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KEMPSEY DISTRICT HOSPITAL
PATIENTINFORMATIONDIRECTORY
THIS DIRECTORY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE HOSPITALPLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
Our VisionQuality and Excellence
inRegional Health Care
KEMPSEY DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Acknowledgement to the Traditional Custodians of the Land:
Dunghutti Nation
KEMPSEY DISTRICT HOSPITAL, KEMPSEY # 5503/2013
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CONTENTS Our Vision
Welcome
Public Transport
Parking
Front Reception
Visiting Hours
ATM & Banking Services
Cafeteria / Kiosk
Meals
Laundry
Newspapers
Televisions
Telephones
Electrical Equipment
Aboriginal Liaison Officer
Interpreter Service
Smoke Free Healthcare Policy
Workplace Aggression & Violence
Fire Safety & Other Emergencies
Services Provided
Inpatients
Emergency Admission
Elective Admission
Preadmission Clinic
Day Procedure Unit
Maternity
Hospital Fees and Health Insurance
Public (Non-Chargeable) Patient
Private (Chargeable) Patient
Workers Compensation & Motor Vehicle ThirdParty Insurance
Bed Allocation & Patient Priority
What to Bring
Drugs, Alcohol and Medicines brought into theHospital
On Arrival to Ward
Patient Identification
Consent for Treatment
Escalation of Care
Employee Identification
Nurse Call System / Patient Handset
Patient Lockers
Dentures
Daily Routine
Medical Records
Medical Certificates
Discharge
Transport Arrangements
Discharge against Medical Advice
Transfer to another Hospital
Advanced Care Directives
Community & Allied Health Services
Equipment Lending Pool
Voluntary Services
Pastoral Care
Carer Support
Diabetes Education
Hydrotherapy Pool
Pharmacy
Rehabilitation Services
Social Work
Health Promotion
Fees & Accounts
Change of Details
Donations
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Comments, Complaints and Compliments
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P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N
WELCOME
The Kempsey District Hospital was opened in1881 and is well acknowledged for its excellencein continually developing and improving thequality of healthcare it provides.
Kempsey District Hospital is accredited with theAustralian Council on Healthcare Standards(ACHS).
Kempsey District Hospital operates as a publicfacility. All patients regardless of insurance statuswill be treated in order of clinical priority.
Members of our staff are here to help you and arecommitted to providing the best possible care.Please do not hesitate to ask the staff if you havequestions about the hospital routine, your illnessor other matters.
The main switchboard phone number is 65626155.
DISCLAIMER
Kempsey District Hospital is grateful to advertiserswho made this directory possible. Due to theirgenerous support it was produced at no cost tothe Health Service. However, an advertisement inthe directory does not imply an endorsement bythe Kempsey District Hospital.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The hospital is located in River St. A bus stop islocated at the front of the main entrance of thehospital and is serviced by Cavanagh’s Bus.Timetables are available at the Front Reception inthe main entrance. Alternatively, timetables canbe located at the following:
Cavanagh’s @ 1 Tozer St West Kempsey or phone6562 7800 www.cavanaghs.com.au.
PARKING
Parking for patients and visitors is available.Please obey the signs and park only whereappropriate.
FRONT RECEPTION
Front Reception is located in the foyer of thehospital main entrance.
Hours of Operation are:
Reception: 7:00am - 6:00pm (weekdays) and9:00am – 6:00pm (weekends)
VISITING HOURS
Visitors are reminded to respect the privacy andcondition of other patients. Patient loungesshould be used where there are groups of four ormore visitors or where young children are visiting.
All children visiting the campus must beaccompanied by an adult.
Visiting is not permitted during the patient restperiod between 1:00pm and 3:00pm.
General Units
11:00am – 1:00pm 7 days Public visiting time
3:00pm – 8:00pm 7 days Public visiting time
HDU and Birthing UnitRestricted visiting in discussion with nursing staff.
Maternity8:00am to 12:00pm – Partners only time
3:00pm to 8:00pm – 7 days Public visiting time
P
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RehabilitationTimes are restricted as patients are busy with theirRehabilitation program or resting.
