Important emergency information

Don’t eat or drink

Please check with the nurse or doctor before you have anything to eat or drink, as you may need an empty stomach to facilitate your treatment.

Pain relief

If you are in pain while waiting tell the Triage Nurse, who may be able to offer some non-pharmaceutical pain relief such as ice or a heat bag. The triage nurse cannot prescribe any medication before you see a doctor.

Interpreters

South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health has a 24 hour interpreter service which caters for all commonly spoken languages. If you need an interpreter please ask the staff to arrange one for you.

Visitors

While there are few restrictions on visiting times, we generally limit the number of visitors to two people at any one time.

We understand the anxiety and concern visitors may have for a sick relative or friend. However, our emergency department is very busy and we must ensure our staff are able to perform their duties efficiently by restricting the number of visitors.

If relatives are in our waiting area we will keep them informed of your progress.

What other services are offered by the emergency department?

Social Work: Social workers are part of the team of health professionals who can help patients and their families with changes that may arise as a result of their conditions, such as accommodation and transport needs.

Chaplains: The Prince of Wales Hospital chaplaincy service offers pastoral services to a wide range of denominations. Patients and their families can arrange for a chaplain to visit them through the nursing staff.

Before you leave

A doctor or nurse will let you know when you can go home. Before you leave you should make sure that you:

Understand your treatment
Know when to see the doctor again
Ask for a medical certificate and/or letter for your doctor if you need on

Transport home

Our Emergency Department staff can help arrange your transport home. However, it is your responsibility to pay for your transport if you are using public transport or taxi service.

Test results

Emergency Departments do not generally give results of tests over the phone as it is difficult to confirm your identity. Results from tests conducted in the Emergency Department will be forwarded to your GP. You will need to make an appointment to discuss the results.

Contact your GP

You should let your GP know within a couple of days that you have visited the emergency department. Remember to take any letter given to you by the hospital when you visit your GP. If you have any reason why information should not be transmitted to your GP by the emergency department automatically, let your treating doctor know.