HOSPITAL PATIENTS GUIDE

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HOSPITAL PATIENTS GUIDE
2012/2013
THIS DIRECTORY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE HOSPITAL
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

PATIENT INFORMATION
WELCOME TO BASS COAST REGIONAL HEALTH -
WONTHAGGI HOSPITAL.
The Wonthaggi Hospital, as part of Bass Coast Regional Health, is staffed by a committed team of
dedicated people who understand that being a patient in hospital can often be an anxious time for
you, your carer, family and friends.
This booklet aims at assisting you to understand the information and services you may expect during
your stay. Please feel free to ask members of our staff if you have any questions or require further
information.
VISION
Striving to achieve excellence in health care for the Gippsland South Coast.
PURPOSE
To plan and develop a sub regional health service that meets the primary health needs of the local
community in addition to providing secondary and specialist care to the extended population of the
South Coast. We are committed to work with our partners to achieve appropriate sub regional
access to specialist services for the people of the South Coast.
VALUES
A set of values will underpin our strategic direction and our relationships with the community and
our health partners:
• Person Centred Focus
• Integrity
• Trust
• Respect
• Quality and Safety
• Accountability
• Working Together
Bass Coast Regional Health, Wonthaggi 2012/5379
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PATIENT INFORMATION
Wonthaggi Hospital was founded in 1910 and services the Bass Coast Shire, an area of over 860
square kilometres and with a permanent population of over 30,000. The Health Service provides a
comprehensive range of services including acute and sub-acute hospital services, aged residential
care, community health services and a range of ancillary medical services.
The Health Service is fully accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and
equipped to offer a broad range of specialist medical, surgical and obstetric services including
orthopaedics, ophthalmology, gynaecology, paediatrics, ear nose & throat surgery, gastrocolic
surgery, urology, general surgery, Geriatric Evaluation and Management program, and slow stream
rehabilitation.
Aged residential care services are provided in the 30-bed Armitage House Nursing Home, 30-bed
Kirrak House Nursing Home both in Wonthaggi, and 29-bed Griffiths Point Lodge Hostel at San
Remo. All aged residential care services are accredited through the Aged Care Standards and
Accreditation Agency, and ACHS.
A wide range of community-based services are provided from sites at Wonthaggi, Inverloch,
Grantville, Corinella and Cowes. The Health Service also provides Meals on Wheels to all of the Bass
Coast Shire community, comprehensive training programs for its staff and the community including
apprenticeships, public health programs, and clinical placement programs for medical, nursing and
allied health trainees.
Interpreter services may be organised in advance to facilitate care requirements such as elective
admission, and procedural consent.
Lea Pope
Chief Executive Officer
Bass Coast Regional Health
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PATIENT INFORMATION
What To Bring To Hospital
• Medicare Card
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme entitlement
card (if relevant)
• Concession, Healthcare, Safety Net
• DVA / Pension Card
• Private Health Insurance details (if applicable)
• Any documentation that the doctor has given
you for example:
- Medication Chart
- Operation Consent form (if not already
given at booking in)
- Anaesthetic Information
- X-rays
- Letter / instructions
If you are staying overnight:
• Nightdress / pyjamas, dressing gown, and
well fitting slippers
• Toiletries
• Small change (for newspapers and phone
calls)
• Phone cards can be purchased at the
Administration office in the foyer for bedside
telephones, or there is a public telephone in
the foyer.
Note: Private electrical appliances will be subject
to a safety check (by the hospital) prior to use in
the hospital.
Valuables
Please avoid bringing valuables (including
watches, jewellery, etc.) or large amounts of cash
into the hospital, as the Health Service does not
accept responsibility for such items.
If you have brought valuables in with you, they
may be signed over to the staff and maintained
in the safe. You will be given a receipt for the
valuables to be used at the time collection.
Collection of valuables can only be undertaken
during office hours. If amounts of money over
$50 have been signed over to the Health Service,
at least one (1) business day’s notice is required
to retrieve these, as cash is not kept on the
premises. This arrangement is to be made via
General Administration on (03) 5671 3333.
ADMISSION / DISCHARGE /
TRANSFER
Maternity
Maternity patients will need to book in at the
hospital as early as possible prior to the expected
birth date. Women need to have chosen their
doctor from the Wonthaggi Medical Group and
consulted with that doctor. Women should
telephone the main reception at the hospital to
book an appointment with a midwife who will
discuss individual pregnancy care plans.
