Patient safety at Hunter New England

Welcome to our hospital.

While you are here, your safety is our priority and if you follow these 8 simple steps, you can help keep yourself safe during your stay.

To help prevent falls, please wear the non-slip socks if provided. Laced up or snug fitting shoes or slippers with rubber soles.

Use your usual walking aids and if you need any assistance, tell us.

To help prevent blood clots, wear your hospital stockings as you’ve been advised to and move as often as you can.

Try and do simple leg and ankle exercises, drink fluids as recommended and take blood thinning tablets or injections as advised.

To prevent infection, wash your hands before and after visiting the toilet and before all meals.

Don’t hesitate to ask our staff or your visitors if they have washed their hands before any contact with you.

Tell us if you have diarrhoea or vomiting.

If you have any tubes or needs attached to you, ask staff why they are there and if you still need them.

There’s no need to be confused about your medicines. Tell us if you don’t understand what your medicines are for, or if you have an allergy.

Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about any concerns you may have and ask about the possible side effects.

Pressure injuries are not very nice, so if you can, try to keep mobile in bed and call us if you are uncomfortable.

We are very happy to help you change position, and if necessary, we can provide you with a special mattress or cushion for support.

Let us know if any of your personal information is wrong - like the name on your ID band, your address, your GP, or your responsible person.

Also tell us if you have any allergies. If you have any concerns, don't forget we are here to help you.

Talk to us and use your care board if you have any worries or questions about your treatment or about what will happen when you leave hospital.

Congratulations, you're leaving the hospital, but before you leave, make sure you have your discharge letter, you've got your medicines and they’ve been explained to you, you know who to contact if you have any questions or concerns and you know when your next appointment is.

Please let us know your best contact number after you leave hospital so we can follow-up your stay.

If you need any more information on how to make your stay with us safe, ask a member of staff.

Introduction

Do you know your healthcare rights?

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes what you or someone you care for can expect when receiving healthcare in Australia.

Access

You have a right to access healthcare services and treatment that meets your needs.

Safety

You have a right to safe and high-quality healthcare that meets national standards and is delivered in a safe environment.

Respect

You have a right to be treated as an individual whose culture, identity, beliefs and choices are recognised and respected.

Partnership

You have a right to ask questions and be involved in open and honest communication.

You have a right to make your own decisions and to include the people you want in your care.

Information

You have a right to clear information about your health, treatment options and any costs involved, so that you can provide your informed consent.

Privacy

You have a right to have your personal privacy respected and information about you and your health kept secure and confidential.

Give feedback

You have a right to provide feedback or make a complaint without this affecting the way you are treated.

You have a right to have your concerns addressed in a transparent and timely way.

For more information about your healthcare rights, ask your doctor or healthcare service or visit our website - www.safetyandquality.gov.au/your-rights   

­­