Visiting times are
3:00pm to 5:00pm - 7 days Public visiting time
6:00pm to 8:00pm - 7 days Public visiting time
Inpatient Mental Health2:00pm – 8:00pm Monday to Friday PublicVisiting
10:0am – 8:00pm Weekends Public Visiting
Exceptions to these visiting hours should bediscussed with the senior nurse in charge of theunit.
ATM & BANKING SERVICES
There are no ATM or Banking services at thehospital. The closest ATMs are in West Kempsey.
FRESH PLUS CAFÉ
Hours of Operation to Staff, Patients, Visitorsand members of the Public
8.30am to 2pm Mon-Fri.
HOSPITAL AUXILIARY KIOSK
This kiosk is located at the front of the hospitalnear Emergency Department. Newspapers,magazines, babies knitwear, crocheted blanketsand craft items can be purchased between9:30am and 2:00pm Monday-Friday. HospitalAuxiliary members work as unpaid volunteers andall profit money is used to purchase equipmentfor the hospital.
MEALS
Hot meals provided to patients are supplied fromFood Services. Your menu will be given to you bythe Diet Aide each morning. It will includechoices for dinner this evening and for breakfastand lunch tomorrow. Please assist by having yourmenu filled out by 8:00am.
If you are on a special diet your menu will onlyinclude foods suitable for your diet. If you haveany dietary queries or concerns, please don’thesitate to discuss them with the Diet Aide orDietitian. Accredited dietitians are also availablefor nutrition assessment and counselling of bothinpatients and outpatients. Please ask the nursingstaff if you would like to consult a Dietitian.
LAUNDRY
Laundry services are not available at healthfacilities for personal laundry. Please makearrangements with family and friends to takeyour laundry out for cleaning. If this is a problem,please discuss with your nurse.
P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N
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P A T I E N T I N F O R M A T I O N
A red Australia Post mail box is located outsidethe main entrance for outgoing mail.
Incoming mail is delivered to patients everyweekday.
Incoming patient mail must clearly identify thepatient by their name, and should be labelled‘Patient’ (the ward or unit is not necessary). Mailshould be addressed to Kempsey District Hospital,Locked Mail Bag 1, Kempsey, NSW, 2440. Patientmail received after the patient has beendischarged will be redirected to home address, soplease ensure we have the correct forwardingaddress.
NEWSPAPERS
Newspapers and magazines may be purchasedfrom the Kiosk or directly from the Pink Ladiestrolley service that visits Monday to Friday.
TELEVISIONS
There is a patient television hire system. You areNOT permitted to bring your own television setsto the facility. All payments for the televisions aremade at the Front Office. If you are too unwell toarrange this, please notify your nurse so theHospital Cashier can collect your payment at yourbedside.
If you know that you will be staying for a week orlonger you can pre-pay for five (5) days televisionhire, and receive a 6th and 7th day free of charge.
Report any faults to your nurse.
TELEPHONES
Some beds have bedside patient telephonesavailable to receive calls.
All phones can receive incoming calls free-of-charge. Phone calls also can be made to thewards and the nurse can transfer the call on aphone handpiece.
Patients Ward Phone numbers are
- Medical Ward Upstairs 6562 0249
- Medical Ward Downstairs 6562 0220
- Rehabilitation Ward 6562 0299
- High Dependency 6562 0254
Public telephones are available in the foyer,maternity and near the Bus shelter.
The use of mobile phones is discouraged insidethe ward areas as they may interfere with vitalmedical equipment.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
For safety reasons we will not allow you to usesuch items until they have been assessed by ourexperts for electrical safety. No radios ortelevisions are to be brought into the facility.
ABORIGINAL LIAISON OFFICER
The Aboriginal Liaison Officer acts as an advocateand provides support for Aboriginal inpatientsand their families. The Aboriginal Liaison Officercan be contacted on 6562 0356 (Ext 356).
INTERPRETER SERVICE
If you don’t speak or read English and need alanguage interpreter, or are hearing impaired andneed a signing interpreter you have the right toaccess a free, qualified and confidentialinterpreter. Please notify your nurse to arrangethis.
