We understand that coming to hospital can be a difficult time for you, your family, carers and friends. There are many support services to help you have the best experiences and outcomes of care.
If you have any questions or need help at any time, please don’t hesitate to ask.
We are here for you
When you come to hospital, many different people will help take care of you, working together to make sure you get the best care. Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, healthcare interpreters, pastoral care and chaplain services and other staff will meet with you to talk about your care.
If you come through the emergency department, a triage nurse will assess how urgent your care is. You may have tests or treatment while you wait. Staff will keep you informed and answer your questions.
You will be part of conversations or meetings about your care and can ask questions or share how you are feeling about what is happening. Your family, carer or kin can also be part of these meetings; it is your choice. You are an important part of the team, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
"I liked how the staff showed me my test results before each treatment. It helped me ask questions. My nurse made me feel calm right away… I felt like I was going to be okay."
Learn more about Your care team.
Lots of information needs to be collected when you are admitted and arrive on the ward. Your care team will ask you and your family or carer some questions to help plan your care in the hospital and when you go home, this is called discharge planning. Some questions might include:
If you have been admitted via the emergency department (ED), your ward care team will continue with your care plan from the ED. Some questions you might be asked include:
Your care team will also help answer questions about things that matter to you, like:
Your nurse will show you how to use the call bell and tell you about the ward, including where the toilets are and when the meal times are. There will be a patient care board near your bed that has the name of your doctor and nurse. You, or your family or carer, can write down questions for your care team.
You will be asked other questions about yourself. For example, your religion or spiritual beliefs, or if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. You do not have to answer. It is completely your choice.
If you do tell us, it may help us:
If your child or loved one is in hospital, we will ask the same questions about them.
If you choose to share this information, we will store it safely. It will not be shared outside NSW Health without your permission.
Every person is different, and your care team will work to help you get well enough to be discharged back to where you live. The team will talk to you about these plans during your stay, so that everyone can support you to get home as soon as you are ready. If you have arrived on the ward from the emergency department and are unsure why, the care team will be able to talk through the care plan with you.
A nurse or midwife is in charge of each ward. They make sure the staff have what they need to look after you. You can ask to speak to the Nurse or Midwife In Charge at any time, including if you have any concerns about your care. You can give feedback about concerns anytime during your stay. See Your voice matters for more information.
Your rights as a person and a patient are protected while you are in hospital through the Healthcare Rights Charter. For more information, see Your health care rights.
