Essential information for inpatients
On this page we cover off a number of important details about your stay at the Wonthaggi Hospital.
Current medications
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 information about your medications such as a Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) sheet, please ask one of the nurses, so that one can be supplied.
Discharge medications
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.
Family spokesperson
When you are ill, family and friends naturally want regular updates on your progress. However, frequent enquiries to the ward can make it difficult for staff to spend time caring for patients. To avoid this, please nominate one person to be the main contact who can keep everyone updated on your progress.
Assistance bell
Each bed has a call bell. When you press the button, you alert the nursing staff that you need help. You will be shown how to use it when you are admitted to hospital.
Television and radios
Some wards provide TV facilities. TV controls are in the call bell handset. Radios must be always equipped with headphones to minimise discomfort to other patients.
Free WiFi
We have free wireless internet (WiFi) access.
If you come to hospital for a day procedure or longer stay, or to visit a loved one, you may choose to bring your own phone, tablet or laptop and connect to our free WiFi network which is available at all Bayside Health Regional sites.
Search for the “GHA Public Wi-Fi” network on your device.
Alcohol
Patients and visitors are not permitted to have or consume liquor within the hospital buildings or on the hospital grounds.
Aggressive Behaviour
Bass Coast 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.
Patient's rights and responsibilities
Please visit this webpage to learn more about your rights and responsibilities.
Laundry
Please note that the hospital does not provide a personal laundry service.
Mail is delivered each weekday (excluding public holidays). All correspondence should be addressed with your given name, surname, room or ward number and name on the envelope. Incoming mail is delivered to your bedside daily. Ward staff will assist you with outgoing mail if necessary.
Meals
The Food Service Department strives to provide you with meals that are healthy, nutritious and as appetising as possible and appropriate for medical conditions you may have. Every day you will be given a menu card to order ahead for three meals.
The hospital can cater for a wide range of dietary or religious needs. If you have a special dietary requirement or have any food allergies or intolerances, please let the nursing staff know when you book in or are admitted to hospital.
A dietitian is also made available to patients and is happy to advise and assist on any aspect of your diet. Please ask your Health Professional for a referral.
Visiting hours
At Wonthaggi Hospital our visiting hours are seven days a week, 10:00am to 8:00pm. Two visitors are permitted per resident per day, on each ward.
Am I well enough to visit?
Please ask your visitors not to come to see you in hospital if they have an infection such as a cold, flu or upset stomach.
We recommend that visitors who could have gastroenteritis do not come into the hospital until 48 hours after their last symptom, as they could still be infectious.
Smoke free policy
Smoking is one of the largest preventable causes of death and disease in Australia and Bayside Health is committed to creating a smoke free environment and supporting people to stop smoking.
Bayside Health is a smoke free organisation and smoking is not allowed on any of our sites 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 main foyer of the hospital or at www.quit.org.au.
Witness to legal documents
Bayside Health does not permit staff to witness legal documents for patients or visitors. The organisation prefers 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.