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SMOKE FREE HEALTHCAREPOLICY
The Kempsey District Hospital has implementedthe NSW Health Smoke Free Healthcare Policy toprotect the health of staff, patients and visitorsfrom exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking isNOT permitted on the Kempsey District HospitalSite.
WORKPLACE AGGRESSION &VIOLENCE
The Kempsey District Hospital has implementedthe NSW Health Zero Tolerance to Violence Policyto protect the health & safety of staff, patientsand visitors from exposure to aggression andviolence. The hospital is committed to the rightsof staff to work in a safe, healthy and supportivework environment that is free of violence. Thehospital will not tolerate violent or disruptivebehaviour from any person including patients andvisitors.
FIRE SAFETY & OTHEREMERGENCIES
The Hospital is equipped with a sophisticated firealarm system and ample fire fighting equipment.There is also signage throughout the building todirect you to the nearest emergency exit. Theseare illuminated green and white ‘EXIT’ signs.
All hospital staff receive a high level of training inresponse to emergencies. This includesevacuating the building and using the firefighting equipment.
In an emergency you may hear alarms sounding.DO NOT PANIC. Wait for staff to advise what
action is required. If an evacuation is orderedmove calmly as instructed and remain with theevacuated group
SERVICES PROVIDED
Kempsey District Hospital provides acomprehensive emergency service 24 hours a day7 days a week. The Emergency Department issupported by High Dependency Unit, Radiology,Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Workand Pathology and ward accommodation foradult medical and surgical patients, obstetricpatients, adolescents and newborn babies.
INPATIENTS
Emergency AdmissionPatients presenting to the EmergencyDepartment are assessed by a nurse in order ofmedical urgency (Triage), so people arriving afteryou may be treated before you.
Elective AdmissionYou will receive a request for Admission Formfrom your specialist. You must take this formimmediately to the Front Reception Desk any daybetween 8:00am and 2:30pm to have your nameplaced on the waiting list.
If your admission is classified as ‘routine’, you willbe placed on the hospital waiting list and you willreceive a letter stating the approximate waitingtime for your procedure.
Please notify the Theatre Booking Officer on6562 6155 as a matter of urgency if you areunable to come for admission, or if you changeyour address and/or phone number. On theplanned day of admission all booked patientsshould report to the location identified in theiradmission letter.
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The interviewing officer will check your personalparticulars and document the necessary details.Should you be unable to give this informationwhen admitted, an Administration Officer willcome to your ward at a suitable time. Oncompletion of the admission forms, you will beissued a bracelet identification band which youmust wear throughout your stay in the facility -please check that the details on this name bandare accurate.
PRE-ADMISSION CLINIC
The Pre-admission Clinic is located in theExecutive Building. Not all elective patients arerequired to attend Pre-admission Clinic. If youare required to attend the Pre-Admission Clinic,you will receive a letter from the hospital with anappointment time. Some patients are alsorequired to see their Anaesthetist before theiroperation to ensure you are medically fit for yourprocedure. You will be notified by mail with anappointment time if you need to see anAnaesthetist. Appointment times can bechanged by contacting the Preadmission Clinic on6562 6155.
OPERATING THEATRE
Most patients are able to return home on thesame day as their surgery or procedure iscompleted. Patients must have a responsibleperson who can collect them from hospital andstay with them overnight if they have receivedany form of sedation.
MATERNITY
Maternity patients need to make an appointmentto book in to the Maternity Unit. Please contactthe Maternity Unit on 6562 0221 or 6562 0467for further information.
Maternity patients should go directly to theMaternity Unit when presenting on the day ofadmission.
HOSPITAL FEES AND HEALTHINSURANCE
On admission to hospital you will be asked tochoose whether you wish to be treated as aPublic Patient or as a Private Chargeable Patient.
Hospital (non-chargeable)Patient
If you choose to be a Public (non-chargeable)Patient, all treatment including accommodationand medical charges are covered by Medicare. Asa hospital (non-chargeable) patient you areentitled to free accommodation in a shared unitand free treatment by doctors nominated by thehospital.
