GV Health Overnight / Extended Stay Patients 

This information is provided for those patients being admitted to hospital overnight or longer. What do I need to do before I come to hospital? Where do I go when I get to the hospital?  Responsibility for treatment - patients taking  their own medication in hospital Consent for treatment Privacy and confidentiality Clothing and personal items Valuables and belongings Infection control Your health care team Meals and meal times Telephones Mobile phones Televisions Clergy Chapel Mail Laundry Patient indentification Interpreters Long stay patients Koori liaison service

What do I need to do before being admitted to hospital?

Before you come to hospital you will have been given information and a time to arrive at the hospital for your elective surgery.  All enquiries about bookings should be directed to Elective Admissions on (03) 5832 2414. 

Where do I go?     

You need to enter the hospital through the main reception area. Elective Admissions is situated  Building HUB Level G.  

Responsibility for treatment - patients taking their own medication in hospital 

It is very important for your safe treatment whilst in hospital that we have detailed knowledge of all the medications you are taking (including ones purchased from health food shops, supermarkets or over the counter in pharmacies) as some of these products may not be safe for you to take at the time (eg. Some herbal products increase bleeding and some eye drops may affect your heart or breathing).   It is requested that you do not take any medicines without consulting with your doctor first.

Consent for treatment

Your Doctor will explain to you your proposed medical treatment, operation or procedure.  It is important for you to understand this so that you are able to make an informed decision regarding consent.  If you have any questions or concerns please ask your nurse or doctor.  You will be asked to sign a consent form if you require surgery.  You have the right to refuse treatment at any time during your admission.  If you do refuse you will be provided with details of likely or potential consequences of your decision.  

Privacy and confidentiality

Your medical history, treatment and any information provided to the hospital are treated confidentially.  We will not use or release your personal information without your agreement, except if it is authorised under law.  Under the Freedom of Information Act, you are entitled to request to see your medical history and to ask that it is amended, if you believe it be be inaccurate.  We will tell you of any costs associated with this request.  GV Health complies with all Victorian privacy laws and in particular the Health Records Act 2001.  For further information please read the 'Protection and Use of Your Health Information' brochure. 

Clothing and personal items

You are required to supply your own clothing such as dressing gown, nightie or pyjamas, slippers and all toiletries.  Casual clothing may be worn during the day if appropriate.  Patients are not permitted to use their own wheat/heat packs whilst staying at Goulburn Valley Health due to safety reasons.

Valuables and belongings

Goulburn Valley Health will not take responsibility for items of value that patients do not deposit in the hospital safe.  Patients are to be strongly discouraged from bringing items of value into the hospital.

Infection control

Infection Control is an essentail part of quality health care.  More information can be found in the 'Infection Control' brochure.

Your Health Care Team

All staff (including volunteers and visiting clergy) at GV Health are identified by their badges. Your Heath Care Team comprises:

• Nurse Unit Manager, Associate Nurse Unit Manager, Registered Nurses Division 1 & Division 2 (Enrolled Nurses).  The nurses uniform is navy pants or skirt and a pale blue shirt.
• Specialist staff such as Diabetes Educators or Stomal Therapists.
• Doctors may include the Consultant, the Registrar and the Resident.
• Allied Health Personal include Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Dieticians and Speech pathologists.

As Goulburn Valley Health is a teaching hospital, undergraduate students int he above professions may form part of your Health Care team in hospital.  You have the right to refuse student participation in your care.

Meals and meal times

Meals are prepared within the hospital and are designed to provide nutritional balance based on Australian dietary guidelines.  There is no restriction on the quantity that you may have, unless otherwise ordered by your Doctor.  Menus are found on your breakfast tray each morning.  Please fill out and place in the box at your unit/ward's nursing station by 9.15am daily.

When special diets are prescribed you will be required to adhere to that diet.  Please consult with nursing staff if you have special dietry needs. 

Approximate meal times (may vary slightly depending on your Unit/Ward) are:

• Breakfast                     7.30am
• Morning Tea               10.00am
• Lunch                         12.15pm
• Afternoon Tea              2.45pm
• Tea                               5.45pm

Telephones

Telephones are installed at each bed, charges apply.  Please contact a nursing staff member for more information.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones or other radio transmitting devices are NOT to be used or switched on within the hospital due to interference with vital medical equipment.

Televisions

Televisions are available for hire.  Please ask staff for assistance.

Clergy

Members of various religious denominations visit the hospital frequently.  If you wish your minister, priest or pastoral visitor to visit, please notify the ward staff who will make the appropriate arrangements.

Chapel

The Chapel is located on the ground floor adjacent to the Mary Coram Unit and opposite the lift.  The Chapel is open all hours. 

Mail

Inward mail and parcels are delivered to the wards daily.  Outward mail may be handed to the ward staff for posting.  Stamps are available from the Kiosk.

Laundry

Arrangements can be made to have your personal laundry attended to during your hospital.  Please contact nursing staff for information.

Patient Identification

All patients are required to wear a patient bracelet specifying their name, patient number, Doctor etc.  Please leave your identification bracelet intact during your stay.

Interpreters

If you need the services of an interpreter, please ask a member of the hospital staff to organise this for you.  The hospital has access to professionally accredited interpreters in most languages.

Long Stay Patients

Under the terms of Commonwealth legislation, patients hospitalised for more than 35 days who do not need acute medical treatment must be classified as 'nursing home type patients'.  Such patients are required to pay a daily contribution that is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. 

Koori Liaison Service

Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALO's) provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander patients who require access to mainstream health care services.  ALO's also provide education and advice to GV Health Staff members.  The ALO is located in the Minya Barmah Room.  The Minya Barmah Room is a place where you can come for a yarn, a cuppa or just sit.  It is a friendly place where Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people are welcome.  The ALO is available 8.30 - 5.00pm weekdays.  If you have any further questions or would like to access this service please ask a nursing staff member in your unit.