Patient Classification
Bass Coast Regional Health is a public hospital,
and on admission you will be classified as one of
the following care types:
• Public patient (Medicare)
• Private patient
• Compensable patient (Workcover or TAC –
claim number required)
• Veterans' Affairs
• Overseas patient from countries without
reciprocal healthcare. Patients not covered by
Medicare will be charged fees to achieve full
cost recovery.
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PATIENT INFORMATION
Patients with private health insurance have the
choice to be treated as either a public or private
patient – unless you have agreed with your
surgeon to have you procedure as a private
patient. We encourage you to use your private
insurance if you have it because by doing so you
are assisting the Health Service to maintain
provision of the best care and facilities for the
community we serve.
If you elect to be a private patient please ensure
that your health fund membership is up to date,
covers your admitted procedure (if surgical), and
that you have your membership card/book or
details with you. It is your responsibility to be
aware of your level of cover and to ensure that
your membership is current.
Transfer to Another Facility
Sometimes it is necessary to transfer patients to
another hospital, nursing home or healthcare
facility. This is only done in consultation with you
and your carer/family, or in emergency situations.
Transfer may be by air or road ambulance, or
hospital/volunteer transport service.
Please check that any follow up appointments
have been made and that your medication
requirements have been arranged prior to
discharge – refer to medication heading.
Discharges normally occur before 10.00 am. If
you are having a day procedure you will be
discharged on the same day. You must make
arrangements for someone to drive you home, as
legally you are not able to drive a motorised
vehicle for a minimum of 24 hours post
anaesthetic. It is recommended that you have
someone stay with you overnight for this postanaesthetic
period.
Discharge at Own Risk
With few exceptions (for example in case of
infectious diseases) you have the right to leave
hospital when you choose. This may be a serious
step when taken against the advice of your
doctor and could pose a significant threat to your
well-being. If you choose to be discharged under
these circumstances you will be asked to sign a
disclaimer form and the responsibility for this
action will rest with you.
Discharge
Management of your treatment may continue
after you leave hospital and return home. Before
you are discharged the hospital will make sure
that you and the relatives or friends involved in
your care know how to look after you at home,
and understand what is involved. Please do not
hesitate to ask for treatment programs to be
written out for you if you have any doubts. Your
doctor or nurse will answer any questions you
may have and will arrange necessary support
services such as District Nursing, personal care,
rehabilitation, Meals on Wheels, or Home Help.
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PATIENT INFORMATION
MEDICATIONS
Current Medication
To help the Doctor and Pharmacist check that the
right medications are given to you while in
hospital, please bring all your medications from
home with you. Sometimes, the medications
given to you in hospital may look different to the
ones used at home as the hospital may keep a
different brand of medication. Your own
medication, such as inhalers and eye drops may
also be used if the hospital does not have these
available, so please ensure you bring them with you.
While in hospital, a Pharmacist may visit you to
review your medications. It is important you tell
the Pharmacist all the medications you take
(including non-prescription and herbal
medications) and any allergies or sensitivities you
have to medications.
The Pharmacist will help the Doctor to give you
the best medication treatment available and can
explain any changes to your medications that
may have been made by the Doctor. The
Pharmacist can also answer any questions you
may have about your medications. If you would
like any additional information about your
medications such as a Consumer Medicines
Information sheet (CMI), please ask, so that one
can be supplied.
Discharge Medication
A medication summary may be prepared for you
and this needs to be taken to your local doctor
and any other follow up appointments that
occur. Before leaving hospital you may be given
prescriptions for up to one month's supply of
medication. The prescription can be dispensed in
either the hospital pharmacy (during office
hours) or at your local community pharmacy.
YOUR HOSPITAL STAY
On arrival to the ward you will be shown to your
bed. The staff will orientate you, and be happy
to provide you with any information you require.
All hospital staff and volunteers wear
identification badges showing their name and
position.
If you wish to leave the ward for any reason at
any time please consult with the Associate Nurse
Unit Manager before leaving.
Alcohol
Patients and visitors are not permitted to have or
consume liquor on the hospital grounds, without
medical consent.
Aggressive Behaviour
Bass Coast Regional Health has a zero tolerance
policy and aggressive and violent behaviour
towards staff or other patients will not be
tolerated. Should this occur the Police will be
called and legal action may be initiated.
