It may be some time since you were last admitted to hospital or perhaps this is your first time.

Here is a short list of items you should bring with you.

• All medications currently in use, including those stored in the refrigerator. This also should include non-prescribed and any vitamin supplements. Your chemist can provide a list of the medications you are taking.
• X-rays either recent or connected to your admission.
• Appropriate night wear such as nightie, pyjamas, dressing gown.
• Slippers or some form of appropriate footwear.
• Toiletries such as shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, hairbrush/comb and special toiletry needs such as steradent for dentures or contact lens solutions.
• Continence aids if used and an adequate supply of these for your stay.
• Hearing aids and spare batteries.
• Glasses, both day glasses and those you wear for reading.
• Details of or equipment for special care requirements such as walking frame/stick and any special treatments you are undertaking.
• Diabetic glucometer and its accessories such as lancets, insulin pens etc.
• People with colostomy or stoma bags should bring the items you usually use and an adequate supply of these for your stay.
• A bag to put soiled laundry into for family or friends to take home for cleaning.

You may wish to store some of these things in a small bag at home in readiness.

Try to keep items that are portable such as x-rays, in the same place so they will always on hand.

Always let someone know where these items can be located.

By law, smoking is banned within four metres of an entrance to any public hospital or registered community health centre in Victoria.

IF YOU SMOKE NEAR LATROBE REGIONAL HOSPITAL ENTRANCES, YOU COULD BE FINED UP TO $760.

In addition to this statewide legislation, Latrobe Regional Hospital has a smoke free policy across the entire site including outdoor areas and car parks.

As a hospital and the home of the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre, it’s important we have measures in place to encourage good health.

Please support our efforts to minimise the health risks to you, our visitors and staff.

Fasting

Morning theatre – excluding colonoscopy

• On the day before surgery, you may eat until midnight.
• Have nothing further to eat after this time.
• On the day of surgery patients may have only sips of water until 6am (no more than ½ cup in total).
• Morning medications should be taken with a sip of water at 6am.
• Have nothing further to drink after this time.

Afternoon theatre – excluding colonoscopy

• On the day of surgery you may have a light breakfast before 7am (piece of toast, black tea, black coffee, water only).
• Have nothing further to eat after this time.
• Patients may have only sips of water (no more than ½ cup in total) until 11am.
• Lunchtime medications should be taken with a sip of water at 11am.
• Have nothing further to drink after this time.

Colonoscopy patients

• Please follow specific instructions provided by your surgeon.

Paediatric patients under 6 months of age

• Breastfeeding is allowed up to 3 hours before surgery.
• Formula or cow’s milk is allowed up to 4 hours before surgery.

Please note:

• Alcohol and dairy products are NOT to be taken.
• While fasting eat NO lollies or chewing gum.

Definitions:

Clear fluids: Water, weak cordial, black tea or black coffee, clear sports drinks (1/2 cup = 125mls in total).

Alcohol and dairy products (including white tea/coffee) do not meet the definition of clear fluids.

Admission information

A staff member will contact you after 3pm on the day before your admission to advise you of the time you must be at hospital.

We request that you:

• Do not wear make-up, nail polish or jewellery.
• Bring only enough money for your immediate requirements.
• Bring any x-rays you may have.
• Bring your Medicare card plus any Pension/Healthcare cards or DVA cards.

If you are being admitted to the Day Procedure Unit:

• Wear loose fitting clothes that are easy to change. You do not need to bring night attire.
• Arrange for someone to take you home. You will also be required to arrange for an adult to stay with you the night after your procedure.

If you are being admitted for an overnight stay:

• Bring all the medications you are currently taking. This may include eye drops, creams, inhalers, prescription medications and any herbal or alternative medicines. Any current medication lists that you have been given should also be brought with you.
• Nominate the name and contact phone number of the person who will be taking you home. Please note that the discharge time is 10am.

Please note:

• For your own safety and that of others, we strongly recommend you do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive any vehicle, operate machinery or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
• If you are unsure of what to do before your procedure or would like further information regarding your hospital admission please contact the Patient Services Unit on 5173 8025.

Even though Latrobe Regional Hospital is a public health provider, you can choose to use your private health insurance when you are admitted.

If you have appropriate hospital cover and are not in the waiting period as prescribed by your insurer, you will have no out-of-pocket expenses for your stay and procedures (except for discharge medication).

