Your care in hospital
We are committed to working with you and your family to develop the right plan for your care. We want you to feel comfortable and cared for during your stay with us. It is your right as a patient to take part in all decisions about your care. We welcome your involvement by:
- asking questions about anything you don’t understand
- letting us know what is important to you in your care
- giving us feedback on how we can provide better care for you. All staff are part of your care team and are here to help.
If you are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent we have indigenous officers to support you and your family.
Help us to help you
Be involved in your care and recovery during your stay.
- Why am I in hospital? You and your doctor should agree on exactly what will happen to you while you are in hospital.
- How should I expect to feel after a treatment or procedure? Your doctor will tell you what is involved in your treatment or procedure, what to expect and how long it will last.
- Who will be taking care of me? You have a right to see the identification badge of any staff member and student attending to you.
- When will I go home? Before you leave hospital, ask staff to explain the treatment plan you will use at home. Let staff know your treatment goals, preferences and needs.
- Ask for more information. It can help to write down questions to ask staff.
- Voice concerns about your care – no matter how small. Don’t hesitate to point out something that seems wrong.
- Tell staff of any special care needs, allergies or disabilities you have.
- If you don’t understand speak to the:
- Nurse or doctor caring for you.
- Nurse in charge of the shift.
- If you still have concerns, ask to speak to staff from the liaison team on (07) 3883 7618.
- Ask for an interpreter if you need help to communicate your needs.
- Ask a trusted family member or friend to be with you for extra support or advice. They can help process information and speak up if you don’t understand.
- Let your family know your wishes if you’re unable to make decisions about your health. Make sure your family member or friend knows how you feel about resuscitation and life support. There are resources available to help you create an Advanced Care Plan:
- Tell us what medications you usually take. Sometimes mixing medications can be dangerous. Staff need to know what medicines you take at home to make the right decisions about your health. Bring to hospital a list of medicines you are currently taking that includes all over-the-counter medications, home remedies, and herbal medications including tea, vitamins and weight gain or loss products such as shakes, pills or bars.
- Let us know of any allergies and type of reaction or side affects you have.
- Ask about the reason for all of your medications and potential side effects. Read information given about your medication and how/when to take them.
- Ask about medicines when leaving hospital. You or your carer should be given an up-to-date medicine list when you are discharged from hospital.
- If a tablet looks unfamiliar to you, don’t take it unless you know what it is.
Here is more information to avoid mistakes that can happen with your medicine.
- Eat well
- Move regularly to help circulation
- Stay engaged in things that interest you
If you, your family or carer are alarmed that your condition is worsening and your concerns are not being heard, there is an avenue for you to seek further help.
Follow the below steps to get the help you need.