We work together with you to ensure that we keep you safe and comfortable while you're in hospital.

Changes in your condition

We are trained to notice changes in your health, but no one knows your body better than you do.

What you can do

To help us manage changes in your condition, you should:

• Tell us if you do not feel well
• Tell us if you feel your condition is getting worse
• Tell your nurse or your doctor If you or your carers are worried

If you need help, call 90 from your bedside phone or 03 9496 5000 from an external phone to speak with switchboard.

Ask for a PACE call (Patient and Carer Escalation). A specialised healthcare team will look into your concerns and check in on you.

Medication safety

What we do

To ensure your regular medicines are given to you:

• We store any medicines you bring to hospital, so we can give them to you during your stay

What you can do

To keep you safe and well:

• Don't take any medicine from your own supply while you are in hospital. This could interfere with your treatment.
• Tell us about allergies or side effects you have to any medicines
• Tell us what medicines you take at home including:
  • Prescription medicines
  • Medicines from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food store (for example, vitamins or supplements)
• Ask us about new medicines you are taking in the hospital
• Ask us about side effects of new medicines

Preventing blood clots

Your risk of a blood clot is much higher while you’re in hospital.

What we do

To avoid blot clots forming, we may:

• Give you an injection or medication to prevent blood clots
• Ask you to wear compression stockings or air-compression devices

What you can do

To avoid blood clots forming, you need to:

• Keep moving where possible
• Ask what basic exercises you can do in your bed or chair to maintain your strength. Even small ankle rotations may help
• Drink fluids as recommended
• Ask medical staff what steps are being taken to prevent blood clots during your stay

Tell staff immediately if:

• You feel pain, swelling, heat or redness in your leg
• The veins near the surface of your leg appear larger than normal

If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath or cough up blood, call for help immediately.

Preventing bed sores (pressure injuries)

A bed sore is an area of skin damage caused by lying or sitting in the same position for too long.

What we do

To prevent bed sores, we may:

• Ask you to use a pressure easing device, such as an air mattress, cushion or specialised shoes

What you can do

To prevent bed sores, you can:

• Try not to sit or lie in the same position for too long
• Ask us to help you move if you are uncomfortable
• Keep weight off bony parts of your body (for example your heels or tail bone)
• Dry your skin well after showering
• Moisturise your skin with a non-perfumed cream or lotion twice a day
• Tell us about areas of redness on your skin

If you have a bed sore, don’t lie on it.

Preventing delirium

Is your loved one confused?

If you notice any changes in a loved one's behaviour, let staff know. They may be experiencing delirium.

What we do

To prevent delirium, we:

• Write the day, date and nurse's name on the patient communication board

What you can do

To prevent delirium, visitors can:

• Bring in familiar items like glasses, hearing aids, clothing, shoes, books, playing cards, photos or foods
• Visit as often as you can
• Use a clock and calendar to help remember the time and date

Families can help if delirium develops by:

• Comforting your loved one, as they may be afraid
• Turning off the radio or TV as the noise can make confusion worse
• Spending time with your loved one
• Not turning off the bed or chair alarm when you are with your loved one
• Telling the nurse when you are leaving 
• Moving chairs and clutter out of the way
• Not putting the bed rails up

Preventing falls

Falls can cause serious injuries and disability.

What we do

To help prevent falls, we may:

• Ask you to ring your call bell if you need to get out of a chair or bed
• Accompany you to the bathroom or going for a walk
• Use a pressure-senstive alarm device on your bed, so we are notified when you get out of bed, and can then come and help you

We will make sure you can reach the call bell.

What you can do

To help prevent falls, you can:

• Bring your walking frame or stick with you to hospital 
• Bring your glasses or hearing aids from home
• Wear comfortable firm fitting flat shoes with a broad heel and sole with grip
• Make sure you know where the toilet is
• Never climb over bed rails
• Turn on the light so you can see
• Ask for help when getting out of bed, walking or going to the toilet

Preventing infection

What we do

To prevent infection, we follow a series of detailed protocols, including cleaning our hands before and after we come to your bedside.

What you can do

There are simple things you can do to reduce your risk of infections:

• Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet
• Use the green soap when showering
• Use the hand wipe from your meal tray before eating
• Ask staff to wash their hands
• Do not touch bandages or tubes
• Ask visitors to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser when arriving and leaving
• Ask family or friends with colds, upset tummies or rashes to not visit you

Related information

• Communicating with us

  You have the right to know everything about your health.