Blood Clot Prevention
A stay in hospital may increase your risk of developing a blood clot in your legs or lungs.
Some people have a disposition to developing blood clots, but one of the biggest risks for developing a clot is being immobile.
While in hospital, the medical staff will assess your risk of developing a clot and introduce clot prevention strategies.
To reduce the risk of clotting, stay mobile where possible, take prescribed medications, drink plenty of fluids and avoid crossing your legs.
After you leave hospital if you have increased pain or swelling in your legs, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, please consult your Doctor or seek emergency treatment.
Consent for Treatment
As part of your Admission to the hospital, you need to complete a “Consent for Treatment” form. This verifies you have had the specific details and risks associated with the treatment / procedures / operations to be undertaken during your admission explained and you have consented to the treatment / operations. A separate consent form may be used to verify you have had an explanation of the anaesthetic type, associated risks and alternatives and that you have consented to this.
You have the right to ask questions if you have any concerns regarding the procedure or understanding of the risks and alternatives. Ask to speak with the nursing staff or your Doctor in order to express and have your concerns addressed.
Disability Services
All patients requiring extra care for disability services catered for, however in certain circumstances prior to notice of needs is advisable.
Emergency Procedures
Mitcham Private Hospital has highly developed safety and emergency procedures, we are fully accredited with the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and comply with all Workplace Health and Safety requirements, to ensure all staff members are able to deal with an emergency, on-going and regular training drills are carried out to train staff in these procedures. Timing of these drills is not pre advised and staff on duty treat each Code as a natural occurrence. At all times during staff training you will hear a verbal announcement to advise there is a testing procedure being conducted and again to advise when the test has been completed. Please feel free to familiarise yourself with the exit points closest to your room – they are easily identified by illuminated green signage marked “EXIT” throughout the corridors of the hospital.
The hospital has highly developed safety and emergency procedures in which each staff member has a key role. In the unlikely event of an emergency, remain in / by your bed until a staff member arrives to assist you.
Falls Prevention in Hospital
In order to maintain the safety of patients while in hospital, Mitcham Private Hospital uses a number of falls prevention strategies. Patients may become more susceptible of falling during their stay in hospital for a range of reasons, including the unfamiliar surroundings, change of medication and surgery. During your admission, you will undergo a falls risk assessment to determine if you are at risk of falling and what may need to be done to decrease this risk. Please be sure to pack appropriate footwear when coming to hospital; patients are encouraged to wear closed, non-slip slippers. If you are risk of falling please ask nursing assistance when transferring or mobilizing around the room. We encourage families and friends to participate in the falls prevention process to ensure our patients’ safety.
Going Home / Discharge
Once you have recovered from the acute phase of your surgery or illness, it is usual for you to continue your recovery at home. The staff caring for you will keep you updated regarding your planned discharge date. If you foresee any problems returning to your usual residence please discuss the issues with the staff caring for you or ask to see the Nursing Unit Manager so that plans can be put in place for your return home.
Before your discharge the ward nurse will inform you when to make appointments for follow up, order any medications you are able to take home and make any other arrangements necessary for your aftercare. On the day of your discharge it is expected that you will vacate your room by 9:30am. Please ensure that the person collecting you is aware of this timeframe. If you have had a general anaesthetic or sedation within the past 24 hours you will need to be accompanied home by a responsible adult. You should not drive a car, operate machinery or domestic appliances, conduct important business or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours following your anaesthetic. Should you require a taxi service to transport you home, reception staff will be happy to assist you with this. Before you leave please ensure you have all your personal items, all medications, your x-rays and follow up instructions. If your discharge needs are complex, our discharge co-ordinator will visit you to provide assistance in co-ordinating the services you require. Upon discharge you are asked to check out at Front Reception to settle any out of pocket expenses that you may have incurred during your stay.
Identification of Patient
When you are admitted to hospital, white identification bands will be attached to your wrist and/or ankle.
If you have any allergies you will receive red identification bands. The identification band is part of the process we use to ensure we identify the correct patient before any procedures and interventions.
Also if you have a condition / risk that the staff need to be aware of during your hospital stay (i.e. Gluten free diet) a red arm band will also be used for identification purposes.
During your stay staff will ask your name and other personal details frequently, this is to ensure that we provide the utmost safety and care towards you whilst you are a patient, we thank you for your patience with this repetitive occurrence.
