Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go on arrival?

Elective surgery patients

Once inside the hospital you should report to the admissions office located on Level Two of the High Street Building. Here you will be asked to complete an admissions form before being taken to the ward. You will also be issued with a bracelet identification band. The admissions staff will then arrange for someone to take you to the ward or, if you wish, they can give you directions so you can find your way yourself.

When you get to the ward you will be met by the ward staff, who will explain details of the ward layout and services. They will also show you to your bed and may ask you to change into pyjamas.

The nursing staff will record your temperature, weight and blood pressure, and will ask for a specimen of urine for testing. A doctor will record the details of your medical history and conduct a physical examination. Please inform your doctor of any allergies you may have to antibiotics, medication, food or adhesive tapes.

Staff will arrange for any diagnostic procedures or tests that are needed, such as x-rays or blood tests.

If you have dentures please ask the nursing staff for a "Dentures Cup" to keep them in overnight. Please speak to the staff if you have any questions about your stay in the hospital.

Day-only patients

Inside the hospital you should go to the Staff Station in the Perioperative Unit located on Level 1 of the Dickinson Building. You can get there from the Barker Street entrance (main hospital entrance) or the High Street entrance by taking the public hospital lifts to the 1st floor and following the corridor until you reach the Perioperative unit sign. Here a nurse will help you prepare for surgery.

Who will look after me?

During your stay at The Prince of Wales Hospital you will be cared for by a team of health care professionals including doctors, nurses and allied health staff.

Is there anywhere to store my jewellery or valuables?

We recommend that you do not bring jewellery or large amounts of money to hospital, as the provision for safe storage is limited. If necessary valuables and jewellery can be signed over to the ward nurse who will issue you with written receipt, which you can use to collect your property during business hours.

Are there any laundry facilities available to patients?

The Prince of Wales Hospital does not have facilities to launder patients’ personal clothing, so you should make arrangements for a relative or friend to collect and deliver your laundry for you. If this is a problem, please speak to the ward staff, who may be able to make arrangements on your behalf.

Will I need to bring my current medication with me to hospital?

When coming to hospital you should bring your regular prescription medication with you. However, during your hospital stay your doctor will write you a prescription for any medication you will need until you go home and it will be supplied by the hospital.

Can I arrange for a special diet to meet my needs?

If you have special dietary needs (such as vegetarian, halal, kosher or diabetic) please advise the hospital prior to admission by calling the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics on 02 9382 2880 or 02 9382 2187.

Can I arrange for a chaplain to visit me while I am in hospital?

When you complete your admission information you will be asked your religion. As a matter of course a member of the Chaplaincy service from your faith may visit you during your stay. If you do not wish to be visited you should mark the box on the admissions form which states that you prefer no contact with any religion. At any time during your stay, you can arrange for a Chaplaincy visit through the Nursing Unit Manager (NUM) on the ward.

How much will it cost to stay in hospital?

If you are a public patient

If you are a public patient, most costs will be covered by Medicare. The main difference between public and private patients is that as a public patient, you will be treated by a doctor who is employed by the hospital. If you do not have private health insurance and don’t want to pay, you must tell hospital staff that you are a public patient.

If you are a private patient

If you are a private patient your stay in hospital will not be covered by Medicare, and your private health insurance will cover some of your costs. However, you will be able to see the doctor of your choice.

When can I expect to be discharged from hospital?

Your doctor will discharge you from hospital when they feel it is safe for you to go home. This may happen earlier than in your past experience. Due to medical advances and improved healthcare planning you are now able to spend less time in hospital and go home sooner. This allows you to continue your recuperation in the comfort of your own home, with help from a variety of community health services if required.

Will I need ongoing treatment when I get home?

Your treatment may need to continue when you go home. It is important that your family knows how they can help care for you in the home and what services are available to support you. The hospital staff will ensure that your treatment is fully explained to you before you leave.

Before you leave hospital, check that any follow-up appointments with your doctor or therapist have been made and that any medications that you require have been organised. If you are concerned about whether you can cope at home, ask the ward nurse to arrange an appointment with the Social Worker or the Community Liaison Officer (Discharge Planner).

What types of community health services are available to help me during my recovery?

The Nursing Unit Manager (NUM), social worker or community liaison officer will answer any questions you may have and will arrange services such as Meals on Wheels, Community Health, Early Childhood Services, Home Nursing, Home Care and rehabilitation if they are required.

How will my carers know I am leaving hospital?

The hospital will notify your relatives as soon as you are able to leave the hospital. If possible, you should arrange for someone to accompany you home.

When can I leave the hospital?

The clinical team will be working with you to ensure that you are discharged at an appropriate time in your recovery. If you wish to leave against your doctor’s advice, you will be asked to sign a disclaimer, accepting full responsibility for your own discharge and subsequent care.