Prior to your admission to Western Private Hospital, you will need to complete and return your admission forms. In most cases your Doctor will give you an Admission Guide Envelope. Please read this booklet carefully, retain it for your information and follow the instructions for completing the enclosed forms. If you did not receive this booklet, you can download it by clicking on the following link WPH Admission Booklet
The hospital endeavours to minimise waiting time. However, patient health is our biggest priority and sometimes there are unforeseen events or complications that can arise delaying your procedure.
Prior to your operation you will be examined by your Anaesthetist. There are two ways this occurs; some doctors review all their patients prior to the starting of the operating list, other doctors see the patients between cases.
The preparation for surgery can vary depending on the operation to be performed. Ask your doctor if you need any special medical preparation for your procedure.
Prior to admission, please;
◦ Shower
◦ Do not apply any powder, creams, lotions or make-up
◦ Please follow instructions from your doctor or hospital nursing staff, including fasting instructions
Unless your Doctor has indicated otherwise, you should not eat or drink for at least six hours prior to your procedure. You may drink water up to three hours before your admission.
The fasting time may vary, according to the type of anaesthetic you are having. You will be advised by hospital staff when to commence fasting prior to your admission. Failure to follow fasting instructions may mean your procedure may have to be postponed in the interests of your safety.
During Your Hospital stay
Our hospital has a mix of single and double rooms. Whilst every effort is made to accommodate private room requests, it is subject to availability at the time of your admission. All rooms have an; ensuite, telephone, bar fridge and television. Please ensure that the fridges are used for the storage of drinks only.
For your convenience a telephone is located by your bedside. Local calls are FREE. You can be contacted by family and friends on 03 9318 3177. Calls will be put through to your room unless you have requested otherwise.
Please seek approval from Nursing staff prior to using your mobile phone and wireless devices due to possible interference with medical equipment. There are lounge areas on both levels where mobile phones can be used.
Each bed has a bedside table and cupboard for storage space. Feel free to place your belongings where they are convenient for you. We recommend you don’t bring valuable items with your stay. Whilst we take every effort to ensure your belongings are safe, we do not take responsibility for theft, loss or damage of personal items.
Our menus have been created by our qualified chefs in conjunction with a dietitian to ensure they are tasty and high in nutritional. The chef selects the freshest ingredients and menus are changed regularly to provide variety.
Special allergy and dietary requirements will be taken into account. Please make a note of any special dietary requirements such as kosher and halal when sending in your admission paperwork.
Guest meals can be ordered with the costs charged to your account on discharge. Please speak to your nurse.
If you take any regular medication (including non- prescription medications) you should discuss this with your doctor. You may need specific instructions regarding which medications you should cease and which you should continue.
Please bring medication, as advised by your Doctor to the Hospital in its original packaging and hand it to your nurse so that your medication can be professionally monitored during your stay.
Generally, you should take your regular morning medication at 6.00 am with a sip of water. If your procedure is in the afternoon and you usually take your medication at lunchtime, you should take those at 11.00 am with a sip of water. Exceptions to this are:
Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications
◦Patients attending Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory should continue taking aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover). Warfarin should be stopped for five days prior to admission or otherwise as instructed by your cardiologist.
◦All other patients should cease taking these medicines 10 days prior to your procedure unless you are taking it for your heart or for stroke prevention. If you are taking aspirin, Clopidogrel, warfarin or anticoagulants for heart conditions or stroke prevention, you should seek specific instructions from your surgeon and cardiologist as to when or if these medications should be ceased.
◦Patients with coronary artery stents, any vascular stent or cardiac implant should discuss with their cardiologist before ceasing the drugs listed above.
Diabetic Medications
◦Patients attending the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory or for a radiological procedure who are taking the diabetic medications, Metformin, may need to cease Metformin 48 hours prior to certain procedures. Your doctor or nursing staff in these departments will advise if this applies to you.
◦For all patients, it is important that you discuss diabetes medication instructions with your doctor prior to your procedure.
Herbal (complementary / alternative) medications
◦If you are having a procedure, you should cease taking these medicines for 10 days prior to your procedure unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
It is essential that all patients bring the following items to hospital with them:
Loose and comfortable attire
Current medications in their original containers. Current prescribed drugs which you do not bring will be supplied by the hospital at additional cost to you.
Repeat prescriptions
All entitlement cards such as Medicare /Health Benefit Card/Pension Number
Pharmaceutical Benefit Card/Safety Net Entitlement Card
Private Health Fund details
WorkCover/Veterans/TAC details
Physical aids such as walking stick, walking frame, dentures, glasses, hearing aid, splints or crutches
Relevant X/rays, scans, doctors letters or reports
Personal toiletries
Reading material
If you are staying overnight, please remember to bring a small overnight bag with:
Appropriate sleepwear, dressing gown, slippers
Phone numbers of next of kin, family or friends
Do not bring
Valuables – we do not take responsibility for theft, loss or damage of personal items
Our visiting hours are 2-8pm Monday to Sunday. Outside these times visitors will need to make arrangements with the Nurse Unit Manager on 03 9318 3177.
