpreter Services

Consent

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. If you are having an operation or procedure, you will be asked to sign a consent form either at your pre-op appointment or once you have been admitted to a ward or department. Our staff will provide you with all the information about the treatment or investigation.  Please ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have.

If you are unwell on the day before coming to hospital, please call us on 5558 6000 to discuss.

What to bring

You will need to bring the following items:

• Your medicare card, licence or other identification card or papers
• Your admission letter
• Any medications (including epipen if you have one), inhalers and mobility devices
• Contact information for your next of kin and any care agencies who support you at home
• The name and address of your GP
• Items for showering, such as body wash, shampoo and conditioner (if you’re staying for multiple days)
• Toiletries, tissues
• Dressing gown, night clothes and slippers (if you’re staying for multiple days)
• Comfortable clothing and shoes

Valuables

Please do not bring valuables, jewelry, or large sums of money. The hospital cannot be held liable for your belongings.

Who will be involved in your care

Many healthcare professionals may be involved in your care and you will see many different people on our wards.

Doctors

A Doctor will oversee your treatment and is responsible for your medical care whilst in our healthcare service.

Nursing Teams

Experienced ward nurses or Nurse Unit Managers are responsible for running the wards. A team of nurses will care for you; however, one nurse will have responsibility for planning and coordinating your care.

Health professionals

Other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, social workers and occupational therapists, may also be involved in your care. This group is often referred to as the Allied Health team.

Clinical support staff

Your care is supported by a team of service assistants, cleaners, and food service assistants. This team is not directly involved in your clinical care but play an essential part in your stay in hospital.

Aggression and violence

TDHS has a zero-tolerance policy to aggression, violence and verbal abuse. Police will be called to incidents where staff or other patients have felt threatened or been abused.