Admission Information

Contact person: Whanau tata

When you are in hospital, many people may like to know how you are. You are asked to nominate a contact person to help keep others informed (if you so choose). This person will:

• be the person you should direct others to phone while you are an inpatient, for an update on your condition
• be someone who, with your permission, we will share your clinical information
• be considered to be your support person
• be contacted if we need family or a friend in a hurry

Please discuss these responsibilities with your nominated contact person.

A contact person will help reduce the burden of frequent telephone interruptions for nurses, and allow them to spend more time with you.

Wards are happy to receive faxes for patients.

You know yourself best: Tou Tinorangatiratanga

Our staff at Masterton Hospital recognise that you know best how your body responds to illness and other life experiences and what is right and acceptable for you or your child/tamariki.

We would like you to continue making decisions regarding your health and caring for yourself with our assistance and support. There will be some things you will be able to do for yourself and others that you will need help with.

We support your right to be fully informed about your health situation and care. Please don't hesitate to ask for more information or to question anything you don't understand.

We encourage the support of a close relative/whanau or friend and would be happy to discuss how you might like them involved in your care. If your child/tamariki is a patient, you are welcome to stay with them.

Getting it right—what we can both expect: Nga tika me nga ture

We want your hospital experience to be a positive one. It's useful to understand what you can expect from us, and us from you. The Code of Patients Rights leaflet is available in every patient area—please ask for a copy if you can't immediately find one.

Please:

• be open and honest with the information you give us about your health, so we can work together to plan your care
• don't smoke, drink alcohol or use illicit drugs in hospital
• always keep your identification bracelet on in hospital
• don't leave the ward, other than for things you are sent for, without checking with a nurse as we need to know where you are at all times
• label all clothing, and don't bring any valuables to hospital. While we make every effort, we can't be responsible for your possessions
• respect the rights and comfort of other patients/staff
• respect hospital property, and return anything loaned
• tell us if you feel your rights are not being met to your satisfaction, or you are unsure about any aspect of your care
• tell us if you have any spiritual or cultural needs which are not being met

Healthcare information: Nga whakamarama mo to whaiora

Written information may be available about your particular condition or treatment. Please ask nursing staff. We encourage you to talk to medical or nursing staff about any questions or concerns you may have.

Many staff will be involved in your care: Ka tiakina koe i te tokomaha

You can expect all staff to introduce themselves and explain their role in your care. All staff wear identity badges.

As this is a teaching hospital, some of the health professionals you meet will be training. You have the right to decline student involvement, and this will not prejudice your care in any way.

Whether you came into hospital as an emergency or arranged admission, you will be under the care of a Specialist Consultant.

The consultant may have the support of a registrar and house surgeon. During the week you will be seen daily by a doctor. During the weekend, a doctor will see you if it is clinically indicated.

You will always have a nurse assigned to your care. If you need help at any time, ring your nurse using the call button found on the panel at your bedhead, and in bathrooms.

Your nurse will be supported by a team of other nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, dieticians, pharmacy staff, radiology technicians, care assistants and domestic and administrative staff.

If you are coming into hospital as a patient, please bring with you: Kia haere mai koe ki te hohipera me mou mai koe:

• all medication you are currently taking including any natural remedies and supplements. They will be returned to you when you leave
• any medicines associated with your admission will be provided by the hospital
• any documents in your possession relating to ACC compensation
• any private x-rays or scans
• nightwear, dressing gown, day clothing and slippers
• toiletries, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit, comb, brush, tampons/sanitary towels if required, tissues
• glasses or contact lenses, hearing aid and/or walking aid
• favourite toy or blanket for child
• change for telephone/newspapers
• items for personal use, such as a pen, writing paper, books, magazines

Please remember, Wairarapa DHB cannot take responsibility for the safety of personal belongings. For lost property enquiries phone (0) 946 9800.

We need to ensure your safety: Kia mohio matou kei te tika tou noho

Please:

• follow staff instructions in the event of an emergency
• don't use cellphones in hospital buildings
• ensure your razor, hairdryer etc is in good working order
• prepare for all procedures according to the instructions given to you. If in doubt, ring the department or ask a staff member

Information about your healthcare: Nga whakamarama mou to hauora

We maintain the policy that your personal information is held in confidence. Information collected about you will be used for:

• monitoring and providing ongoing healthcare for you
• training health professionals
• health research in a manner which does not reveal your identity
• administration of Wairarapa DHB
• sharing with your primary heath provider (usually your GP) on your discharge from hospital, unless you specifically request that we do not send them any information
• any purposes directly related to any of the above or to prevent or lessen any serious or imminent threat to your life or health or that of another individual, or to public health or safety
• release where we are legally obliged to do so

We welcome your feedback: Me tuku mai ou korero

Staff at Masterton Hospital want to continue to improve the services we provide. We welcome your comments, positive or negative, as part of our efforts to identify what we do well, and what we could do better. Please let staff know immediately if you are not happy with any part of your care, so issues can be resolved.

You can give feedback in person, in writing, by phone or by e-mail;

• through discussion with a health professional providing your care
• by filling out a Wairarapa DHB feedback form, found in brochure holders in all public areas
• by contacting the Wairarapa DHB Quality Office
  Phone (06) 9469893 or (06) 946 9800 x5220;
  c/- Masterton Hospital, P.O Box 96; Masterton or
  e-mail, quality@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz

Advocacy Network Services Trust is a free advocacy service provided under the Health and Disability Commissioners Act.

If you have a concern and wish to have advocate support, please phone 0800 423 638 or 0800 11 22 33