Patient Information

Information for Visiting Hours, Visitors and Smoking

Visiting Hours

General Wards, Psychiatric Unit, Maternity Unit, Coronary Care/Cardiac Step Down Units

10.00 am – 1.00pm
2.30pm – 8.00pm

Children’s Ward

10.00am – 1.00pm
2.30pm – 8.00pm
Parents are able to visit children in the Ward 24 hours a day.

Intensive Care/high Dependency Unit

Visiting hours are unrestricted, but are restricted to next of kin at the discretion of the Nursing Unit Manager.

A rest period for all patients from 1.00pm – 2.30 pm

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Visitors

The hospital policy is that no more than four (4) visitors at any time are to visit a patient. Security may be called where necessary to ensure the peace and privacy of patients.

Smoking

Visitors, patients and staff are not allowed to smoke within the hospital buildings and other non-smoking designated areas.

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Admissions for Elective Procedures

On arrival, you should present to the Admissions Office located in the main foyer. An interviewing officer will complete the admission details with you. Patients admitted under Workers Compensation or Third Party Insurance must provide full details to enable an insurance claim to be lodged.

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Choosing your own Doctor

When entering a public hospital as an inpatient, you have the right to choose whether you wish to be treated by a doctor nominated by this hospital or by your own doctor. If you choose to be treated by your own doctor you will incur charges for your hospital stay (see section on Hospital Fees and Insurance). Accepting a doctor nominated by the hospital means that there will be no charges at all during your stay in hospital.

Consent for Treatment

Your doctor will ask you to sign a Consent for Treatment form. Your consent gives the hospital permission to undertake any necessary tests, treatment or operations to help your recovery. All details will be explained fully to you by the medical staff prior to the procedure. If you are unsure about your treatment please speak to the staff. The Medical Consultant, attending Medical Officer and the nursing staff are always available to discuss any treatment you may require.
 

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Food Services for Patients

While you are in hospital your meals will be prepared according to your nutritional needs. Therefore your meals may be different to those of neighbouring patients. A Diet Aide will visit you and answer any questions you might have. They will request a consultation with a Dietitian for you if necessary.

Approximate Meal Times

Breakfast 7.30am
Morning Tea 9.40am
Lunch 12.00 noon
Afternoon Tea 2.40pm
Evening Meal 5.30pm
Supper 7.45pm
 

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Laundry

The hospital does not have facilities for laundering personal clothing. This must be arranged with your relatives or friends. If they are unable to collect and launder your personal articles, you may wear hospital garments.

Patient Telephones

Telephones are provided at the patient’s bedside. Use of mobile phones is not permitted within the hospital due to interference with medical equipment.

Patient Discharge

When admitted patients are ready to go home, they will be asked to go to the Transit Lounge to wait for relatives/friends to pick them up. In most cases, this will be by 11am. The Transit Lounge is located in the Ambulatory Care Unit on level 2. The nearest entrance to the Transit Lounge is located next to the Emergency Department.

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Client Rights & Responsibilities

Your Rights

Standards of Health Care
You have the right to:-

• Be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy

• Receive quality services from qualified staff

• Receive safe services within a secure environment

• Receive confidential services, within legal and Department of Health guidelines

• Receive treatment in privacy, where appropriate and possible

• Have your personal and cultural beliefs and practices incorporated into your healthcare where possible

Access
You have the right to:-

• Choose to be treated as a public or private patient in a public hospital

• Receive information on where Health Services and treatment are available, if they are not available locally

• Request an interpreter to be booked

• Apply for a travel allowance if you need to travel more than 200 km to receive treatment

• Receive services that are free from discrimination, regardless of your age, gender, disability, sexuality, marital status, race, religion, political beliefs, ethnic background or language

Information
You have the right to:-

• Be informed by staff of their name, position and role and to be shown their identification card

• See your Health Care record within Department of Health Guidelines

• Have a clear explanation of your condition, possible treatments and the risks involved, in a way you understand

• Be informed of any costs of services

• Seek a second opinion on your condition or treatment

Consent
You have the right to:-

• Choose whether or not to have treatment and to withdraw consent to treatment at any time

• Refuse to take part in research or see a student

• Leave a health facility at any time against professional advice

• Refuse care from a particular health care practitioner or facility (However, a hospital or health service may not be able to provide an appropriate alternative)

Your Responsibilities

You are expected to:-

• Respect the rights and safety of staff and other clients. If you fail to do this, you may be asked to leave

• Let us know if you are unhappy about the way you are being treated

• Answer any questions about your health honestly, including family history and any allergies you suffer from

• Provide details of medication taken regularly or occasionally

• Ensure you understand the purpose of all tests/ treatments and possible alternatives

• Follow the advice of your healthcare provider or let them know if you are not going to follow this advice

• Tell your health care worker if your religious or cultural beliefs make it difficult for you to have the recommended treatment

• Let your health care worker know if your financial situation makes it difficult for you to have the recommended treatment

• Let your health care worker know if you are unable to keep an appointment or will not be at home when a visit is due

• Provide a safe environment in your home for healthcare workers that is:-
  - Free from smoke
  - Free from violence and harassment
  - Free from unrestrained animals
   

If a person is under 14 years of age, a parent should give consent for medical treatment.
 

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Client Feedback

We are very interested in hearing about your experiences with the health service and invite you to give us suggestions about how we can make our service even better. If you have any concerns about your care, contact the Department Manager immediately. Alternatively, you can phone or write to the:

Client Liaison Coordinator
Bankstown Health Service
Locked Bag 1600
Bankstown NSW 2200
Telephone: 9722 8262 (Business Hours)
Fax: 9722 8570
 

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