Comments, Compliments and
Complaints
We invite any comment you may have about
your stay in hospital. Our staff will endeavour to
solve any problems quickly. We encourage you
to speak to the staff or the Nurse Unit Manager
of your ward, or alternatively you may wish to
speak to the Director of Nursing Services.
Comments, Compliment, and Complaints forms
and a suggestion box are available in the main
hospital foyer as another option for feedback.
Any member of the public can contact the Health
Services Commissioner. (HSC) on (03) 8601 5200
(toll free 1800 136 066).
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PATIENT INFORMATION
The HSC will listen to complaints and advise how
they may be resolved. The Health Service does
request that you raise any issues locally prior to
accessing the Health Services Commissioner.
Consent
By coming to hospital you have implied consent
to treatment. Certain procedures such as
operations, the administration of anaesthetics
and some tests may require your specific consent
in writing. You will be advised of this. It is
important that you understand and are fully
informed of what is involved before you give
consent. We encourage you to participate fully
in decisions made about your treatment and ask
any questions that you may have.
Day Leave
Day leave is when a patient currently admitted to
the hospital has a requirement to leave for any
reason (not including transfer), with the intention
of returning either the same or next day. This is
an unusual circumstance given the demand for
hospital beds, and is only done in special
circumstances, in negotiation with the treating
Doctor, and Nurse Unit Manager.
Emergency Procedures
All hospital staff are trained in emergency
procedures. In the event of fire or other
emergency, remain by your bed and wait until a
staff member advises you what to do.
Laundry
Please note that the hospital does not provide a
personal laundry service.
Mail
Incoming mail is delivered to your bedside daily.
Ward staff will assist you with outgoing mail if
necessary.
Nurse Call System
If you require assistance do not hesitate to alert
the nursing staff by using the call button located
near your bed.
Activities undertaken during this period of
absence from the Health Service are at the
patient’s own risk.
Patients who do not return to the Hospital by the
agreed time and have not contacted the Nurse
Unit Manger or After Hours Co-ordinator to
inform of potential delay, will be considered
discharged.
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PATIENT INFORMATION
Smoke Free Policy
Bass Coast Regional Health is a smoke free
organisation, in line with its role of health
promotion and illness prevention.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the
Wonthaggi Hospital site for patients, visitors, or
staff.
A range of supports are available to inpatients,
including nicotine chewing gum and patches.
There is also QUIT literature available for your
reference in the foyer or at www.quit.org.au
Telephone
For your convenience a public telephone is
located in the main foyer of the hospital.
Patients in the acute wards may purchase a
phone card from main reception between 9 AM
and 5 PM, Monday to Friday, and from Ward
Clerks at other times. This will allow calls to be
made from the bedside telephones.
Witness to Legal Documents
Bass Coast Regional Health does not permit staff
to witness legal documents for patients or
visitors. The organisation would prefer that staff
not be requested to witness legal documents and
that you arrange this through your Solicitor.
Volunteer Activities
For patients who do not have family or other
external social supports Volunteer visitors usually
attend the ward Monday to Saturday. If required
they may be available to purchase small items
(such as toiletries) from the local shopping centre
for patients.
FOOD SERVICES
The Food Service Department strives to provide
you with meals that are healthy, nutritious, and
as appetising as possible.
We ask that you do not use mobile phones
within the patient rooms of the hospital as these
can interfere with the delicate monitoring
equipment.
Television & Radios
Some wards provide TV facilities. TV controls are
located in the Nurse Call Handset. Radios must
be equipped with an earpiece at all times to
minimise discomfort to other patients.
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PATIENT INFORMATION
Ordering Meals
A Food Service Assistant will come to you in the
afternoon, and can answer any questions you
have about the menu and will write down your
choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Food Services can provide for most dietary
requirements, but it is imperative that hospital
staff are notified of the details.
Helpful Hints for Ordering Meals
• You can order smaller or larger meals
depending on your appetite.
• When ordering cereal, please specify hot or
cold milk.
• Low fat milk is used in all cooking and
beverages.
• An artificial sweetener is available upon
request.
• Fresh fruit in season is available at all meal
times.
• Assorted sandwiches include: cheese, egg,
tuna and various salad items. Four points is a
standard serve. White or wholemeal bread is
available - all white bread is high fibre unless
otherwise requested.
