Mission Statement To provide women, their babies and their families with excellent care in a responsive, collaborative environment that promotes

Transcription

1 Mission Statement To provide women, their babies and their families with excellent care in a responsive, collaborative environment that promotes best practice teaching, research and staff engagement Welcome Our staff is committed to providing care in partnership with women and want to ensure that your experience at the Royal Hospital for Women is a positive one. We have created this guide to help address the many questions you may have about your visit. We hope you find the guide practical and helpful. If you would like any further information about your stay, please do not hesitate to phone the Hospital s admission staff on (02) , and they will be pleased to help. We trust that your stay with us will be a comfortable one Royal Hospital for Women Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031 Locked Mail Bag 2000, Randwick NSW 2031 Tel: (02) Fax: (02) Website: Page 1

2 CONTENTS ABOUT THE RHW 3 PREPARING TO STAY AT THE RHW.. 5 Questions.. 5 Booking in. 5 Length of stay... 5 What to pack. 6 PREPARING FOR SURGERY 8 Consent for treatment. 8 Pre-admission clinic. 8 We will contact you.. 8 Fasting and medication 8 GETTING TO THE RHW... 9 DIRECTORY. 10 DURING YOUR STAY 13 On arrival 13 Arriving in a hurry.. 13 Bed allocation 13 Being admitted to your ward.. 13 VISITING HOURS 14 GENERAL INFORMATION 15 Concerns Emergency procedures To reduce the potential for infection when in hospital. 15 Meals.. 15 Medical records. 16 Medication.. 16 Security.. 16 Staff identification. 17 Smoking policy. 17 Teaching our future health professionals. 17 LEAVING THE HOSPITAL 18 Day surgery patients.. 18 Discharge procedure.. 18 Paying your account 19 OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION 20 Banking facilities.. 20 Café 20 Chaplains.. 20 Flowers. 20 Gift shop 20 Parking.. 21 Photographs. 21 Post office. 21 Telephones.. 21 Television hire. 21 ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN FOUNDATION 22. Page 2

3 ABOUT THE RHW For more than a century, the Royal Hospital for Women has provided care in partnership with women. The RHW is the only women s hospital in New South Wales, and has earned an outstanding national and international reputation for health care excellence. As a tertiary referral hospital the RHW is a leading research and teaching hospital in the field of women s health. Most importantly the RHW combines medical excellence with a warm and caring atmosphere. Our heritage Since our pioneer beginnings we have celebrated many incredible milestones. Some of our milestones include: founding the first lying-in hospital in Australia; opening Australia s first cancer detection clinic; establishing the first diagnostic ultrasound service in Australia; performing the first successful fetal transfusion in Australia; achieving the world s first fetal cardiac ultrasound; accomplishing the world s first head (cranial) ultrasound of a newborn baby; establishing Australia s first menopause clinic; having the longest running antenatal clinic in the world; performing the world s first operation to save a baby s life while still in utero; opening the first comprehensive gynaecological cancer centre in Australia; establishing MotherSafe, the first telephone counselling service in Australia advising on medications in pregnancy and lactation; and performing the first fetal muscle biopsy in Australia. Today Each year close to 4200 babies are born at the Royal Hospital for Women; we care for more than 1000 premature babies; treat more than 400 women for gynaecological cancer; provide surgery for more than 80 women with breast cancer; attend to over 450 women requiring acute care services; help more than 600 women through endo-gynaecological procedures. Page 3

4 Our services The services we offer are specific to the unique health care needs of women. How we provide services, reflects our values of partnership, respect, choice and compassion. Our main areas of specialisation include breast care, gynaecology, gynaecological cancer, maternity, maternal fetal medicine, menopause, newborn intensive care and reproductive medicine. Leaders in research Our leadership in research is essential to provide better care for women and babies around the world. Our heritage and our future are built upon this important foundation. Sharing knowledge Part of our role as a tertiary referral hospital is to share our knowledge and research with other health care professionals. This empowers health care professionals to provide better care for women throughout the world. Our future Our vision of the future is to continue to provide care in partnership with women. Page 4

