We understand that coming to hospital can be very overwhelming and we will do all we can to make your stay with us as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

You will be contacted approximately two days prior to your admission to hospital. This call is a great opportunity to ask any questions that you may have in relation to your procedure and to confirm any instructions you have received about what you need to do to prepare for an operation or procedure (including any limitations on eating, drinking and smoking).

What you should bring to the hospital

Information and Documents

• Medicare card
• Healthcare card/pension card, if applicable
• Private health card, DVA card, if applicable
• Work Cover / TAC details, if applicable
• Referral letters
• X-rays or test results
• Contact details of two family members or friends who can be contacted if necessary
• Advance Care Directive*
• Medical Treatment Decision Maker *
• DHHS Guardianship documentation*

* Please supply the original or a certified copy

Medications

• All medications in original packaging.
  Include inhalers, patches, eye drops, vitamins, insulin
• Allergy information

Personal Aids

• Eye-glasses
• Hearing aids
• Walking aids
• CPAP machines

Personal Items

• Nightwear – with loose fitting arms or legs to allow for bandages, IV lines, etc.
• Dressing gown
• Personal hygiene items – Toothbrush and paste, soap, comb, deodorant, shampoo and shaving kit.
• Casual clothes – Loose fitting comfortable clothes
• Non-slip Slippers/shoes that are easy to put on /off
• Reading material
• Mobile phone and charger
• laptop/tablet and charger
• Credit Card to hire TV

Only bring a small bag similar in size to airline carry-on baggage for your clothing and personal items as storage is limited.

Valuables

Valuables and large amounts of money should be left at home. If you do need to bring them to the hospital for any reason, items will need to be listed on your admission form and then placed in the hospital safe. On discharge from the hospital, all valuables will be returned to you.

Note: Northeast Health will not be held responsible for lost valuables if they have not been placed in the hospital safe on admission. No responsibility will be taken for valuables left in your room.

On the day of your procedure

• Shower before arriving at hospital / with pre-op washes if this has been provided for your surgery.
• Wear clean comfortable clothes
• DO NOT APPLY
  • Makeup
  • Skin lotions/ oils/ powder
  • Hair Products
  • Deodorant
• REMOVE
  • All Jewellery including body piercings
  • Nail polish, ALL artificial/ gel nails etc
• DO NOT BRING
  • Jewellery
  • Sentimental items
  • Excessive money