For Patients: During Your Stay
During Your Stay at Greenslopes Private Hospital
ATM facility
An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is located on the Lobby Level.
Call button
Should you require assistance at anytime, alert the nursing staff using the nurse call button located on the bedside handset. The handset allows you to buzz for assistance and speak directly to staff at the ward nurses’ station. The light will glow red when your call registers at the nurses’ station. After attending to your needs the nurses will cancel the call.
Catering
Our Catering Department prepares a variety of high quality, fresh meals. Culturally appropriate menus are available upon request. Menus will be provided each morning from which you may select meals according to your taste and dietary requirements.
Coffee shop
Hudsons Coffee is located on the Lobby Level of the Hospital and is open 7 days a week, between 6.30am and 7.00pm Monday to Friday, and between 8.00am and 6.00pm Saturday and Sunday.
Hudsons Coffee also has an outlet in the Greenslopes Specialty Clinics (previously Outpatients Department) which is open between 8.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday.
Electrical items
Whilst we wish to support your stay in hospital and make it as pleasant as possible, we have an obligation to maintain a safe environment. As we cannot ensure the safety of your own personal electrical items, we request that you keep these to a minimum. The Hospital reserves the right to examine and inspect any devices brought from home and to prohibit the use of any device that the staff have concerns about.
Patient-supplied medical devices are only permissible if they have been tested by our Biomedical Department and meet the required standards.
Electrical heating pads are not permissible due to the inherent fire hazards associated with them. Non-electrical heat packs are available on the ward for your comfort.
Emergency procedures
The Hospital has well organised safety and emergency procedures in which each staff member has a key role. In the unlikely event of an emergency, remain in/by your bed until a staff member arrives to assist you.
Falls prevention in hospital
Falls are one of the largest causes of harm to patients in care, in Australian healthcare facilities. In order to maintain the safety of patients while in hospital Greenslopes Private Hospital uses a number of falls prevention strategies. Patients may become more susceptible to falling during their stay in hospital for a range of reasons, including the unfamiliar surroundings, change of medication and surgery. During your admission, you may undergo a falls risk assessment to determine if you are at risk of falling and what may need to be done to decrease this risk. Please be sure to pack appropriate footwear when coming to hospital; patients are encouraged to wear closed, non-slip slippers.
If you are at risk of falling please ask for nursing assistance when transferring or mobilising around the room. We encourage families and friends to participate in the falls prevention process to ensure our patients' safety. We also suggested that you read the Falls Prevention Information brochure which is available in each ward.
(Reference: Preventing Falls and Harm From Falls in Older People: Best Practice Guidelines for Australian Hospitals; Australian Commission on Safety & Quality in Healthcare, 2009)
Hairdresser
An onsite hairdressing service is available for patients. Please advise the ward secretary who will organise an appointment for you.
Identification on staff
All staff wear name badges as a means of identification and internal security. The badge shows the staff member’s name and position. If you cannot see a staff member’s identification badge you may ask them to show you. Please note, as a private teaching hospital we have a number of students on campus who are under the supervision of our staff.
Infection control
Hand washing, high standards of housekeeping, the use of sterile techniques and equipment are essential in order to ensure your speedy recovery and to reduce the risk of infection. Patients play a vital role in reducing the risk of infection to themselves and other patients.
Here are a few very simple guidelines.
- Personal hygiene is very important.
- Always wash your hands when using the toilet facilities or when leaving your room.
- Wash your hands before any meal. Nursing staff will assist you as required.
- Ask your visitors to wash their hands or use the waterless hand wash agents when entering your room, and before leaving.
- When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Dispose of used tissues hygienically.
- Nursing staff can supply you with soap for showering if you don’t have any of your own. Always keep such toiletries for your sole use.
- Mention to nursing staff any concerns you may have regarding hygiene of the ward or bathrooms.
- Please avoid sitting on the beds of other patients. Nursing staff are happy to provide you with a chair if required.
If you have any questions about infection control, the nursing staff will happily assist you. The Hospital’s Infection Control Coordinator is also available to answer any of your queries. Your co-operation in helping us to maintain a high standard of infection control is appreciated.
Internet access
Wireless internet access is available in the Main Foyer of the hospital. Access cards can be purchased for $15 from Main Reception (available for 72 hours from activation).
Internet kiosks are available in the following areas for visitors without a laptop:
- Lobby Level, Jessie Vasey Wing
- Level 2 Visitor Lounge, Jessie Vasey Wing
- Level 3 Visitor Lounge, John French Wing
The kiosks accept $1 and $2 coins.
Interpreter Service
If an interpreter is required during your stay this will need to be arranged prior to admission. There may be a fee associated with this service.
Laundry service
Elaundry at Stones Corner offers a laundry service for patients. They will collect patients’ laundry and deliver it back to the hospital. Please advise ward staff that you require the service and they will call the laundry to organise collection. Patients are required to pay by cash, and any change will be returned on delivery of the laundry items. The price for a small amount of personal washing for example pyjamas, socks and underwear including pickup and delivery is $18.80.
Lost property
Property remains the responsibility of patients. While every attempt is taken to safeguard property it is recommended that patients do not keep valuables with them in hospital.
Personal belongings inadvertently left after discharge will be forwarded to the lost property box in our Security section. Staff will endeavour to label any item with your name and you will be contacted to collect the items.
Mail
Mail is delivered directly to your room. If you have mail to post please contact the ward secretary and this will be arranged for you. Stamps may be purchased from the Retail Pharmacy in the Lobby.
