Admission and Operation Times
Your surgeon organises the admission times for your surgery. Due to the number of patients on some lists, you may have several hours to wait prior to your surgery. It is suggested that you bring reading material, audio devices, crosswords etc.
The hospital will endeavour to contact you the week prior to your surgery to discuss admission times and costs by letter or phone. If you are yet to hear from the hospital the day prior to your admission, please contact the Admissions Office on 9419 7122
If you have not received the patient admission forms from your doctor, please download and print the file below and return as soon as possible by fax: 03 9417 0347 or email: echcliveden.admissions@epworth.org.au and bring the originals with you on your day of admission.
If you have any difficulties with downloading or completing the forms please contact the admissions office: 03 9419 7122 or by email
What to Bring
- Night attire - including dressing gown and slippers (If staying overnight)
- Personal toiletries
- Current medications in original packaging
- X-rays, if applicable
If you are staying more than one night or more and you have previously used Anti-embolic stockings (e.g: Ted’s), please bring them with you
Other articles to help your stay more comfortable, e.g. Books, walkman, magazines
Valuables
It is recommended that you leave all valuable and jewellery items at home as there are very limited storage facilities at the hospital. We cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage of any item brought into the hospital.
Accommodation
Epworth Cliveden offers patients staying overnight or longer, both private and shared accommodation equipped with television and telephone . While every effort will be made to accommodate your room request, room allocations are subject to availability. If your preference is not available, we will endeavour to accomodate your needs as soon as possible. All patients undergoing day surgery will be accommodated in our Day Recovery Unit.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Epworth Cliveden is committed to providing the best in patient care and in doing so we provide the patient with information that helps them make informed decisions about their treatment and health care.
A comprehensive statement of your rights and responsibilities as a patient is available at your bedside. We highly recommend that you take time to read this. Alternatively you can download it below.
As a healthcare service we strive for continuous quality improvement and our quality management system is accredited through ISO 9001:2008. There is a Quality Policy available on request.
Discharge
Information regarding wound care, pain relief and follow-up appointments with your surgeon will be given to you prior to discharge. If any problems arise following discharge, please contact your surgeon.
Discharge time for overnight patients is between 9.30 am and 10.30 am, please arrange for your escort to collect you during this time. Any Tax Invoice received for Pharmacy items on discharge is payable directly to the Pharmacy once you leave the hospital.
Paying your Account
It is advised that you contact your insurance company prior to admission to confirm your level of cover for your hospitalisation. You should provide your insurance company with your length of stay and item numbers for the procedure (available from your surgeon's consulting rooms) you will be having. Patients hospitalised within 12 months of joining a health fund must pay the total hospital account on admission.
Any patients who are self-insured should contact the Epworth Cliveden to confirm the costs. All out of pocket costs are to be settled on admission, our receptionist will endeavour to contact you prior to admission to confirm any costs involved with your hospitalization.
Payment can be made by Credit card (visa, mastercard or bankcard), Cash or EFTPOS. If paying by EFTPOS or credit card, please ensure your card limit is high enough to settle your account in full on admission. No personal or business cheques accepted. Bank Cheque ONLY.
Patient Satisfaction Evaluation
We are keen to ensure we meet the needs of all our patients and that your stay in hospital is a pleasant one. The completion of a Patient Satisfaction Evaluation questionnaire which will be provided to you upon admission allows us to make improvements where needed. We appreciate your co-operation in completing this questionnaire.
Dietary Requirements
Epworth Cliveden caters for patients with special dietary needs. If you require a special diet please contact the Hospital prior to your admission so that we can make arrangements for your catering requirements.
Special Instructions
- We suggest loose/comfortable clothing to be worn.
- Please do not wear makeup or nail polish.
- Do not smoke 12 hours prior to your surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight prior to morning surgery or after 7.00am prior to afternoon surgery, unless otherwise instructed.
- Patients are advised not to drive a car, operate machinery, drink alcohol or sign important documents for 48 hours following surgery.
- Unit staff will advise you of discharge time to assist you with contacting your escort.
- Please arrange for a responsible person to escort you home.
- Do not drive yourself to or from the Hospital.
10 tips for safer health care
A guide to becoming more actively involved in your health care has been produced by the Safety and Quality Council to assist people to become more actively involved in their health care. It explains how and why things can go wrong, and how you can work in partnership with your health care professionals to get the best possible care.
This booklet is available in 15 community languages. Please email us requesting a copy if required.