Your Stay at Strathfield Private Hospital
For your comfort and convenience (A-Z):
Accommodation
There are single and shared rooms, all with ensuites. Every effort is made to accommodate you in the room of your choice. If your preference is not available at the time of admission, we will endeavour to meet your request as soon as possible.
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. 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. A vegetarian option is available at each meal.
Chaplaincy Services
Your spiritual needs may be catered for by our pastoral care visitors. Please advise your Nursing Unit Manager for appropriate arrangements to be made.
Your own religious representative is welcome to visit you during your hospital stay.
Coffee Shop / Lounge Facilities
The Café is located on the Ground Floor of the Hospital. The Cafe offers hot and cold beverages and a variety of gourmet sandwiches. Open 6 days a week, between 8am and 4pm Monday to Fridays, and 8am-2pm on Saturdays.
Beverage bars with coffee making facilities are available in the ward areas for your convenience.
Compliments / Complaints
We welcome compliments and feedback relating to your stay with us.
Regular patient satisfaction surveys are conducted independently of the Hospital. If you are surveyed, your inclusion in these surveys is voluntary. We would appreciate your assistance if you are asked to participate. If you are concerned about your care or the Hospital’s services please contact the Nursing Unit Manager on the ward, the Director of Clinical Services or the Chief Executive Officer.
Complaints can be received by writing a letter, by telephone, by email, in person or through our survey system.
Department Of Veteran’s Affairs
As a Department of Veteran’s Affairs Veteran Partnering hospital you have immediate access to our care without the need for prior approval (prior approval is required in some circumstances e.g. cosmetic surgery, respite care, admissions to registered psychiatric beds).
Emergency Procedures
The Hospital has highly developed 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
In order to maintain the safety of patients while in hospital, Strathfield 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 mobilizing around the room. We encourage families and friends to participate in the falls prevention process to ensure our patients’ safety. The Hospital’s Falls Prevention Information brochure is available in each ward.
Identification of 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.
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.
- 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.
Interpreter Service
If the service of an interpreter is required, contact the Hospital prior to admission so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Laundry (Personal)
The hospital does not provide a personal laundry service. Please make your own arrangements with the help of family or friends. If this is not possible, ask your nurse about alternatives.
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 Administration section. Staff will endeavour to label any item with your name and you will be contacted to collect the items.
Medical Staff
The doctor who admits you is responsible for your medical care while you are in Strathfield Private Hospital. Any questions that you have regarding your treatment should be directed to him/her. All wards are covered 24 hours a day with experienced medical officers.
Mobile Phones
When you are admitted please ask our staff if mobiles can be used in your room. Mobiles may be used in all public areas including the coffee shop. Strathfield Private Hospital does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to your mobile phone.
Newspapers
Newspapers are available for sale from the Café.
Patient Record
A patient record will be kept detailing your illness and treatment. This is confidential and access is limited only to the healthcare professionals directly involved in your treatment. Your patient record will remain in the property of the Hospital. The contents of your patient record will be divulged only with your written consent or where required by the law. You may request to review your patient record at any time. The Hospital has up to 14 days to respond to your request. Administration fees do apply. Please contact the Director of Clinical Services to organise this.
Pharmacy
Strathfield Private Hospital is serviced by Ramsay Pharmacy. It delivers a comprehensive range of services to all patients
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.
To ensure that additional charges are not applied, patients are requested to bring their prescriptions with them at their 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.
Privacy
All hospitals in the Ramsay Health Care Group comply with the Commonwealth Privacy Act and all other state/territory legislative requirements in relation to the management of personal information. Our patients can feel safe in the knowledge that we safeguard their personal health information ensuring that confidentiality is respected and information is stored securely. If you have any further enquiries in relation to our Privacy Policy or our health information management practices please ask for our Privacy Policy brochure.
Quality Improvement
The hospital utilises sophisticated levels of quality measure and reviews to ensure all aspects of your care are of a high standard. In cooperation with various Universities, medical researchers at Strathfield Private Hospital are engaged in vital research designed to find causes, cures, better management methods and improved medications and treatments of a range of major conditions that affect the health of veterans and the Australian community at large. This important work demonstrates the Hospital’s ongoing commitment to quality improvement. Please refer to the end of this booklet for more information.
Relatives staying overnight
Relatives may stay overnight with prior approval.
Rights And Responsibilities
As a patient in our Hospital, we encourage you to be informed of your rights and responsibilities. Click here to view the Patient Charter.
Smoking
In accordance with the NSW Department of Health Policy, smoking is not permitted in the Hospital. Strathfield Private Hospital has been completely smoke-free since 2007. It is recommended that you do not smoke before and after your procedure.
Surgery
The following cannot be worn into the operating theatre:
- Nail polish (fingers or toes)
- Make up
- Hairpins
- Jewellery
- Contact lenses
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 Reception
People may phone you directly by dialling 9745- XXXX (followed by the extension number provided on each phone). Alternatively, they may phone (02) 9745-7444 (Hospital Switchboard). Phone calls will be put through to your bedside telephone between 7am and 9pm. 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.
Television
The Hospital provides a television set at your bedside at no additional charge. Your nurse-call handset operates the television. All the free-to-air channels are available and two radio stations.
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.
Valuables
Patients are strongly advised not to wear jewellery and to leave other valuables at home. The Hospital will not accept liability for loss of valuables or personal belongings. Bedside lockers and a cupboard are provided for each patient to store toiletries and personal belongings.
Violence/Agression
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 Nursing Unit Managers during weekdays and an After Hours Supervisor on evening, night and weekend shifts. Any problems that may occur during your stay, should be raised with the Nursing Unit Manager.