For Patients: General Information for Inpatients
General Information for Inpatients
Important information for all patients
Air conditioning
Air conditioning is centrally controlled. If you find that the air-conditioning system does not meet your requirements, please contact the nurse for assistance to notify the Maintenance Department.
Emergency procedures
Westmead Private Hospital has a highly developed safety and emergency procedure in which each staff member has a key role. In the unlikely event of an emergency, remain by your bed until a staff member arrives to assist you.
Electrical safety
All electrical equipment, including laptop computers, electric shavers, hair dryers, radio/stereos and clocks, have the potential to affect our electrical network. Please consult with ward staff to have your electrical items checked before use in the hospital.
Maintenance requests
To assist us in maintaining a high standard of accommodation and service, if you notice any faulty items in your room, please complete a maintenance request form located in your room and pass onto nursing staff for appropriate action.
Medical records
A medical record will be kept of your admission and treatment. This will be confidential with access being limited only to the healthcare professionals directly involved in your treatment. This record will remain the property of the hospital. The contents of your medical record will be divulged only with your written consent, or where required by the law. You may request to review your medical record at any time. Please contact the Nursing Unit Manager to organise this.
Medical staff
The doctor who admits you is responsible for your medical care whilst you are in Westmead Private Hospital. Any questions that you have regarding your treatment should be directed to him or her.
Medications
Please inform nursing staff about any medication you are currently taking. This includes any herbal medications. These will be locked in your bedside cabinet and made available for use during your stay with us. For your safety, the nursing staff will administer ALL your medications whilst you are in the hospital.
Mobile phones
Signals from mobile phones may interfere with the safe operation of electronic medical equipment. Please switch off your mobile phone on admission and ask your nurse if mobiles can be used in your room. Mobiles may be used in the atrium, located on the ground floor. Westmead Private Hospital does not accept responsibility for your mobile phone.
Resident medical officer
The hospital provides 24-hour Resident Medical Officer coverage in liaison with your Specialist to assist with your care in hospital.
Security
Surveillance cameras are positioned in common areas within the hospital, providing 24 hour security.
Smoke-free environment
In accordance with the Department of Health Policy, smoking is not permitted at Westmead Private Hospital. It is recommended that you do not smoke before and after your procedure.
Staff identification
All staff wear Photo ID as a means of identification and internal security. The badge shows the staff member’s photo, name and position. Our staff wear different uniforms depending on their role within the hospital.
Valuables
We strongly recommend that you do not bring any valuables to hospital. Westmead Private Hospital does not accept responsibility for patient’s valuables. A small safe is available in each room, however valuables remain your responsibility.
Ward organisation
The ward areas are under the supervision of the Nursing Unit Manager during weekdays and an After Hours Co-ordinator on evening, night and weekend shifts. The Director of Clinical Services conducts daily (Monday - Friday) rounds.
Please advise nursing staff if you leave the ward for any non-medical reason.
Your surgery
We advise the following cannot be worn into the operating theatre
- nail polish (fingers or toes)
- make up
- hairpins
- wigs
- jewellery
- contact lenses / glasses
- hearing aids
- prosthesis