Private (Chargeable) Patient
If you are a financial member of a Health Fund,you may choose to be admitted as a PrivatePatient. As a private patient, all expenses incurredduring your admission will be covered by acombination of Medicare and your Health Fund.
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As a Private Patient:• You should ensure that your fund
membership subscriptions are up-to-date sothat the hospital can process the claimwithout delay.
• You may be treated by a specialist nominatedby the hospital, or if you wish, you can choosea specialist/doctor of your own choice (subjectto availability).
• Fees for your accommodation will be chargeddirectly to your Health Fund. Health Fundclaim forms must be completed prior to yourdischarge.
• Accounts for medical and diagnostic servicesmay be sent to you to claim through Medicareand your Health Fund.
• Hospital staff can assist you with theappropriate claim forms.
• If you receive any charges relating to youradmission which are not covered by Medicareor by your Health Fund, you should contactthe Hospital on 6562 6155 for assistance.
If you would like to know more about being aprivate patient, ask for a copy of the PrivatePatient Information Brochure.
Workers Compensation &Motor Vehicle Third PartyInsuranceIf we believe that your case is covered under aWorkers’ Compensation policy or motor vehiclethird party insurance, you will automatically beadmitted under that category. Please liaise withClerical Staff to confirm your compensable status.
BED ALLOCATION & PATIENTPRIORITY
For all patients, public and private, the allocationof single rooms is based on clinical need. Single
rooms can be requested only by private patientsand will be allocated as available.
Patients admitted to a single room may be movedin the event that the room is required due to theclinical condition of another patient.
Acute patients may be transferred to PortMacquarie Base Hospital depending on themedical needs.
WHAT TO BRING
• Letter of admission (elective admissions)
• Request for Admission Form (electiveadmission)
• Medicare Card, Private Hospital Fund card orbook (if applicable)
• Pensioner Benefit or Health Care Card (ifapplicable)
• All appropriate private X-rays, CT scans,ultrasounds and other test results
• Personal sleepwear including a dressing gownand closed in footwear with non-slip soles
• Comfortable day clothes
• Personal toiletries
• Glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids ifrequired
• All current medications (these will be returnedto you)
• Small amount of money (for phone,newspaper, television)
• Activities e.g. knitting, reading, craftwork,pen or pencil
• Children may want to bring a favourite toy
• Sanitary pads for gynaecology patients
Only bring what you really need for your stay.Please do not bring valuables or large sums ofmoney as we cannot take responsibility for any
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losses. Please take special care of dentures,glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids.
If it is an emergency admission, patients areasked to give any valuables to relatives or friendsfor safe keeping until discharge.
The hospital offers a limited secure locked servicefor small valuables. The Ward Clerk or Cashierwill issue a receipt for valuables put in safekeeping. This receipt will need to be produced atthe Front Reception in main entry foyer duringoffice hours for redemption of valuables.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL &MEDICINES BROUGHT INTOHOSPITAL
Do not bring any drugs, alcohol or medicine intothe ward unless requested by your doctor ornurse.
Never take medicines or drugs without theknowledge of the nursing staff.
Alcohol should not be brought on to orconsumed on the hospital premises by visitors orpatients.
ARRIVAL ON THE WARD
On the ward, you will be met by ward staff anddetails of the ward layout and services will beexplained, including the use of the nurse callsystem / patient handset next to your bed.
Please inform the doctor or nurse of any allergiesyou may have, what medications you have beentaking at home (including any complementaryand over-the-counter items such as vitamins).
On admission, please hand your Nurse any drugsor medicines you may be currently taking, thesewill be returned to you on discharge. The use ofdrugs other than those prescribed by your doctor
while in hospital can have an adverse effect onyour recovery.
If you wish to leave the ward at any time, pleaseadvise the nurse who is directly responsible foryour nursing care.
PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
Check the information on your hospital I.D.bracelet to make sure that your name is correctand medical record number are on it. Make sureall staff check your I.D. bracelet before anyprocedure or test.
CONSENT FOR TREATMENT
Your approval is needed before any medicaltreatment begins.
