Pre Admission

Our dedicated team of professional staff are committed to providing patients with the highest standards of care. Throughout our patients’ stay, from pre-admission to discharge, each patient will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

PRE-ADMISSION INFORMATION:

Clerical pre-admission

Pre-admission is an important part of your hospital care. To ensure we can confirm your admission, financial and other arrangements, we ask that you:

1. Fill in the online admission form, or complete the blue coloured sections of the Preadmission Booklet that you would have received from your doctor, as soon as possible and return the completed forms either in person to Reception  (Open 7am – 5pm Mon – Fri) or by post to Albury Wodonga Private Hospital PO Box 278 Albury NSW 2640. send it back to the hospital.
   
   Please have the following ready when you fill in your admission form:
   1. Personal/Next of Kin details
   2. Medicare Card
   3. Funding details (eg DVA, Private health insurance, workcover or self funding)
   4. Benefit details (eg pharmacy benefit card,  pension card, DVA, health care card)
   5. Item numbers if these were quoted by doctors’ rooms
   6. Information your doctor supplied to you re implantable medical devices (eg prosthetic and disposables) – If applicable.
2. If you have any concerns with step 1, please telephone 02 6041 1411 between 9am – 4pm or send an email to OnlinePread.ALB@ramsayhealth.com.au

If you have private health cover, please contact your health fund prior to ensure that your level of cover adequately covers the cost of your procedure and check for any excess or waiting periods. We know that health and billing charges can be difficult to understand and we are happy to assist in any way we can, however we also advise that you seek clarification from your doctor and health fund.

If your account is subject to Work Cover or a Third Party claim, forward full details of the claim including a letter from your insurance company accepting liability for this admission to our pre-admission office.

Nursing Pre-admission Information

You may be contacted by telephone prior to your day of admission by our pre-admission Nurse. If you are contacted:

• Your medical history will be reviewed with you and admission and discharge details discussed, including admission and fasting times.
• Please take this opportunity to discuss any concerns regarding your admission

Your doctor will notify the hospital of the date of your procedure / operation and inform you of your day of admission. Your doctor will also explain your procedure or operation and complete the consent form with you.

Otherwise, you will receive a text message confirming your admission date, time and fasting instructions.

Pre admission Clinic

If you are having a major surgical procedure, you may be asked to attend a pre-admission clinic at the hospital so the nurse specialist can speak with you about your hospital stay, your operation, previous surgical and medical history, what to bring to hospital, and any concerns you may have.

It is a valuable service in respect to your entire stay in hospital.

Discharge planning will also be addressed at this clinic (eg who will care for you at home on discharge, who will take you home etc). You are welcome to bring a relative or friend to this clinic.

Children Having Surgery

We understand that a child having surgery can be an anxious occasion for both the child and the parents, so we encourage you to stay with your child before and after their procedure. You may also bring in your child’s favourite toy or book.

If your child is taking any medication, please ask your doctor what needs to be taken on the day.

Please remember if your child is under 16 years of age, you will need to sign forms consenting for the procedure to take place.

Please dress children in front opening pyjamas or loose clothing (no hoodies, jumpsuits or bulky clothing).

Usually, you will be able to stay overnight in the hospital ward with your child. This is likely to be in a reclining chair next to your child's bed.

Children with Special Needs
Some children have special needs (eg. Autism, downs syndrome, developmental delay) that can make admission to hospital a challenging experience for them. Please phone us before you come to the hospital to discuss any special needs that your child may have.

Other Children
It is best that siblings and other children do not come with you to the hospital, as there is always a waiting time before theatre and there are no facilities for these children.

See also ‘Visiting your child in recovery’

DAY PRIOR TO ADMISSION

If you have not received a call from our bookings department confirming admission time and possible out-of-pocket expenses, then please call 02 6022 4242 between 9am and 4pm.

DAY OF ADMISSION INFORMATION

On the day of admission

Please check in with the front reception in the main foyer at the time advised for admission and you will be directed to your admission area.

Please bring with you into hospital anything applicable to your admission including:

• doctor’s admission letter
• health fund number / details (if applicable)
• Medicare card
• pension health benefits card, Veteran’s Affairs card (if applicable)
• copy of Advanced Care Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney (if applicable)
• regular medications in their original packaging and medication list, obtainable from your General Practitioner or Pharmacy
• pharmaceutical benefits card (if applicable)
• relevant x-rays and / or test results
• for a child - favourite toy, formula, bottle and any special dietary needs (if applicable)
• slippers
• night attire
• toiletries
• personal articles i.e. sanitary pads (if applicable)
• method for settling your account
• please do not bring valuables
• wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be folded for storage. Day cases will be provided with a gown, robe and a locker for personal belongings.
• please dress children in front-opening pyjamas (no hoodies, jumpsuits or bulky clothing)
• please shower on the day of admission before coming to hospital and put on clean clothes

DO NOT (unless your doctor gives you special instructions):

• eat or drink as per instructions provided on day prior to admission
• smoke cigarettes or chew gum
• wear jewellery. A wedding ring and watch are permitted
• bring valuables
• wear make-up or nail polish