REACH is a program to support patients, carers, and families to raise concerns with staff about worrying changes in a patient's condition. It stands for Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help is on its way.
If you see or feel that something is not right:
You will find the hospital’s REACH phone number on posters or flyers at the hospital, or you can ask a staff member.
Visit the Clinical Excellence Commission for more information.
Everyone is welcome here.
No matter your age, background, culture, language, beliefs, gender, or identity - you can receive spiritual and emotional support during your time in hospital.
We offer access to:
If you would like a visit from a hospital chaplain, let us know when you arrive, or ask your nurse or doctor at any time. You are also welcome to invite a support person or representative from your own spiritual or cultural community to visit.
We are here to support you in ways that matter to you.
You may be asked about your religion or spiritual beliefs when you come to hospital. You do not have to answer. It is completely your choice.
If you do tell us, it may help us:
If your child is in hospital, we may ask the same question for them, to support your family's values and traditions.
If you choose to share this information, we will store it safely in your health record. It will not be shared outside NSW Health without your permission.
Our social workers are here to support you, your family and carers with emotional, social, and practical challenges you may be facing during your hospital stay.
Social workers are qualified professionals who provide care with compassion, respect, and confidentiality. They follow the Australian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics and practice standards.
They can help with:
If you would like to speak with a social worker, please ask a member of staff.
Coming to the emergency department (ED) can be stressful — whether you or someone you care about needs our help. Our Patient Experience Officers are here to support you during your time in the ED.
They understand the ED can be busy, noisy, and sometimes unpredictable — and they’re here to make things a little easier by:
Our goal is to provide compassionate, clear communication even in a high-pressure environment.
If you’d like support from a Patient Experience Officer in the ED, just let a nurse or staff member know.
Our hospitals are committed to providing culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
When coming to hospital, we encourage you to let us know if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This helps us provide the best possible care and connect you with our Aboriginal Liaison Officers.
This will ensure our Aboriginal Liaison Officers can meet with you to discuss how we can provide you with the best possible care and services.
Aboriginal Liaison Officers help you and your families better understand your care requirements, hospital needs, and treatment options. They can also help you talk to health professionals so that you can understand medical procedures and routines and participate actively in decisions about your care.
Some hospitals also have Aboriginal family rooms and healing gardens, quiet spaces where you and your loved ones can gather, reflect or take a break during your hospital stay.
If you would like to speak with an Aboriginal Liaison Officer, please ask a staff member.
If you speak a language other than English, you can ask for a free and confidential interpreter. We provide trained, professional interpreters to help you understand your care and make informed decisions about your health.
To learn more or request support, visit NSW Health Care Interpreting Services.
You can also ask a staff member to arrange an interpreter for you. We're here to make sure you feel heard, safe and supported.
At every step of your care with us, your feedback helps us provide the best possible experience. We encourage you to share your thoughts, whether they are compliments, questions, or concerns, with your health care team while you are in hospital.
For more information about how to provide feedback, compliments, or complaints, visit Your voice matters.