However, medical treatment may be given with out consent:
• In an emergency
• When you are unconscious
• When you require treatment under theMental Health Act (1990) or InfectiousDiseases (Public Health Act 1991)
ESCALATION OF CARE
If you have concerns about your care or the careof a family member who is a patient at KempseyDistrict Hospital, please speak to the nurselooking after you or them. If you are stillconcerned, please ask to speak to either theNurse/Midwife in charge or the Nurse Manager.
EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION
You may identify hospital employees by theiridentification badges. The badges feature theemployee’s photograph, name and position.
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NURSE CALL SYSTEM / PATIENTHANDSET
Each patient within the facility will have a patienthandset which has several functions. It is thenurses call bell and also allows control of thetelevision.
When you press the call button a light willilluminate outside your room and a bell will ringindicating that you require assistance. A nursewill attend to your needs as soon as possible.
PATIENT LOCKERS
Patient lockers contain a small storage area forbelongings and a lockable drawer. Somewards/units also have small patient wardrobefacilities.
DENTURES
Dentures are easily lost if placed in tissue paperon the bedside cabinet or under your pillow. Ifyou remove your dentures, please ask a nurse fora denture cup.
DAILY ROUTINE
Matters of daily routine are the concern of theNursing Unit Manager who must consider thecomfort of all patients. In shared wards, lightsshould be turned out by 10:00pm and screensdrawn around beds where patients are watchingtelevision.
MEDICAL RECORDS
A comprehensive medical record will be kept ofyour stay in Hospital, your illness and treatment.We collect information that is relevant andnecessary for your treatment and to manage the
health service. Staff are bound by law and ethicalpractice to keep your information confidential.Staff will use or disclose information for purposesdirectly related to your treatment, and in waysyou would reasonably expect for current andfuture care. Your information may be held inpaper and electronic files. We take all reasonablesteps to ensure the information we collect aboutyou is stored securely. Your personal healthinformation will be shared with staff involved inyour care in order to determine the besttreatment for you and to assist in themanagement of the health services provided toyou.
Your medical record is the property of theKempsey District Hospital. Under the ‘Freedom ofInformation Act’ you are entitled to requestaccess to all personal information including yourhealth records held by us. You will be asked toapply for access in writing, provide identificationand pay a fee for administration costs involved.Requests for access should be directed to theMedical Record Department on 6562 0258.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATES
If you require a medical certificate, please informyour doctor before discharge.
DISCHARGE
Your doctor will let you know when you are wellenough to go home. You should be advised ofan anticipated discharge date within 48 hours ofadmission.
Patients being discharged are generally expectedto vacate their room by 10:00am, so please planyour transport home to meet this requirement.Your assistance in doing so will help avoid delaysfor people waiting to be admitted. In the event
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that this is not possible you may be relocated tothe Lounge Room until your transport arrives.
If required there are community services availableto assist with your ongoing care once you aredischarged. You can speak with your nurse aboutyour needs.
Before leaving the hospital, you should present tothe Front Reception Desk to finalise youradmission documentation. If you are unable to dothis, please check with your nurse who will checkwith the reception staff to ensure yourdocumentation is complete.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Please be aware that you are expected to provideyour own transport home unless otherwiseadvised by your treating doctor. Please have yourfamily or friends arrange to transport you to andfrom the Hospital. If you have any difficulty withtransport, please speak to staff.
Newborn babies must be transported in an RTAapproved baby capsule.
If you are having an anaesthetic you should notdrive a vehicle for 24 hours afterwards.
Ambulances/Hospital vehicles are not used fortransfer home unless specified by a doctor.
DISCHARGE AGAINST MEDICALADVICE
With few exceptions, such as in the case ofcertain infectious disease, patients have the rightto leave the hospital when they choose. However,to leave the hospital against medical advice mayhave serious consequences and you will be askedto sign a ‘Discharge against Medical Advice’ Formprior to leaving.
TRANSFER TO ANOTHERHOSPITAL
If you need transfer to another facility duringyour hospitalisation, this will be arranged byhospital staff in consultation with you and yourfamily.
From time to time patients may be transferred toperipheral hospitals to make place for more acuteadmissions. Patients and carers will be consultedprior to this occurring.