5 PREPARING TO STAY Questions Before being admitted to the Hospital, we encourage you to ask your doctor or midwife for a full explanation of your condition, proposed treatment, any alternatives and possible results of treatment. Do not be embarrassed to ask the same question several times until you receive a clear answer. By hesitating or delaying asking a question you may cause yourself unnecessary worry. Often it is helpful to write a list of questions to ensure you do not forget to ask anything when you are speaking to your doctor. If you do not feel confident speaking or understanding English, we can arrange a free interpreter service for you. Booking in Your doctor or midwife will arrange your Hospital booking with us. Once the booking has been made our Admissions staff will forward you a confirmation letter. If you do not receive the letter, please phone our staff on They will be glad to help you. We will also send an obstetrical (maternity) or gynaecological information pack, depending on your needs. Length of stay Please discuss with your midwife / obstetrician If you have a vaginal birth, you may expect to go home when your baby is 72 hours/3 days old. If you require a caesarean you may expect to go home 5 days after your baby s birth. Alternatively, if you are well and your baby is feeding well, you may prefer to go home early & have a midwife visit you at home. To be eligible for the Midwifery Support Programme you would need to go home prior to 48hrs after a vaginal birth, or 72hrs after a Caesarean. If you have been cared for by Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) midwives and you are well and your baby is feeding well, you will be encouraged to go home soon after your baby s birth. Your MGP midwife will visit you at home. Page 5

6 Time of discharge home is 10am Please ensure that you have someone available to take you home from hospital at 10 am. What to pack Please do not bring any valuables to the Hospital. The Hospital cannot accept any responsibility for patients personal property. We also suggest that you only bring a small amount of money for immediate use : not more than $30 is recommended. A check list of items you may need to bring to Hospital include : Your Medicare card and/or private health insurance details; Comfortable casual clothing; Any medications you have been taking (please bring the medication to the Hospital to show your admitting doctor and arrange for this medication to be returned home); Any previous pathology reports, x-rays or ultrasound scans; Your antenatal card; Storage containers for glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids or dentures; Personal toiletries such as soap, a soap container, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and sanitary napkins; Nail polish remover (please remove any nail polish before admission); A phonecard or change, for public telephones; Postage stamps; Reading material; Page 6

7 a list of suggestions of what to bring to hospital for the birth of your baby. For the car 2 clean old towels Plastic container in case of vomiting Please ensure you have an approved, fitted car restraint in your car prior to labour For your post natal stay Pack these in a separate bag or in the bottom of your case Comfortable casual clothes, nightwear, dressing gown and slippers. Front opening nighties are more convenient for breastfeeding. 3-4 maternity bras Breast pads 3 packets of maternity sanitary pads and comfortable underwear Toiletries and hairdryer Pen and paper For baby Disposable nappies If you are planning to formula feed your baby, you will need to bring your own bottles & formula An outfit for taking your baby home and a baby blanket Ensure a car restraint is organised for taking your baby home For partners or support people Snacks and packaged drinks. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the lounge Loose comfortable clothing and a jumper as the hospital is airconditioned A pen and paper can be useful Swimming costume Camera and film or a video For birth You can wear whatever you feel most comfortable in for labour and birth, ideally a large comfortable t- shirt. The birth suites offer a hospital gown if you prefer. A nightie and/or comfortable clothes for after the birth. Front opening is ideal for breastfeeding. Dressing gown and slippers Underwear and maternity bra Warm socks Toiletries soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, brush, comb and face cloth Tissues Vaseline or lip balm Lollies to suck CDs and tapes each room has a CD / tape player Aromatherapy oils electric burners available if you want Warm packs are provided Page 7