Identification of Staff
Staff wear name badges as a means of identification and internal security. The badge shows the staff member’s name and position. If you cannot see a staff member’s identification badge you may ask them to show you.
Infection Control
Hand washing, high standards of housekeeping and the use of sterile techniques and equipment are essential in order to ensure your speedy recovery and to reduce the risk of infection. Patients play a vital role in reducing the risk of infection to themselves and other patients. Here are a few very simple guidelines.
- Personal hygiene is very important
- Always wash your hands when using the toilet facilities or when leaving your room
- Nursing staff can supply you with liquid soap for showering if you don’t have any of your own. Always keep such toiletries for your sole use.
- Mention to nursing staff any concerns you may have regarding hygiene of the ward or bathrooms
- Please avoid sitting on the beds of other patients. Nursing staff are happy to provide you with a chair if required.
If you have any questions about infection control, the nursing staff will happily assist you. Your co-operation in helping us to maintain a high standard of infection control is appreciated.
Interpreter Service
If the service of an interpreter is required, contact the Hospital prior to admission so that the necessary arrangements can be made. There may be a cost associated with the service.
Lost Property
Property remains the responsibility of patients. Whilst every attempt is taken to safeguard property it is recommended that patients do not keep valuables with them in hospital.
Manual Handling
The hospital has implemented a patient handling work practice for staff that eliminates the lifting of patients’ full body weight when handling, transferring and mobilising patients. Staff will assess your activity and mobility levels on an ongoing basis to ensure appropriate manual handling aids are available.
Medical Staff
The doctor who admits you is responsible for your medical care while you are in Mitcham Private Hospital. Any questions that you have regarding your treatment should be directed to him / her.
Medication Safety
On admission, any current medications that you are presently taking should be given to the nursing staff to be locked away.
Nurse Call System
Bedside handsets include a nurse call facility to enable you to contact your attending nurse at any time of the day or night. Press the middle green button to request a nurse to attend. Should you experience difficulty with operating the handset, please ask your attending nurse for instructions.
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Pressure Ulcers are caused by unrelieved pressure, rubbing or friction that damages the skin and underlying tissues. Areas often affected are the buttocks, elbows and heels and bone prominences.
Most pressure ulcers can be prevented or if present their progress halted. At Mitcham Private Hospital we will endeavour to prevent pressure ulcers by:
- Caring for your skin by minimizing exposure to urine, stool, perspiration or wound drainage
- Limit pressure by changing patient’s position frequently
- Use of pillows and wedges to keep knees and ankles off the mattress
- Utilising pressure reliving Mattresses
- Raising the foot of the bed to reduce sliding, if the head of the bed is elevated.
- Mobilisation – getting you out of bed and up walking as soon as possible.
- Providing a well-balanced diet
Your role in pressure ulcer prevention is to;
- Be aware of the risk factors
- Be willing to assist the nurses with skin care and repositioning
- If able, adjust your position regularly
- Be aware that mobilisation is one of the most important factors in pressure ulcer prevention
- If able eat well and drink plenty of water
Quality Improvement
The hospital utilises sophisticated levels of quality measures and reviews to ensure all aspects of your care are of a high standards. If you wish to view the Hospitals Quality Policy please direct all enquiries to the Hospital Executive Office.
Spiritual Needs
Your spiritual needs will be catered for through prior arrangement with the Nursing Unit Manager of your ward. Your own clergy is welcome to visit you during your hospital stay.
Surgery
We advise the following cannot be worn into the operating theatre;
- Nail polish (fingers and toes)
- Make-up
- Contact Lenses
- Jewellery
Valuables
Patients are strongly advised not to wear jewellery, to leave other valuables at home and not to being large amounts of money into the hospital. If you have already been admitted and have not been aware of the hospital policy, please ask family members or friends in attendance to take care of these items on your behalf. The Hospital will not accept liability for loss or damage of valuables or personal belongings that you choose to keep in your room. Should you decide to take responsibility for personal items and you experience loss or damage during your stay, please ensure that it is reported to a staff member immediately.
Ward Organisation
The ward areas are under the supervision of the Nursing Unit Manager during weekdays and a senior Registered Nurse on evening, night and weekend shifts. Any concerns that may occur during your stay should be raised with the Nursing Unit Manager immediately.