Your hospital stay

What to bring

You should bring the following with you to hospital:

• all current medications including over the counter medications
• your Medicare card
• any pension or concession cards
• your private health fund details (if applicable)
• all letter(s) from your doctor
• X-rays, discs and/or other relevant reports
• sleeping attire, dressing gown and foot wear (non-slip soles)
• personal toiletries;
• a small amount of cash for personal spending if desired.

Please do not bring valuables such as large sums of money or jewellery, as the hospital will not accept responsibility should they become lost or damaged.

When you arrive (admission)

All public patients should report to the main reception desk located inside the hospital's main entrance.

Please advise your doctor/hospital staff if you have been receiving treatment elsewhere, especially interstate or outside.

On the ward

Let staff know if you have any special needs such as hearing or vision impairments, or if you need a medical certificate for your employer.

You will receive a plastic wrist band with your name on it, which must be worn at all times. It should only be removed when you are discharged from the hospital. Inform staff if your name is wrong, inaccurate or illegible.

A doctor will record your medical history, conduct a physical examination and discuss your treatment plan. It is very important that you inform your doctor if you have any allergies or are taking medicines, including over the counter remedies or alternative supplements.

Let us know where you are. It is important to inform your nurse if you plan to leave the ward for any period of time for any reason.

You will be looked after by a team of highly skilled people throughout your stay – nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and others.

Our staff will introduce themselves to you. They wear identity badges which you can ask to see at any time.

Going home (discharge)

Discharge planning plays an important role in ensuring a smooth move from hospital to home.

Your health care team will work with you and your family/carer during your stay to ensure that you are prepared for discharge from hospital e.g. transport home, x-rays, medication, equipment and follow-up appointments. If you have any questions or queries in this regard, please ask your doctor or nurse before being discharged.

Patients at Rockingham General (RGH) and Murray District Hospitals can expect to be discharged from the wards by 10am.

There is a dedicated discharge lounge at RGH. On the day of your discharge you may be transferred to this lounge while you wait for discharge documents, your medications and/or your transport home. While in the lounge you will still be under the care of a nurse. The lounge is equipped with comfortable chairs, television/radio, books, magazines and toilet facilities. Drinks are available and also a light meal if your stay coincides with lunchtime.

If you require any outpatient clinic follow-up appointments you will either be provided with an appointment at the time of discharge or one will be sent to you in the mail. If you require referral to another specialist clinic the outpatient clinic will contact you with your appointment details.