8 PREPARING FOR SURGERY Consent for treatment Before surgery you will need to sign a treatment consent form. By signing the form you give the Hospital staff permission to treat and care for you. Please ensure that you understand what your treatment involves and what the likely results or possible effects of this treatment are, before you sign the hospital consent form. The treatment should be discussed with your doctor. You may also like to ask your doctor to explain the treatment to a relative or close friend. Except in extreme emergencies, any additional operations, anaesthesia or treatments during your stay will require your further written permission. You may withdraw your permission for treatment at any time before the procedure. If you choose to refuse treatment that your doctor considers necessary, you need to sign a form stating that you do not want to accept treatment and that you accept any consequences. This treatment consent form will release the Hospital from any liability caused by your refusal. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. Our staff will be glad to help you. Pre-admission clinic You may be required to attend the Pre-admission Clinic. If this is the case our Booking Clerk will contact you. The appointment may take approximately three hours, as the process is very thorough. Our clinic staff can make a full assessment of your needs, investigate any potential concerns, provide you with information about your procedure and answer any questions you may have. After the assessment, our staff could advise that you can simply come to the Hospital on the day of your procedure instead of the day before. This may be more convenient for you and will cut down on the time you spend at Hospital. We will contact you If you are having a day surgery procedure, one of our nursing staff will contact you before your admission. We will confirm your admission time, the procedure you will be having and discuss pre-procedure and post-procedure requirements. Fasting and medication Do not have any food or fluid for six hours prior to surgery. A nurse will advise you of further fasting requirements. Please ensure you follow any of your doctor s extra dietary instructions. It is essential that you continue taking your usual prescribed medications, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. These may be taken with a small amount of water. Page 8

9 GETTING TO THE RHW The main entrance to the Royal Hospital for Women is located on Easy Street, off Barker Street, Randwick. RHW shares the Randwick site with three other hospitals: Sydney Children s Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital and Prince of Wales Private Hospital. If you enter Hospital grounds from High Street, Avoca Street or Hospital Road, you will first walk through these other hospitals before you reach RHW. Please do not hesitate to ask staff in the hospitals for directions to our reception. Under no circumstances should you drive on the day of surgery. Please see information about leaving the Hospital. The transport options to RHW offer flexibility for our patients. You can travel to RHW: by bus The 400, 410, 357, 370 bus routes stop at the High Street entrance to Prince of Wales Hospital or Sydney Children s Hospital. Buses to and from Circular Quay and Central stop in Belmore Road. by private car Private cars are able to drive to the front doors of the Hospital. This is strictly a patient drop-off area and cars are not permitted to park there. Undercover commercial parking facilities are available and can accommodate more than 2000 cars. Access to the car park is via Easy Street. by taxi Taxies are able to deliver patients to the front doors of the Hospital and are readily available for pick-up. by train The closest train stations to the Hospital are at Bondi Junction, Central and Circular Quay; from these railway stations you can catch a bus to Randwick. For information on train and bus timetables please phone Page 9

10 (WHI = Women s Health Institute) DIRECTORY Level Aboriginal Maternal & Infant Health Service WHI 0 Acute Care Ward 4 Administration Medical, Nursing & Executive 0 Administration Conference Room 0 Admissions see Reception 0 Anaesthesia Service 1 Antenatal Ward 4 Baby change rooms 0,1,3,4 Birthing Services 1 Bone Density Unit 0 Breast Centre 0 Breastfeeding Support Service 3 Cashier 0 Chemotherapy Suite 2 Day Surgery 2 Delivery Suite 1 Early Pregnancy Assessment Services (EPAS) 0 Enquiries see Reception 0 Fitness Room 0 Genetic Counsellor 0 Growth & Development 1 Gynaecological Cancer Outpatients 2 Gynaecology Outpatients 2 Health Education WHI 0 Page 10

11 High Risk Pregnancy Clinical Midwife Consultant 0 Infection Control Clinical Nurse Consultant 3 Lactation Consultant 3 Laundries for patients 2,3,4 Lecture Theatre WHI 1 Library WHI 0 Mammography 0 Maternal Fetal Medicine 0 Maternity Outpatients 0 Macquarie Ward (gynaecology & oncology) 2 Medical Imaging 0 Medical Records located in Prince of Wales Hospital Medical Specialist Suites 2 Menopause Centre 0 Midwifery Support Programme 3 Midwifery & Women s Health Nursing Research Unit University of Sydney WHI 1 MotherSafe Service WHI 0 Museum WHI 0 Newborn Care Centre 1 NSW Women s Breast Centre 0 Nursing & Midwifery Roster Office 0 Operating Theatres 1 Outpatients Maternity 0 Outpatients Gynaecology 2 Patient Liaison Officer Admissions 0 Postnatal Ward Oxford 3 Page 11