ADVANCE CARE DIRECTIVES
Your treating Doctor or nurse may suggest to youthat you might like to consider establishing anAdvance Care Directive (ACD). This is a writtenstatement regarding your wishes about yourfuture health care. It becomes relevant in thefuture only if you become incapable of makingdecisions for yourself (through illness oraccident). If you decide you would like toconsider an ACD, it is best to discuss it with yourGeneral Practitioner at a time when you arefeeling well after discharge from hospital. If youhave an ACD or plan to make one, we suggestyou give a copy to your Responsible Other (Nextof Kin) so that they can present it to the stafftreating you if you do come into hospital.
EQUIPMENT LENDING POOL
There is an equipment lending pool for thosewho require mobility and self-care equipment ona short-term loan to assist with discharge fromhospital. All equipment is to be recommendedand prescribed by a health professional. A fee ischarged for loan of equipment. For moreinformation contact Allied Health Reception:6562 0297.
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COMMUNITY & ALLIED HEALTHSERVICES
A variety of community support services areavailable to help you following your dischargefrom the hospital. If you are concerned aboutyour ability to manage at home following yourdischarge, please discuss this with the nursingstaff. They will be able to refer you to appropriateservices. If you have been receiving services suchas Meals on Wheels or Home Care prior to youradmission, please let the nursing staff on yourward know.
VOLUNTARY SERVICES
The hospital is fortunate to have the services ofseveral voluntary groups whose members givetheir time for the benefits of our patients.Volunteers are able to assist with:
• Arranging and caring for your flowers
• Reading mail at your request
• Assisting in writing or posting letters
• Reading
• Directing / guiding visitors to the appropriatearea of the facility
• Pastoral Care Volunteers will visit on request
PASTORAL CARE
The pastoral care service seeks to provide person-centred, holistic spiritual support to hospitalpatients, families and staff in the hospital.Spiritual care refers to approaches and practicesthat nourish the human spirit in times of difficultyand distress. The service provides an integratedapproach which facilitates and empowerscommunication, relationships, spiritual, religiousand sacramental support.
The Pastoral Care Service of the Hospital believesthat spiritual support is an integral part of totalpatient care and is provided by the pastoral careservice. Visiting Clergy and Pastoral Care visitorsfrom various denominations and faiths visit thehospital on a regular basis and can be contactedon your behalf.
If you wish to speak with a Pastoral Care Workeror Chaplain, please inform the nursing staff whowill endeavour to make contact for you.
CARER SUPPORT
Carers play a vital role in the health and well-being of the person who they care for. However,the demands of the caring role often result incarers experiencing significant health problems,financial hardship and social isolation.
Information can be obtained from theCommonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre1800 052 222.
DIABETES EDUCATION
The Kempsey District Hospital provides a DiabetesEducation Service to its patients. The DiabetesTeam includes the Diabetes Nurse Educator andthe Diabetes Dietitian and provides both inpatientand outpatient services. For outpatientappointments please contact Community Healthon 6562 6066.
HYDROTHERAPY POOL
The Hydrotherapy Pool is located in the DayHospital adjacent to the PhysiotherapyDepartment. It is primarily used for the treatmentof inpatients and outpatients of the KempseyDistrict Hospital but may be accessed byCommunity Groups by arrangement with thePhysiotherapist in charge.
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PHARMACY
Whilst in hospital please take the opportunity tohave the clinical pharmacist review and explainyour medications. If you have any queriesregarding your medication either during your stayor on discharge, please advise your doctor,pharmacist or ward staff.
REHABILITATION SERVICES
The Rehabilitation Service aims to restore peopleto their highest level of functioning followinginjury, surgery or illness through an individualisedpatient re-learning and training program. TheRehabilitation team consists of Doctors, Nursesand Allied Health Professionals who worktogether to give people the support and skillsthey need to achieve their maximum potential.
SOCIAL WORK
The Social Work Department provides support topatients and their families who have healthrelated issues. This support is offered byprofessionally qualified Social Workers who maysee people as both inpatients and outpatients.