Dietary Information
The Dietitian is happy to advise and assist on any
aspect of your diet. Please ask your Health
Professional for a referral. The hospital can cater
for a wide range of dietary needs. If you have
special dietary requirements or have any food
allergies or intolerances, please let the Nursing
staff know when you book in or are admitted to
hospital.
Meeting a patient’s nutritional requirements is an
essential component for achieving an optimal
recovery. Visitors are requested to refrain from
visiting during meal times unless assisting a
patient with their meal requirements.
Approximate Meal Times
8:00 AM Breakfast
10:00 AM Morning Tea
12:30 PM Lunch
3:45 PM Afternoon Tea
5:00 PM Dinner
8:15 PM Supper
• Over-bed trolleys are positioned by nursing
staff only. Please ensure that they are clear
prior to your meal. Meal trays are collected
approximately thirty minutes after the meal
has been served.
• Fridges and microwaves are available in the
ward pantries for patients. Any food stored in
the fridge must be labelled and dated, and
will be disposed of 2 days (post dating), or at
discharge.
It is not Bass Coast Regional Health Policy to
provide food and beverages to visitors.
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South Gippsland Family Medicine
Same Day Consultation Available
Phone 5672 4111
BULK BILLING
FOR ALL MEDICARE ITEMS
CONSULTING HOURS
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8.00AM TO 5.30PM
WEDNESDAY LATE CLINIC TIL 7.30PM
SERVICES AVAILABLE:
• Family Medicine • Preventative Care
• Minor Surgical Procedures • Aged Care • Immunisations
• Skin Checks • Visiting Allied Health Professionals
4-6/1 Billson Street, Wonthaggi 3995
Accredited to RACGP General Practice Standards
“Caring Family Medicine”
PLASTERERS
Happy to support
The Wonthaggi Hospital
and local Community
• DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL
• WALLS, CEILINGS & PARTITIONS
• ACOUSTIC & FIRE RATED
Loughran Drive, Wonthaggi Vic
Ph: 5672 2497
Mob: 0412 304 442
Email: sceilings@optusnet.com.au
RENDERS AND
TEXTURES
•Servicing Bass Coast
Regional Health
• Business Enquiries
very welcome
Become a
blood
donor
at your nearest
Red Cross Blood Bank
14 Loughran Drive
Wonthaggi VIC 3995
5672 5302

PATIENT INFORMATION
Meals-On-Wheels Information
A referral for Meals-On-Wheels may be made for
you by your Doctor or Nursing staff. Meals will
commence on the day after you have been
discharged from hospital. You will be contacted
by the Meals on Wheels Co-ordinator within 14
days to complete the assessment process
required for Meals on Wheels.
The meal includes a main course, sweets and
fruit juice. The meals are delivered chilled by a
Volunteer and will usually arrive at your house by
12 noon. Accounts are sent out by the Accounts
Department at the end of every month, arriving
around the 10th day of the following month.
Please ask for the Food Services Manager if you
have any queries, requests or comments about
the food service provided.
We hope you enjoy your meals whilst in hospital.
HEALTH INFORMATION AND
PRIVACY
Bass Coast Regional Health maintains a
confidential record of your health information.
Access to this information is restricted to
healthcare professionals who are directly involved
in your treatment and Health Information staff.
Your medical record remains the property of Bass
Coast Regional Health.
Why Do We Collect your
Health Information?
Information about your health is recorded in your
medical record for the purposes of planning your
care and treatment. The medical record contains
your name, address, contact details and other
information such as the problem for which you
seek treatment and the treatment and advice you
were given. This information is collected and
updated by healthcare professionals every time
you seek treatment.
To safeguard your own health we ask that you
provide us with accurate and complete
information. Withholding relevant information
may put your health at risk.
What Happens To Your Health
Information?
Information about your health is recorded in a
paper medical record, which is confidentially
maintained and securely stored. Information is
also stored on our computer system. This means
that information about you is available in paper
file and electronically, to the healthcare
professionals at Bass Coast Regional Health that
are involved in your care. This allows the
involved healthcare staff fast and accurate access
to your health information.
In an emergency situation we will release
personal information about you to facilitate your
care in accordance with the guidelines of the
Health Services Commissioner.
In non-emergency situations, a consent form to
share your personal information with other
agencies involved in your ongoing care is
required.
