Pre admission

YOUR ADMISSION

Pre Admission Information
Pre-admission is an important part of your hospital care. For a smooth admission process, we ask that you attend to the following matters prior to your admission:

• You complete ALL the questions on the Pre-Admission and Patient history Forms.
• You read the Privacy Consent Form.
• You read all other information sheets and brochures in your pre-admission pack.
• Your doctor completes the Doctor Referral and Consent forms. Ensure you sign and date the consent form in the presence of a witness, preferably your doctor.

PHONE PRE-ADMISSIONS
For your convenience we encourage you to complete your preadmission forms in the comfort of your home and then contact our Pre-Admissions staff via phone, to conduct a phone preadmission. During this discussion our staff will enter your particulars into our database and discuss matters such as your health insurance, admission times, out of pocket expenses and arrange for a comprehensive information package to be sent to you prior to admission.

Nowra’s phone preadmission service operates 11.00am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday.

other methods of PRE-ADMISSION
While we encourage phone pre-admissions, your completed Pre-Admission Forms can also be delivered to the Hospital in one of the following ways:

• In person to Reception: 
  Open 07.00am – 7.00pm Monday to Friday
  Open 08.00am – 2.30pm Saturday and Sunday
   
• Fax: (02) 4421 7405
  Please remember to bring the original paperwork on admission
   
• Post:
  Po Box 1016
  Nowra NSW 2541

Hospital bookings are only confirmed on receipt of Pre-Admission paperwork. Intending surgical patients who have an existing medical condition are recommended to attend a pre-operative clinic. You may refer yourself and book at Reception, or be referred by either your GP or Surgeon.  Orthopaedic pre-operative clinics are held on Thursdays and General Surgery pre-operative clinics are held on Fridays.

What to Bring On Admission

• Any referral letter(s) from your doctor
• Your current medications
• Relevant x-rays or test results
• Glasses and physical aids (walking sticks, hearing aids, etc.)
• Payment if necessary
• Night attire
• For rehabilitation patients, suitable comfortable day attire and swimming costume
• Names and contact details of the next of kin and a second contact person
• Personal toiletries (not applicable for Day Surgery procedures).
• Sufficient cash for incidental expenses (no more than $50)
• Medicare card
• Pharmaceutical, Pension or Veterans’ Affairs Entitlement card
• Private Health Insurance fund details and Membership card
• If you have an Advanced Health Directive or an Enduring Power of Attorney for health matters, please bring a certified copy of these with you.

What Not To Bring

• Jewellery
• Large sums of money
• Other valuables
• Electrical appliances
• Mobile phone

The Hospital does not take responsibility for loss or damage to personal items or valuables. Any valuables brought into the Hospital will need to be secured with our Reception staff for the duration of your stay.

Privacy Policy
Nowra Private Hospital complies with the Commonwealth Privacy Act and all other State legislative requirements in relation to the management of personal information. To this end, our privacy policy and a consent form relating to the collection and use of your health information is provided in your pre-admission package. Your assistance in filling out this necessary documentation is most appreciated.

Day Surgery Patients Only

Before Surgery

• Bathe or shower beforehand
• Wear loose comfortable clothing
• Do not wear make-up, talcum powder or jewellery, other than a wedding ring
• Acrylic nails need not be removed
• Unless otherwise instructed, do not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to surgery – this includes water
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol 24 hours prior to admission
• If you are taking medications and are unsure about whether to continue these, please check with your admitting doctor or GP.

Post Surgery

• After your procedure you will be taken to the recovery area. During this time our nursing staff will continually monitor your progress and comfort. You may spend your recovery time in a recliner, depending on your condition.
• Your length of stay in the recovery area will depend on your operative procedure. Usually patients are discharged between two and four hours after treatment.

Discharge

• Before you leave the Hospital, our staff will give you full instructions about dressings, medications and follow-up appointments.
• You will unable to drive home, so please make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home, or alternatively, we can order a taxi for you at your own expense.
• For the first 24 hours, it is important if you have been given any form of sedation that you DO NOT; drive a car, drink alcohol, make any important decisions or sign any legal documents.
• If you live alone and are having IV sedation or a general anaesthetic, you must organise a carer to be able to assist you if required, but preferably to stay overnight.

After you get home
Depending on the surgery performed, some patients may experience certain sensations including; nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, visual disturbances and fatigue. These symptoms are normal but should they persist beyond 24 hours, or you have any concerns, contact your doctor immediately.

Visitors
To ensure privacy and amenity for our patients, visitors to day surgery patients are strictly limited and only possible in special circumstances. If you have special circumstances requiring a relative to stay with you please advise reception of your situation prior to admission.