A Guide for In-Patients
Pre-Admission form and Privacy form must be received by Bethesda Hospital at least 5 working days prior to your admission
Prior to Admission please complete:
These forms must be received by Bethesda Hospital at least 5 working days prior to your admission. Your completed form can be submited by:
Please ensure the forms are completed and signed. On receipt of your completed Pre-Admission Form, the hospital will verify your level of private health fund cover. It is advisable for you to also contact your health fund to confirm your level of cover.
Click here for more hospital account information. General inquiries should be directed to 9340 6300.
Comming in as a Day-Patient? Click Here to view the information specific for Day-Patients
- Presentation
- If you receive pre-operative instructions from your doctor please follow these carefully.
- Fasting
- Please follow your doctor’s instructions in relation to eating and drinking prior to your admission. Check with your doctor if you should take your regular medication on the morning of the operation/procedure.
- Visiting Hours
- Your visitors are very welcome Click here for more details for Visitors.
- Day of Admission
- What to bring to hospital on the Day of the Admission:
-
- Health fund membership details, Medicare and pension card
- Letters or referrals/forms from your doctors
- Relevant x-rays
- All current medication
- Crutches if requested by your doctors
- Glasses/contact lenses with cases if appropriate
- Please wear your hearing aid/s to hospital, if you wear them
- Shower/bathe prior to admission and dress in clean clothing. You will require personal toiletries, sleeping attire, dressing gown, slippers or comfortable walking shoes. Please limit cash and personal belongings to essential as we cannot accept responsibility for loss of valuables.
- Please report to reception, where our reception staff will finalise your admission documentation. Nursing staff will check your medical history and record vital signs on admission. You may be visited by your anaesthetist prior to your operation.
- Dietary Requirements
-
 |
A menu is provided each day from which you can choose your meals. If you have special dietary needs, please advise your nurse on admission. |
- Boarders
- If it is necessary for someone to stay with you overnight they may only do so by request prior to your admission. It is at the discretion of the Nurse Manager whether a boarder will be permitted to stay on the ward and a boarder fee will be charged.
- Pastoral Care
- Bethesda is founded on Christian principles, the Chaplains are available to provide pastoral care to all patients, regardless of religious affiliation
- Going Home
- If you are going home within 24 hours of a general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation, please ensure you have a responsible adult to accompany and drive you home and remain with you until the next day.
Please follow discharge instructions. Rest and/or elevate affected area if appropriate.
When leaving hospital we ask that you vacate your room by 9.00 am so that we can prepare for the next patient. There is a comfortable Day Room located on Riviera Ward or alternatively the hospital foyer or coffee shop are comfortable areas to wait.
Because of the after effects of the anaesthetic, 24 hours is required for a full recovery. We advise during this time you should not:
- Drive a car until the next day
- Drink alcohol
- Operate machinery
- Make important decisions
- Sign legal documents
- Travel unaccompanied
- Engage in sports, heavy work or lifting
- Take sedatives unless prescribed
|
|
- After Effects of an Operation
- Depending on the type of surgery and anaesthetic you have had, you may experience one or more of the following:
- Pain: If you experience pain or discomfort, take the medication recommended, or prescribed. If pain persists, seek medical advice.
- Inability to Concentrate: It is normal to feel tired and unable to concentrate for a day or two after your anaesthetic.
- Sore Throat: This may occur in the first few hours after your anaesthetic. If so, try sips of fluid first, gradually increasing to light food. You should avoid heavy foods. If you have persistent nausea or vomiting contact your doctor.
- Problems
- If any problems occur after you are discharged from hospital, you should contact your doctor. If your doctor is not available contact our nurses at Bethesda Hospital on 9340 6300. They are available at all times.
- Electrical Appliances
- For your own safety all personal electrical appliances must be checked before use by our maintenance staff. Please ask on admission to your ward for an electrical check if required.
- Internet
- Wireless internet access is available on our In-Patient wards (Riviera, Bayview or Palliative Care). If you wish to use this service you must provide your own Laptop and request instructions from ward reception when you arrive. (This must have an electric check if you are using hospital power) Click Here for Internet access policy.
We also have a computer available in Bayview Day room which can be used for internet access at no charge.