When you go home from hospital we will send a
Discharge Summary to your local doctor if you
agreed to this on admission. This summarises
your stay in hospital, your medication and any
special instructions we need your doctor to
know. If you do not wish this information to be
sent to your doctor please let your nurse know as
soon as possible. We may also share information
relevant to your ongoing care with community
groups that are providing you with support.
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PATIENT INFORMATION
These may include Meals-On-Wheels, District
Nursing, your nominated community pharmacy
and other support services.
In some circumstances, Bass Coast Regional
Health is obligated by law to release personal
information about you. For example, we report
notifiable diseases to the Department of Health
and all cancers to the Anti-Cancer Council of
Australia. De-identified data is sent to the
Department of Health, as a requirement of all
public hospitals.
Information is only made available for research
projects, which have been approved by an Ethics
Committee. Individuals who carry out research
must follow strict guidelines and maintain
confidentiality of the information that they
access.
No personal, identifiable information apart from
that described will leave the Health Services
without prior consent.
How do we protect your
health information?
Everyone working at Bass Coast Regional Health
has a legal duty to keep information about you
confidential. We only pass on information about
you if authorised by you or by law. Whenever
possible, details which identify you are removed.
Any person or organisation that receives
information from us has a legal duty to keep it
confidential. The Health Records Act 2001 (VIC)
came into effect in July 2002 and Bass Coast
Regional Health has processes in place to meet all
requirements of this Act. Information relating to
this Act and more general privacy considerations
can be found at www.dhs.vic.gov.au/privacy
How can you access your
health information?
Under the Freedom of Information Act you have,
in most circumstances, the right to access your
medical record and the right to amend it if
necessary. Requests to access your medical
record can be made in writing to the
Organisation’s Freedom of Information Officer.
Charges will apply.
Postal address on page 17.
TIPS FOR SAFER HEALTH CARE
1. Be actively involved with your own health
care.
Take part in every decision to help prevent
things from going wrong and get the best
possible care for your needs.
2. Speak up if you have any questions or
concerns.
Ask questions. Expect answers that you can
understand. Ask a family member, carer or
interpreter to be there with you if you want.
3. Learn more about your condition or
treatments.
Collect as much reliable information as you
can. Ask your health care professional:
• What should I look out for?
• Please tell me more about my condition,
tests and treatment.
• How will the tests or treatments help me
and what is involved?
• What are the risks and what is likely to
happen if I don't have this treatment?
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PATIENT INFORMATION
4. Keep a list of all the medicines you are taking.
Include:
• prescriptions, over-the-counter and
complementary medicines (e.g. vitamins
and herbs); and
• information about drug allergies you
may have.
5. Make sure you understand the medicines you
are taking.
Read the label, including the warnings.
Make sure it is what your doctor ordered for
you.
Ask about:
• directions for use;
• possible side effects or interactions; and
• how long you'll need to take it for.
6. Before you leave hospital, ask your health
care professional to explain the treatment
plan you will use at home.
Make sure you understand your continuing
treatment, medicines and follow-up care.
Visit your GP as soon as possible after you are
discharged.
Tips for Safer Health Care
www.safetyandquality.gov.au
information at
CHARTER OF HEALTH CARE
RIGHTS
Bass Coast Regional Health acts in line with the
Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights for
Victoria. Further information is available at:
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/patientcharter/
Or
You have the RIGHT to:
Access – a right to access health care.
Safety – a right to receive safe and high quality
health care.
Respect – a right to be shown respect, and to be
treated with dignity and consideration.
Communication – a right to be informed about
services, treatment, options and costs in a clear
and concise way.
Participation – a right to be included in decision
and to make choices about your health care.
Privacy – a right to privacy and confidentiality of
your personal information.
Comment – a right to comment on your
healthcare, and to have your concerns
addressed.
STRATEGIES TO MAXIMISE
YOUR HEALTHCARE
EXPERIENCE:
• Be aware of your rights.
• Work with the treating team by providing
relevant information about your health or any
circumstances that may influence your
treatment, recovery, or stay in hospital.
• Ask questions about your treatment if you do
not understand.
• Participate and follow your prescribed and
agreed treatment.
• Convey your needs to Bass Coast Regional
Health staff, wherever able.
• Alert Bass Coast Regional Health staff to
concerns that you may have with your
prescribed treatment, wherever able.
http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/
13

PATIENT INFORMATION
• Inform Bass Coast Regional Health staff if
your condition changes.
• Keep your appointment time or advise staff if
you need to change an appointment.
