Staying in hospital

What we need to know about you

When you first arrive, it’s important you tell us:

• your allergies or reactions—to medications, tapes or dressings and foods
• any infections and sicknesses you’ve been exposed to
• about any recent trips overseas
• if you are a victim-survivor of domestic violence
• any spiritual care or religious needs
• if you need help with the English language or communication, including if you need an interpreter
• if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and if you’d like to talk with a liaison officer
• any special support you need
• if you have a disability and a Julian’s Key Health Passport you would like to share with us
• about your advance health directive, advance care plan or enduring power of attorney if you have them
• if you have a carer or support worker.

If you’re a family member or carer, you may be asked to answer some of these questions on behalf of your loved one.

Let hospital staff know if there is anyone you do or don’t want us to talk to about your health. We take your privacy and confidentiality seriously and must follow the Australian law.

Meals, Wi-Fi and other inpatient information

Meals

You can usually choose what you get for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day on a menu card. We'll also offer you morning and afternoon tea and supper.

Let us know if you have a food allergy, special diet or need to speak to a dietitian.

Your doctor will let you know if you need to be on a special diet for your condition.

If you're having an operation, you may not be able to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure. We'll talk to you about this in your pre-admission appointment.

ID band

You’ll wear an identification (ID) band on your wrist or ankle while you stay in hospital. This helps us make sure you get the right medicines, treatments and procedures.

We'll ask you to check your details are correct and you'll wear it until you leave hospital.

Media

We have staff who can help you if you’re approached by the media during your hospital stay. Your privacy and health is important. The only information we’ll share with the media is whether you are in a good, stable, serious or critical condition. We’ll ask you for your written consent before any media activity takes place.

Pastoral care

Most hospitals have a pastoral care team made up of people from various religious groups. They offer advice, guidance and support and will help you regardless of your beliefs. If you or your family would like to talk to someone, hospital staff can give you their contact details.

No smoking, alcohol or drugs

Smoking isn't allowed in any of our hospitals and health centres.

You can't smoke on the premises, grounds, or within 5 metres of their boundaries. This rule applies to all staff, patients, visitors, contractors and other people who enter our buildings, grounds or vehicles.

If you smoke, talk to your nurse about getting nicotine gum or patches during your stay.

You can't use alcohol or illegal drugs at any of our hospitals or health centres. Don't bring them to hospital, and ask your visitors not to.

Free Wi-Fi

Most of our hospitals have free Wi-Fi for everyone to use.

To connect to Wi-Fi:

1. Choose the QH-FreeWiFi network on your device.
2. Read the Queensland Health Wi-Fi Internet Terms of Use that appear on your device.
3. Agree and accept the terms of use to connect.

You’ll need to re-accept the terms of use after 12 hours of continuous use, or if your device is inactive for more than 30 minutes.

Streaming websites for movies, radio, TV and other on-demand content such as Netflix, may not work.

Phones and TV

Some hospital wards and waiting areas have TVs.

You can use your mobile phone in most parts of the hospital, including your room. We'll let you know if you can't use it.

Our rooms have phones for incoming calls. If you need to make a phone call and don't have a mobile phone, talk to your nurse.

Staff identification

All staff and volunteers wear hospital ID badges that include their photo, name and job title. If you are concerned about the identity of a visitor, call a staff member.

Please don't photograph staff without asking for their permission first.

Student training

Our hospitals are teaching hospitals and doctors and nurses in training could be present. Your doctor should introduce them to you. If you would prefer not to have these staff present, please let the doctor know. Asking to be seen alone will not affect your care in any way.

Support

Many of our hospitals have special services to help you. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, are hearing impaired or need someone to interpret for you, let staff know so they can organise help for you. Spiritual care and counselling services can be arranged.

Having visitors

A hospital ward is different to where you live.

Sometimes you can only have visitors at special times, or only a small number of people can visit you at a time. This is for your and other patients’ safety and so you can get enough rest.

Ask a nurse for visiting hours in the ward you’re staying.

Staying safe

Avoiding pressure injuries

Pressure injuries are a type of skin injury like ulcers or bedsores. They can happen when you can’t move and change positions normally.

You’ll need to tell your nurse or doctor if you have had a pressure injury before.

If your skin feels any heat, pain or discomfort, tell your nurse immediately.

[GRAPHIC highlighting likely areas for pressure injuries]

Blood clots and infections

A blood clot is a gel-like clump of blood. When it happens in a blood vessel, it can be dangerous. They can happen when you cannot move and change positions normally.

To avoid a blood clot:

• change your position often
• sit out of bed and walk as often as you can safely, unless you’ve been told not to
• drink plenty of water, unless you’ve been told not to
• use compression stockings or pumps that go around your calf or on your feetif you are given these.

You may need to have a regular injection to prevent blood clots. A physiotherapist may ask you to do breathing exercises.

To avoid infections, wash your hands often. This is to help prevent the spread of illness.

Be involved and ask questions

When staff discuss important care information about a patient, it is called a clinical handover or patient handover. It can happen at the start or end of a staff’s working shift. General information about your care may be shared at the bedside.

• Don’t ever be afraid to ask a question about the care you are receiving.
• Your loved ones can also ask questions. They may ask:
  • What will recovery look like?
  • How long until they go home?
• If a treatment is suggested, you might like to ask:
  • What are my treatment options?
  • Are there any risks I need to know about?
  • Do I really need this test, treatment or procedure?
  • What happens if I don’t do anything?
  • Where can I get more information or support?

If you don’t understand what is being said, please ask.

Using your information for health research

Some public hospitals may ask you to give consent for your medical information to be used in health research.

Your doctor will talk to you about what might be shared and used for research. You can choose whether it can be made available to researchers.

If you decide it can be shared, your health information will only be used for approved research projects. These will be projects that low risk and don’t change your treatment. No information that could tell anyone who you are will be made public and your privacy will be protected.