12 Postnatal Ward Paddington 3 Pharmacy 2 Physiotherapy 0 Prayer Room 0 Pregnancy Day Stay 4 Professorial Suites 2 Reception 0 Reproductive Medicine 0 RHW Foundation WHI 1 School of Women s & Children s Health, UNSW WHI 1 Seminar Room 1&2 WHI 0 Seminar Room 3&4 WHI 1 S.A.C. WHI 0 Social Work 3 Specialist Nursing Services 3 Tutorial Rooms 0,1,2,3,4 Ultrasound see Medical Imaging 0 Women s Health Institute (WHI) 0,1 Page 12

13 DURING YOUR STAY On arrival please check in at our Admissions Desk, located on ground floor (also known as Level 0), in the main entrance. Our staff will help you and your support person complete the admission forms. We understand that it may be distressing to answer some of the questions and to repeat the personal information several times, but it is necessary to ensure your safety and correct identification. Arriving in a hurry If you are a maternity patient and have gone into labour we recommend that you phone staff at Birthing Services on before leaving home. This will allow our staff time to ensure they are prepared for your arrival and streamline your admission process. Bed allocation All of our rooms have one or two beds. Single rooms are available for privately insured patients who are covered for a single room. Even if you are privately insured we cannot guarantee a single room will be available. Overnight stay for partners may be possible in a single room, where fold-out beds are available. There is a small charge for this facility. Please ask the Nursing/Midwifery Unit Manager or Admissions staff for more information. Being admitted to your ward When you are admitted to your ward you will be given an identification bracelet to wear. Please ensure that all details on the bracelet are correct. If you are having surgery a nurse will ask you some questions about your health and record your temperature, weight, blood pressure and other observations. A doctor may also ask questions about your family s medical history. Please provide our staff with any information about your health that you feel is relevant. You should tell our staff if : you have fertility problems; you have a rare blood group; you have taken any medication, including aspirin or disprin; you have any addictions; you smoke; you drink alcohol you have any medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes; there are any medical procedures that may be against your religious or cultural beliefs, or you have had any problems with anaesthetics. Page 13

14 VISITING HOURS All visitors are required to check in with the ward on arrival to ensure that your wishes and state of health are not compromised. To allow patients time to rest some wards do not permit visitors during the early afternoon. Please confirm that the times below are current with our staff : Acute Care / Antenatal Ward Macquarie Ward (Gynaecology & Gynaecological Oncology) Newborn Care Centre Postnatal Wards Open to visitors : 8 am 1 pm and 3 8 pm No visiting in rest time 1-3 pm Open to visitors : 10 am 8 pm No visiting in Quiet Time 1-3 pm No visiting during nursing rounds (7 am and 7pm) or medical rounds (8.30 am) Visiting allowed all other times General visiting : 10 am 1 pm and 4 8 pm Partners can stay after 8 pm No visiting in Quiet Time 1 4 pm Please note visitors to the Newborn Care Centre are restricted to two people at a time and one person must be a parent. Since it is an intensive care centre children are not permitted, except if they are a brother or sister of the baby. Page 14

15 GENERAL INFORMATION Concerns It is our policy to promptly address any concerns or problems you may have during your stay. If you are unhappy about any aspect of your stay, we strongly encourage you to discuss the matter with the ward s Nursing/Midwifery Unit Manager. Any complaints or comments you make will be treated confidentially and will not change in any way the care that is given to you now or in the future. You may also like to contact the Hospital s Clinical Practice Improvement Unit by phoning the Complaints Officer on between 8 am 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. All matters will be held in the strictest confidence. Emergency procedures In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or explosion, please follow the procedures below: Do not panic; our staff are trained to deal with emergency situations. Contact a staff member on the ward. If it is safe to do so, return to your room and stay beside your bed. Do not gather your personal belongings. Do not use the lifts. Wait for instructions from our staff and follow their requests in an orderly fashion, carefully and promptly. To Reduce the Potential for Infection when in Hospital Surgical site infections are a major source of postoperative illness. Showers are found to reduce skin bacteria. Two showers are advised, one the night before surgery and preferably the second shower within two hours of the procedure. Use clean towels and clothes after each shower. Handwashing / hand hygiene is the single most important measure in preventing and controlling infections. Remember to wash your hands often and you have the right to ask Health Care Workers to perform hand hygiene before and after they attend to you. Page 15