• Be an active partner in treatment decisions
wherever possible.
• Take care of your personal belongings and
money.
• Be considerate of staff and other patients,
respecting beliefs, religion, community and
cultural differences and ask your visitors to do
the same.
• Understand the Health Service has a Zero
Tolerance policy with respect to violent or
aggressive behaviour to staff, patients, or
visitors in consideration of everybody’s safety.
VICTORIAN PATIENT
SATISFACTION MONITOR
We invite you to participate in the Victorian
Patient Satisfaction Monitor (VPSM). The VPSM is
a study that measures patients' satisfaction with
their hospital stay. Results from the study help
hospitals to identify ways that they can improve
services for patients. Bass Coast Regional Health
continuously participates in the VPSM, which is
conducted across Victoria and is sponsored by
the Department of Health.
If you agree to participate in the VPSM, you may
be one of the people who receive a survey in the
mail after discharge from hospital. Bass Coast
Regional Health will send your name, address
and preferred language to Ultra Feedback, an
independent research company that has been
appointed to send out and collect the survey.
Your name and personal details will only be used
to contact you for the survey and will not be used
for any other purpose. After the survey and a
thank you letter have been sent out, any record
of your name and personal details will be
destroyed.
If you receive a questionnaire, you will have the
opportunity to answer questions about how you
felt about your stay in hospital.
As your participation is anonymous, you will not
be sent a copy of the survey findings. A report of
the survey results will be sent to Bass Coast
Regional Health every six months and an annual
statewide report is publicly available on the
internet at: www.health.vic.gov.au/patsat or by
contacting the Department of Health on 1800
356 601.
You do not have to take part in this survey.
Participation is entirely voluntary. You can
withdraw from the study by:
• completing a Refusal To Participate form,
available from the Admissions Clerk, and
leaving it with hospital staff; or
• by not returning the questionnaire.
Your privacy will be protected at all times and
your participation, or non-participation in this
survey will not influence any future hospital
treatment you may require.
Thank you for your assistance and co-operation.
VISITORS AND VISITING HOURS
Enquiries
Telephone enquiries from relatives and friends
regarding a patient's condition should be made
on (03) 56713333 between the hours of 9 AM
and 8 PM.
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PATIENT INFORMATION
Visitors
Please help us to provide the best care by asking
your visitors to visit between 2 PM and 8 PM
each day. It is important that a patient's privacy
and dignity is respected whilst they receive
treatment. If unable to visit during these times
please discuss with the nursing staff and a
suitable visiting time may be negotiated.
Visitor Services
Vending machines are located in the main foyer
of the hospital, where tea, coffee, cold drinks
and snacks can be purchased. Lounge facilities
are available in the main ward areas. In
consideration of other patients, if you have more
than 2 visitors, please utilise the lounge facility
rather than your bed area whenever possible.
A public telephone and toilets are located in the
main foyer of the hospital. If people are using
mobile phones in the lounge or public areas of
the hospital please have the tone set to silent,
and minimise volume of conversations in the
interest of unwell patients.
A baby change table is available in the female
public toilet off the main foyer.
Car Parking
Car parking is available on the hospital grounds
and is free of charge. Disabled parking spaces
are located close to entrances.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Bass Coast Regional Health provides the
following community based services to the
residents of Bass Coast Shire:
Asthma Education
Activiites Programs
Breast Care
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Chaplaincy /Pastoral Care Program
Continence Nurse
Dental
Diabetes Educator
Dietetics
District Nursing
Early Intervention Chronic Disease Management
Family Day Care
Family Services
Financial Counsellors
Hospital Admission Risk Program
Meals on Wheels
Occupational Therapy
Palliative Care Service
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
General Rehabilitation
Sexual Assault Support Program
Social Work
Speech Pathology
Stomal Therapy
Transition Care Program
Volunteer Servies
Youth Support Services
Welfare Services
Bereavement Support Service
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PATIENT INFORMATION
Minimal fees may apply to some community
based services.
For further information, contact Bass Coast
Regional Health during office hours on:
Telephone: (03) 5671 3333
Facsimile: (03) 5671 3300
Falls Prevention
Falls prevention is a key concern at Bass Coast
Regional Health, and the aim is to maintain your
safety, independence, and confidence.
All patients are given a comprehensive
assessment on admission, and falls risks are a
part of this process. Strategies specific to your
requirements are then integrated into your plan
of care to minimise the risk of a fall.
