Transcript of Going to hospital during COVID-19
This video is about what happens if you need to go to hospital.
People go to hospital for lots of reasons, like if they’re feeling very unwell, need special tests or medical treatment.
Because of COVID-19 you might notice that things are different at the hospital.
When you come to hospital you will see that some of the nurses and doctors will be wearing gowns, masks, face shields and gloves. This is to protect you and them from COVID-19.
When you first arrive at the hospital you may be asked some questions and have your temperature checked.
These questions are asked to make sure that we can protect each other from COVID-19 in our hospitals.
You will also be asked to clean your hands with hand sanitiser and you may be asked to put on a mask.
When you come to hospital it would be helpful to bring information about yourself. You can also bring something that makes you feel comfortable.
You can have another person with you when you go to hospital. But there are rules about who can stay with you.
Nurses and doctors will ask you questions when you come to hospital. They might ask you about how you are feeling, and how they can help you. They might ask you about how you like to communicate, what supports you normally have at home and if you are an NDIS participant. You can answer these questions yourself, or you can choose to have your family member, carer or support worker answer the questions for you.
If you are uncomfortable or in pain at any time you should talk to a nurse or doctor. Nurses and doctors should always listen to you or your family member, carer or support person.
Being in the hospital can be confusing. You might hear words that are new to you. If you don’t understand – that’s ok. You can always ask a nurse or doctor to explain things to you.
Nurses and doctors might need to do things like take your temperature or check your blood pressure. You can ask the doctor or nurse to explain what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.
You might be given medicine that you haven’t been given before. If you don’t understand what the medicine is for, or you are concerned about any side effects, please ask the nurse or doctor.
When it is time for you to leave the hospital, the doctor or nurse will talk to you about going home.
You can also ask to talk to a Social Worker if you feel you need more support when you go home.
You can ask as many questions as you like.
You can also ask for information to be given to you in writing, so you can look at it later or give it to your family member, carer or support worker.