The support offered can include assisting peoplein coping with life change, grief and loss,adjustment to health issues, social problems,financial problems and assisting people inaccessing other services they may need. They canalso advise on community resources that provideadditional support and assistance.
Our Social Worker provides professional supportto help you take control of your situation. Shecan be contacted on 6562 6066.
If you would like to speak with a Social Workerplease ask ward staff to contact them on yourbehalf.
HEALTH PROMOTION
The Kempsey District Hospital works with thecommunity, other hospital staff and keyorganisations to improve the health of peoplewho live and work in the Kempsey area. Priorityareas include injury prevention, physical activity,reducing tobacco access for minors, skin cancerprevention, increasing access for non-Englishspeaking groups and other projects.
For information contact Community Health 65626066.
FEES AND ACCOUNTS
Please check with the Admission/Accounts Officebefore leaving hospital to finalise any outstandingaccounts.
If you are a private patient, you will be asked tosign the appropriate health insurance formsauthorising the hospital to send your accountdirectly to your health insurance fund. No fees arecharged to public patients except when they arecertified as no longer requiring acute hospitalcare. This includes patients who have been inhospital continuously for more than 35 days thatmay be classified as Nursing Home Type patientsif they no longer require acute hospital services.We will let you know if you are placed in thiscategory.
CHANGE OF DETAILS
If you have a change in personal details, eg;name, address, phone number, next of kin, localfamily doctor etc since your last stay with us,please inform staff as soon as possible.
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DONATIONS
Kempsey District Hospital is most fortunate tobelong to a generous and caring communitywhich is very supportive of their health service.
Donations, no matter how small, are a veryimportant part of our revenue, helping to buyequipment and assist with special projects.Thanks to the generosity of our local community,we have been able to purchase many extra itemsof equipment which directly affect the level ofcare the service is able to provide.
If you would like more information on how tomake a donation or are thinking of leaving abequest to the Kempsey District Hospital, pleasecontact the Director of Nursing on 6562 0262.Any assistance you can give your local hospital ismost appreciated and will help us to continue toprovide a service of which we can all be justifiablyproud.
Donations can be made at Front Reception in themain entrance foyer and a receipt will be issued.All donations over $2-00 are tax deductible.
NOTE: Gratuities to members of staff are notpermitted. If you have been pleased with yourtreatment, a letter to the staff involved or theDirector of Nursing is much appreciated.
YOUR RIGHTS ANDRESPONSIBILITIES
(Source: NSW Health Rights and Responsibilities:A Guide for Patients, Carers and Families)
Everyone seeking or receiving healthcare inAustralia has certain rights and responsibilities.They include:
AccessThe right to access health care
SafetyThe right to safe and high quality health care
RespectThe right to respect, dignity and consideration
CommunicationThe right to be informed about services,treatment, options and costs in a clear and openway
ParticipationThe right to be included in decisions and choicesabout care
Privacy & ConfidentialityThe right to personal information being keptprivate and confidential
Comments, Compliments and ComplaintsThe right to comment on care and have yourconcerns addressed
If you would like further information a copy ofthe complete brochure Your Healthcare Rightsand Responsibilities: A Guide for Patients, Carersand Families NSW Health is available at FrontReception in the Main Foyer.
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COMMENTS, COMPLAINTS ANDCOMPLIMENTS
The hospital is committed to providing thehighest level of care and attention, and in doingso, welcome comments/suggestions.
If you have been particularly pleased ordissatisfied with any aspect of our service, pleaseinform the Nursing Unit Manager immediately sothat we can rectify the problem. If it is easier foryou to write your concerns, you can do this in theform of a letter. If you feel that your concern hasnot been resolved satisfactorily at your localhospital, you may wish to lodge a formalcomplaint.
The Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC)is independent of the public system. Anyone canlodge a complaint with the HCCC. Complaintsmust be in writing and there are officers who canassist you. Visit: www.hccc.nsw.gov.au
The HCCC has a Telephone Interpreter Service.Ring: 13 14 50.
More information is available at the Your HealthCare Concerns website. Go to:www.health.nsw.gov.au/hospitals/healthcare
