Going Into Hospital
Going into hospital can be a stressful time for both patients and families. Knowing as much as possible beforehand can help ease the stress. This general information will help answer questions. Information about the actual hospital you will attend will be provided to you on admission.
The staff caring for you will happily answer any questions about the hospital routine, your medical condition or treatment.
Health care choices
What health care choices do I have?
Eligible Australian residents may choose to receive private or public hospital services. These can both be delivered by Queensland Health hospitals.
Public health care
If you choose to be a public patient, generally hospital services will be free to you. You may have to pay for some services such as dental services, television or telephone hire, spectacles and hearing aids, and some medicines.
Private health care
If you have private medical insurance you will need to provide these details on your admission. If you choose to be treated as a private patient, you must pay for all the costs of your care including hospital accommodation, medical and diagnostic services, and the services provided by your doctor and other medical specialists, such as anaesthetists. If your doctor is allowed to work at the hospital and agrees to treat you, you will be guaranteed the private doctor of your choice. Whilse private patients are treated in Queensland Health hospitals, a single room is not guaranteed. Very ill or infectious patients always have priority for single rooms.
What if I am from overseas?
Visitors from other countries that have signed special agreements with Australia can receive free emergency public hospital services. Phone Medicare on 132 011 for more information.
What rights do I have as a Queensland Health patient?
As a Queensland public hospital patient you have the right to:
- free hospital and community-based services as a public patient, if you have a current Medicare card. This excludes adult dental services
be treated with respect, dignity and consideration for your age, gender, sexual preference, religion and culture a free interpreter
- information so you can choose to be a public or private patient
- treatment based on our assessment of how sick you are
- take part in decisions about your health care
- information that is easy to understand about your treatment, including risks and other choices
- give your permission before being treated, if you are able
- a second opinion
- give a compliment or make a complaint
- have your personal information kept private and confidential
- ask to see your medical records
- decide if you want to take part in medical research and clinical training.
What are my responsibilities as a patient?
We want to make sure you get the best possible care from us. To help us do this please:
- give staff as much information as you can about your health and any beliefs that may affect your treatment
tell staff if you are taking any medicine, recreational drugs or natural remedies
- tell staff if someone else is treating you for the same condition
- ask questions and talk to your family if you want to before making any decisions about your health care
- follow staff instructions for your treatment and care
- tell staff about any problems you are having because of your treatment or the medicines you are on
- be prepared to go to another hospital if your health service cannot give the treatment you need
- be on time for appointments and let us know if you wish to cancel an appointment or change your contact details. Other patientswill appreciate an earlier appointment if you notify us of any cancellations
- talk to your general practitioner if your condition changes while on the waiting list for treatment
- treat all people you meet in the health service (staff, volunteers, patients, their families and aged care residents) with the care, dignity and consideration they all deserve
- respect the confidentiality and privacy of others
- remember that racism will not be tolerated
- ask for an explanation if you are given any information you do not understand.
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