Your risk of falls is often high on admission, due
to a combination of your current condition and
the change in environment. Fortunately there
are simple steps that you, your carer/ family/
friends, and the staff can take to prevent the
likelihood of a fall.
One of the visible strategies used at Bass Coast
Regional Health is the colour orange. Orange
wrist bands and an orange ‘ falling star’ symbol
in a bed area are sometimes used to assist staff in
the need to keep patient areas clear, or to offer
that little bit extra support when ambulating.
Factors influencing the risk of falls are:
• Nutrition
• Mobility (prior falls, general health, and
physical condition)
• Continence
• Cognition
- Depression
- Delirium
- Dementia
• Environment (particularly a change in
environment)
• Medications
Things for you to consider:
• Keep the space around your bed free of
unnecessary clutter as this can be a tripping
hazard.
• If you have been prescribed a walking aid or
other aid to assist in you independence, use
them as these are for your safety.
Inform staff if you previously relied on walking
aids or specialised equipment such as chairs or
showering aids.
• When you first arrive, or post a procedure you
may be unsteady on your feet. Ask for
supervision until you are safer, or it may be
necessary to use a walking aid.
• If rushing to the toilet is a problem, let the
staff know so a toilet regimen or other
strategies can be established.
• Tell the staff if you think existing or new
medications are causing side effects,
particularly dizziness, or unsteadiness on your
feet. Report any episodes of dizziness that
may occur.
• Take the opportunity for supervised physical
activity while on the ward as this helps with
gradual improvement in strength and
balance.
• Ensure that you or your family bring in
appropriate fitting slippers/shoes as they are
essential for safe walking.
16

PATIENT INFORMATION
• Ensure that dressing gowns and clothing are
not too long.
• Wear your spectacles as needed, and report
any changes in your vision which might make
it difficult to move around safely.
Things not to do:
• Walk in socks.
• Get out of bed unassisted if recently
admitted, feeling unwell, after having pain
medication, or post procedure.
• Use the furniture or over-bed table as a
walking aid.
• Think that you do not want to bother the
nurse.
Bass Coast Regional health has a variety of
equipment available to assit in preventing you
from falling. Some of this equipment may be
available via short term rental if needed for your
initial convalescence at home.
Some interventions are single patient use and are
available for your purchase, use in hospital and to
take home post discharge.
• Hip protectors – two pairs of underwear, and
a set of hip protector inserts.
• Non-slip socks.
Please enquire with the Nurse Unit Manager
about these products.
SUPPORTING YOUR HEALTH
SERVICE
The Health Service is indebted to our community
for your ongoing support, and relies heavily upon
the generosity of the community to maintain our
high levels of patient care.
There are many ways you can continue to help:
• By joining our Volunteer Support Group.
• Through fundraising and other activities.
• By joining the Ladies Auxillary.
Volunteer Services
We have an enthusiastic, friendly team of
volunteers who provide many patient support
activities. Please contact the Volunteer
Coordinator on (03) 5671 3278 for information
on how to become part of our team.
Donations
The needs of a growing community demand that
more health services and resources be made
available in the future. To meet such needs Bass
Coast Regional Health requires ongoing
community support for our continuing capital
development and to purchase items of
specialised equipment.
Donations can be directed to the:
Chief Executive Officer
Bass Coast Regional Health
Reply Paid
PO Box 120
Wonthaggi 3995
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible. A
receipt can be provided upon request.
For further information please speak with the
Nurse Unit Manager or our Chief Executive
Officer.
Donations may also be left to the health service
in the form of a bequest.
17

PATIENT INFORMATION
Bed Gym
(Reproduced courtesy Southwest Healthcare and
Ballarat Health Services)
By doing some regular moving and exercises you
can help your recovery and prevent complications
occurring as a result of being less active whilst in
hospital.
Being in hospital often means you are less mobile
than normal due to illness, surgery or treatment.
This can put you at risk of complications such as:
• Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure sores)
are damage to the skin or underlying tissue,
due to lying or sitting in one position for too
long. They usually occur over bony areas
especially heels and buttocks.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in
the deeper veins of the legs and pelvis,
associated with slowing down of the blood
flow due to inactivity.
• Chest infection/pneumonia can occur due to
a lack of deep breathing and coughing that
comes naturally with activity and exercise.