16 Meals After day surgery you will be offered refreshments when you have recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic. Meals and snacks are served five times each day. The meals are breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. All meals in maternity are served buffet-style in the Patient Lounge. You may eat your meal in the lounge area or return to your room. We encourage you to eat your meals in the lounge, however please do not hesitate to eat in your room if you prefer. If you are unable to attend the lounge area meals will be provided in your room. Tea and coffee making facilities are available on the wards. Please advise our staff of any special dietary requirements and one of our dieticians will meet with you. Dietetic outpatient services are also available. Medical Records We will keep a confidential record of your condition and treatment at the RHW. To access your medical records simply phone the Randwick Campus Medical Records staff on (02) A small administration fee will be charged. Medication Your doctor will order any medication you will need during your stay at the RHW and this is provided by the Hospital. The medication will be given to you and monitored by our staff. Please advise our staff of any medication you have taken at the time of your admission. When you leave the Hospital, your doctor will write a prescription for any additional medication. Dispensing facilities are not available on Campus. Security Our Hospital has a Campus Security Service that operates 24 hours a day. Officers regularly patrol all buildings and hospital grounds. A Security Officer will investigate any security breach, reports of theft, a fire and duress alarm systems. Campus Security Services will contact the appropriate external support, such as the Police, where necessary. Please note that the Hospital does not accept any responsibility for the theft or damage of personal property. Page 16

17 Staff Identification All staff are required to wear photographic identity badges which includes name, photograph and job title. Do not hesitate to ask the identity of anyone not wearing a badge. If a person without an identity badge approaches you and you are concerned please alert a member of the nursing staff. Smoking In accordance with health regulations and for the comfort and health of babies, patients, staff and visitors smoking is not permitted anywhere on the hospital grounds, walkways, entrances and car parks. You must leave the Hospital Campus to smoke. Compliance is a condition of entry. Teaching our future health professionals The RHW is a tertiary referral and teaching hospital. We take pride in training health professionals who are dedicated to your care. During your visit you may encounter students or health care professionals who are undergoing an education program. People we educate include student midwives and nurses, undergraduate medical students, physiotherapy students or qualified medical practitioners gaining additional experience in areas such as anaesthetics, paediatrics, obstetrics or gynaecology. Students are required to introduce themselves and require your permission to take your medical history or examine you. They should explain what is involved and answer any questions you may have. Page 17

18 LEAVING THE HOSPITAL Day surgery patients Nurses in the after surgery recovery area will monitor you closely as you wake from anaesthesia before being transferred to a relaxing recovery lounge area. The nurse monitoring your recovery will advise you when you are well enough to return home. Please ensure that a friend or family member is there to help return you home safely. Discharge procedure When you are considered well enough to leave the Hospital, your doctor or midwife will recommend a date for your discharge. On the day you are scheduled to leave the Hospital you will be given a discharge form from one of our nurses or midwives. You will need to present the form to the Admissions or Cashiers Desk before leaving. You are required to leave the ward by 10 am on the day of discharge, however if you have difficulty in leaving at this time, please speak to the Nursing/Midwifery Unit Manager. If you choose to leave the Hospital before your doctor or midwife feels that it is appropriate, you will need to sign a form that states your decision and releases the Hospital from responsibility. If you have had surgery we advise you to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and remain with you for the rest of the day. Under no circumstances should you drive on the day of surgery. Page 18