Medical staff
The doctor who admits you is responsible for your medical care while you are in Greenslopes Private Hospital. Any questions that you have regarding your treatment should be directed to your admitting doctor. It would be helpful if you could nominate one person to be the main contact when communicating with the medical staff regarding your condition. You or your nominated contact person may find it helpful to make some notes regarding any questions you wish to raise with the medical staff.
Newspapers/magazines
Volunteers will visit you daily (not on weekends) selling magazines, newspapers, toiletries and snacks. Please have your money ready for collection at the time of sale. (Please note, the purchase of newspapers/magazines cannot be put on credit or your hospital account). These items are also available from the Retail Pharmacy.
Pharmacy
A comprehensive range of pharmaceutical services are provided to inpatients and outpatients of Greenslopes Private Hospital and members of the local community.
A team of highly-trained and experienced pharmacists and technicians dispense medications and provide clinical advice under your doctor’s direction.
Pharmacists review medications regularly to identify, resolve and prevent medication related problems and optimise drug treatment. Medication information and counselling are provided to patients with multiple medications or complex conditions who would benefit from this service.
The retail pharmacy, located in the Hospital’s Lobby, completes the service by offering an extended range of general pharmacy products supported by professional, friendly service and advice. A wide range of cosmetics, gifts, toiletries, chocolates and sweets can make your stay more comfortable. Fresh flowers, newspapers, magazines, books & phone cards are also available for purchase by patients and members of the public.
To ensure that additional charges are not applied, patients are requested to bring their prescriptions with them at the time of admission. This will ensure that their supply of medication is not interrupted and additional charges are not levied. This is especially important for authority items, which have controls placed on them. Your Prescription Record Form (PBS card) should also be brought to hospital if you are close to reaching your Safety Net so that we can add appropriate items dispensed during your stay in hospital. If you are taking a number of medications please bring a current medication list from your GP to assist the admission process and ensure your medication treatment is continued. This should include Prescription medicines, “Over the counter” medications, aspirin, vitamins, herbal or alternative medicines.
Charges for medications not covered by hospital health fund agreements or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be sent to you as a separate account.
Smoke free campus
Greenslopes Private Hospital promotes a smoke free campus.
It is recommended that you do not smoke before and after your procedure or during your stay as an inpatient. If you do choose to smoke you voluntarily assume all risks associated with getting to and from the area and risks associated with active and passive smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy is available from the hospital pharmacy at a discounted rate for inpatients. Smoking cessation information is available to any interested inpatient. Further information will be provided whilst in hospital, however, please ask staff if you have any queries.
Inpatients who are unable to abstain from smoking during their hospitalisation are permitted to smoke in the designated outdoor smoking area only. Staff are not able to accompany patients to the smoking area.
Staff and visitors are asked to adhere to the smoke free policy whilst on campus.
The campus will be patrolled by security to ensure compliance to the new regulations.
Telephones
You can make and receive free local calls from the telephone by your bed by dialling ‘0’ and then the number you wish to phone. Mobile, STD and ISD telephone calls cannot be made without the purchase of a telephone card, which can be obtained from the Retail Pharmacy and Main Reception.
People may phone you directly by dialling 3329 followed by the extension number provided on your phone (3394 + extension for patients in The Florence Syer and Rehabilitation Units). Alternatively, they may phone (07) 3394 7111 (Hospital Switchboard). Phone calls will be put through to your bedside telephone between 7.00am and 9.00pm. If you do not want calls to be transferred through to you please give only those friends and family you would like to speak to your direct line. Please advise a staff member to notify Switchboard not to transfer calls to you.
The use of mobile phones is restricted within the hospital environment due to risks of interference with medical equipment. We require all visitors and patients to turn off their mobile phone when entering a patient care area.
Public phones are available near the lifts in the Jessie Vasey Wing, in the Emergency Centre, Keith Payne Unit and the Greenslopes Specialty Clinics (previously Outpatients Department).
Television
The Hospital provides a television set at your bedside. Free-to-air channels are available as well as four radio stations and patient education. The current time is displayed on all of the four radio channels.
The handset by your bed allows you to easily choose a radio or television program. When either of the channel selector buttons is pushed, the current channel is displayed on the television screen. The socket on the right hand side of the handset is for the use of an earphone for private listening. Earphones are available from nursing staff upon request. Please note, if you call for nursing assistance while it is plugged in sound will come through the earphone, not the handset speaker.
Valuables
The Hospital will not accept liability for loss of valuables or personal belongings unless officially lodged for safekeeping with the Hospital’s security in trust.
In the Jessie Vasey wing, bedside lockers and a cupboard are provided for each patient to store toiletries and personal belongings. Some rooms in the Jessie Vasey wing also contain a safe for patients use.
For patients in the John French Wing, a safe is provided where you may store your valuables. The safe can be secured by setting your own unique four-digit pin number. Further instructions are available next to the safe.
Violence/Aggression
The Hospital’s staff and patients need to work and be cared for in a safe environment; one that is free from violence and aggression. Physical and non-physical violence towards staff and/or others in the facility will not be tolerated. Any such acts may lead to discharge, and may result in the police being notified and legal action being taken.
Ward organisation
The ward areas are under the supervision of the Nurse Unit Manager during weekdays and a
Shift leader and After Hours Co-ordinator on evening, night and weekend shifts. Any problems that may occur during your stay should be raised with these staff members.
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