Making Your Stay Safer

9 simple steps to keep yourself safe during your stay in hospital.

Identification (ID)
  • You will be given an ID to wear throughout your stay in hospital
  • We will ask continuously throughout your stay for you to verify your ID before you have a procedure, have medicine or given blood Tell us if your information is wrong 
  • Tell us if you have any allergies. We will give you a red armband to alert staff to your allergy
 
Your Medicines
  • Tell us if you have a medication allergy or if you have had a serious reaction to any medicines
  • Tell us all the medicines you are taking including inhalers, patches, injections, non-prescription and natural therapies
  • Ask us questions about your medicine including possible side effects, how long and when you need to take it 
 
Preventing Falls
  • Tell us if you have fallen before coming into hospital
  • Take extra care in the bathroom
  • Use a walking aid, if you need one
  • Wear well-fitted, non-slip footwear
  • Some medicines may make you feel unsteady or dizzy, tell us if you need help moving around
 
Preventing Pressure Injury
  • Keep moving even in bed
  • Call us if you are uncomfortable
  • Ask us to help you to change position
  • We can work with you on ways to relieve pressure
 
Preventing Infection
  • Wash your hands or use hand gel after visiting the toilet, sneezing, coughing, and before all meals
  • Staff will wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before coming to your bedside, if they have forgotten, you can remind them
  • Tell us if you have diarrhoea, vomiting or cold/flu symptoms
  • If visitors are unwell ask them not to visit you until they feel better
 
Preventing Blood Clots
  • Wear your hospital stockings if asked to and move as often as you can
  • Try to do simple leg and ankle exercises
  • Drink fluids as recommended
  • Take blood-thinning medication if advised
 
Leaving Hospital
  • Have you got all the information you need to be safe at home?
  • Has your medicine changed, has someone explained what they are, how and when to take them?
  • Do you know who to contact if you have any questions or concerns when you get home?
  • Do you know when your next appointment is?
 
Listen UP!
Consumer / Carer Escalation of Care 

We recognise that you know yourself or your loved one the best so if you notice a worrying change, are worried about your treatment or feel something is not quite right: 

  • Talk to the person looking after you
  • If you are still concerned, ask to speak to the person in charge 
  • If you are still concerned call the health services coordinator on 5671 3384 anytime day or night and state your concerns. They will be with you shortly. 
 
Partnering in Your HealthCare
  • Ask us questions, ask us to “tell you more”
  • Tell us if there is anything you don't understand
  • We ask you to join in and ask questions at the bedside handover
  • Let us know what you want and what you do not want 
  • Have your family be involved as much or as little as you decide
  • Ask us about our Partnerships in Care Program