19 Paying your account When you are ready to go home, please go to our Admissions and Discharge Desk where we can finalise your discharge and account payment. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Your Hospital accommodation costs can be claimed directly from your health fund. However, you could be responsible for accommodation excesses even though you are privately insured. This payment is required at the time of your admission. Using Medicare As a Medicare patient, Medicare will pay for your treatment and Hospital accommodation. A doctor nominated by the Hospital will treat you. Using private health insurance As a private patient you will receive treatment from the doctor of your choice. Each doctor will send you an account for their services, which may include diagnostic, pathology, anaesthesia and ultrasound services. Depending on your level of insurance coverage, some accounts will be paid for by Medicare and some will be covered by your insurance. Your Hospital accommodation costs can be claimed directly from your health fund. However, in some cases there is a gap, which needs to be paid before discharge from the Hospital. Private payment not covered by private health insurance If you choose to enter the Hospital as a private patient but do not use or hold private health insurance, you will need to pay for your Hospital accommodation before your admission. Visiting from overseas If you are visiting from overseas and you are not entitled to a Medicare card, you will need to bring a passport and pay for your Hospital accommodation before admission. If you are a maternity patient, you will need to pay for your accommodation eight weeks prior to your admission. Please bring your receipts for payment when you are admitted. Outpatient visits incur a fee for each visit; tests such as ultrasounds and pathology are additional. Reciprocal health care agreement Some countries have a Reciprocal Care Agreement with Australia. Please ask the Patient Liaison Officer if you qualify prior to coming to the Hospital. Page 19

20 OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION Banking facilities A credit union automatic teller machine is located in the main foyer of the Prince of Wales Hospital. Other banking institutions are located on Belmore Road, Randwick. The Hospital accepts payment by cash and major credit cards. Café Windscreens Café is located in the main foyer. The café provides take away service and is open from 8 am until 7 pm on weekdays and between am and 6 pm on weekends. Chaplains We have Chaplains who visit regularly and are on-call for our staff and patients. A visitor or after-hours emergency call can be arranged through our ward staff. We also have a Prayer Room located on Level 0. There is also an interdenominational chapel on Campus which is located on Level 0 of the Campus Centre (opposite the pharmacy, Prince of Wales Hospital foyer) Flowers Flowers can be ordered and delivered to the Hospital. There is a florist located in the front foyer. Flowers are delivered to our wards daily and are usually placed beside the Staff Station. To help our staff, we would appreciate if your partner or support person could check and collect your flower deliveries. *Special thanks to Dragonfly Floral Design for donating the fabulous flowers in our main foyer. (tel: ) Gift Shop The Cornucopia Gift Shop offers a range of lovely gifts and cards for women and babies. The shop is open between 10.30am and 7.30pm on Monday to Friday, 10.30am and 5.30pm on Saturday and 11am and 5pm on Sunday. Page 20

21 Parking The car park can be accessed via Easy Street and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Parking rates Metro Parking operates the car park and charges casual parking rates. Current rates can be obtained from the parking attendant. Pay station The Automatic Pay Station is located in the POWH foyer, Barker Street, Level 0. Hospital reception area The set of lifts in the car park will take you to the ground level, Level 0, of the hospital complex. When you exit the lifts, simply turn right and enter the first set of sliding doors, which lead to our Reception area. Photographs A photographer regularly visits the Hospital and is available to take photographs of new babies. The staff on your ward will be happy to provide you with the details. Post Office The nearest Post Office is located at Belmore Street, Randwick. Telephones Phones are located beside each bed and are available for hire. Please ask our staff for more information. Public telephones are located in the Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street foyer. Please DO NOT use your mobile phone within the Hospital as it can interrupt our life support equipment. Television Hire The staff on your ward will be happy to provide you with information about television hire. Page 21

22 Our needs are great Your support is vital The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation is deeply committed to supporting the Hospital and its staff through meeting the challenge of providing the very best in healthcare for women and babies in NSW and beyond. The Foundation plays a tangible role in funding research, education and special needs and upholds the Hospital s resolve to not only save precious lives, but also enhance the quality of life. To continue with its vital work, the Royal needs your financial support. Yes I would like to help the Royal by donating $... to The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation. Cheques to be made payable to The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation. Alternatively you may debit my : Mastercard ( ) Visa ( ) Amex ( ) Account No.. Signature. Expiry Date. Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Address:..Postcode ( ) Please send me information on Wills and Legacies. Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. ABN Please return to : The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation Locked Bag 2000, Randwick, NSW 2031 Page 22