Prior to undertaking the following, it is important
that you check with your nurse or physiotherapist
whether it is appropriate for you to undertake
these activities without assistance.
What you can do to help:
1. Go for a walk every couple of hours.
If you are able, this is the single most
important thing you can do.
2. If unable to walk, change your position every
1-2 hours.
From your back to side or from in bed to
sitting out.
3. If sitting out of bed, change the weight on
your bottom every 15 minutes.
By leaning forward or side-to-side. Avoid
sitting too long.
Use equipment or aids to help reduce
pressure whilst lying or sitting.
e.g. special mattresses, foam wedges to keep
your heels off the mattress.
4. Move your legs every hour.
Lift each leg up a few centimetres off the
mattress 10 times per hour.
Point your toes down towards the end of the
bed and then pull them back towards the
ceiling 10 times per hour.
5. Deep breathing and coughing exercises.
• Take 5 deep breaths, holding breath for
2 seconds at the end of each inspiration.
• Breath normally for five breaths.
• Take another 5 deep breaths, holding
breath for 2 seconds at the end of each
inspiration.
• Huff.
• Cough.
• Breath normally.
It would be optimal to do these at least 2 hourly
during the day if able.
Support your abdomen with a pillow if necessary
and cough or huff to help expel any secretions in
your lungs.
It is very important that you ask for pain relief if
you need to move, deep breathe or cough.
6. Check your skin every day.
Report any redness or tenderness in any areas
prone to pressure, such as bottom, base of spine,
heels elbows, knees or hips.
19

PATIENT INFORMATION
Report any redness, swelling or tenderness in
your legs.
Look after your skin (avoid massage, use mild
soap & moisturise).
7. Maintain a healthy diet and adequate fluids.
Check with care staff, relating to your particular
reason for hospitalisation prior, to undertaking
these exercises.
Going Home (Your Discharge
Checklist)
You can expect to be involved in the preparation
and planning for going home. An expected date
of discharge may have been given to you on
admission. You should be aware that this date
may be bought forward or delayed, depending
on your medical condition. We believe when
your health permits you should be able to go
home.
✓ Discharge Date:
Discharge Time is 10AM
Transport home arranged
✓ Arrangements for a care giver (family or
friend) to support you at home.
✓ Discharge medications – make sure that
you understand what medications you are
taking and how to take them.
Check that you have enough medication until
you see your doctor next.
Ensure that you have any medications that
you brought into hospital with you, and that
you are still taking.
✓ Organise any equipment such as crutches,
walking frame, shower chair, or over toilet
seat. Bass Coast Regional Health
only supplies equipment for short term use.
✓ Discuss with your nurse any services
needed such as, Meals On Wheels,
showering/personal care assistance, Home
Help, District Nursing or Transition Care.
✓ Follow-up appointments with your Doctor
and/or Allied Health Staff.
✓ Contact Number of the person who is
picking you up from hospital.
✓ X-rays are your property, and a vital key to
your health plan. Please ensure that you have
them to take home, as you will need them for
doctor’s appointments.
20

COMMITED TO SERVING THE SOUTH
GIPPSLAND AND BASS COAST REGIONS
Collection Centre Hours Centre
FOSTER MON – FRI 8.30am – 10.00am, 11.00am – 12.30pm
102 Station Street 2.00pm – 4.00pm
5682 1319 SAT 9.00am – 11.30am
INVERLOCH MON – FRI 8.30am – 10.30am
14 Reilly Street.
5674 3460
KORUMBURRA MON – FRI 8.00am – 1.00pm, 2.30pm – 4.00pm
50 Radovick Street
5655 2934
LEONGATHA MON – FRI 8.30am – 4.30pm
Gippsland Southern SAT 9.00am – 10.30am
Health Service
5667 5573
WONTHAGGI MON – FRI 8.30am – 4.30pm
Bass Coast
Regional Health SAT 9.00am – 10.30am
5671 3292
WONTHAGGI MON – FRI 8.30am – 12.30pm, 1.00pm – 4.30pm
42 Murray Road
5672 5098
YARRAM MON – FRI 8.30am – 11.00am, 12.30pm – 2.25pm
121 Commercial Road
5182 0269
LEONGATHA LABORATORY WONTHAGGI LABORATORY
Phone: 5667 5573 Phone: 5671 3292
YOUR LOCAL PATHOLOGY SERVICE
est. 1988