Patients electing to use their private insurance will receive a daily newspaper or magazine and free television hire.

In return, Latrobe Regional Hospital receives payments from your health fund which is used to expand our facilities and range of services.

If you are interested in using your private health insurance, you can discuss this with your doctor or contact LRH on 5173 8000.

What happens when a person who speaks little or no English comes to Latrobe Regional Hospital for care? How do hospital staff communicate with the deaf community or people who are vision impaired?

It is Victorian Government policy for organisations like LRH to provide an interpreting and translation service. The interpreters are accredited through a national body and are bound by a code of ethics. They interpret objectively and confidentially and do not add their opinion or filter information.

LRH uses an interpreter service to help patients and their families make informed choices and understand important information about treatment, medication, the admission process, discharge, or simply their rights and responsibilities while in the hospital’s care.

The interpreter service covers many languages including Australian Sign Language or Auslan for people who are hearing impaired. There is tactile signing for people who are deaf and have vision impairment.

Family and friends are discouraged from acting as an interpreter.

An interpreter:

• interprets the spoken word from one language to another
• is bound by a code of ethics
• does not add their opinion
• does not filter information (although they may ask either party for clarification to best interpret the information)
• can be expected to interpret objectively and accurately.

Using an interpreter ensures clients are making informed choices and are active participants in their treatment.

When should an interpreting service be used?

If the hospital is having difficulties communicating with you, an interpreter may be required.

Such assistance may be useful if you are under stress, further limiting your ability to communicate.

You may also need an interpreter to understand important information such as the hospital admission process and discharge, medical history, treatment, prescribed drugs, entitlements or rights and responsibilities.

Access to the interpreting service

A hospital staff member will organise an interpreter for you. Most languages are available through the interpreter service used by the hospital. While every effort will be made to secure an interpreter at a suitable time, their services are in demand and are subject to availability.

Pictured above are Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers Gail Mounsey and Mark Munnich.

Latrobe Regional Hospital is located on the traditional land of the Gunai Kurnai Nation.

Our Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers are here to help you or a family member while in hospital or when using our mental health service.

We value the rich history and contribution of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Gippsland and we aim to provide an accessible and culturally responsive service that works in partnership with community members for better health outcomes.

Contact:

Mark Munnich 5173 8831

Gail Mounsey 5173 8653

Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm

Our TV service is free

Patients at Latrobe Regional Hospital have access to televisions at their beds. There is no charge to use our televisions.

Interfaith Pastoral Care

Pastoral care services can help people in hospital by providing them with emotional and spiritual support.

Please ask our staff to contact a faith representative if you need such support.

We also have a reflection space which can be used for private reflection, bereavement support, memorial services, relaxation and meditation sessions, religious services, prayer services and honouring important events.

The reflection space is situated in the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre.

Advance Care Planning is not just about old age. At any age, a medical crisis could leave people too ill to make their own healthcare decisions.

Even if you are not sick now, a plan for the future is an important step toward ensuring you get the medical care you would want, even when doctors and family members are making the decisions for you.

WHAT IS AN ADVANCE CARE PLAN?

An AdvanceCare Plan (ACP) is a process for making and writing down future health care preferences.

ACP’s (also called Advance Directives) only come into effect if you become unwell and unable to make or communicate those preferences for yourself. Information in your ACP will guide your family and doctor when making medical treatment decisions on your behalf.

If a person has impaired decision-making capacity or ability to make their own ACP, it may be written on their behalf by their legally appointed Medical Enduring Power of Attorney or legal 'substitute decision-maker' (known as the 'Person Responsible' ). Record this legal relationship when making the ACP. People with impaired decision-making capacity should still take part in this planning as much as they are able.

There are three main steps in the ACP process:

A: Appoint an Agent
You can sign a legal form making it clear who you want to make medical decisions for you if you are too sick to do it yourself. This is a Medical Enduring Power of Attorney.

C: Chat and Communicate
Talk to your family, friends and doctors about your values, beliefs and health care preferences. Tell them about what is important for you. Also, talk to your doctors or other health professionals to find out more about what might be ahead.

P: Put in on Paper
If there is something you feel strongly about, you can write it down in an Advance Care Plan/Directive or in a letter describing your health care values and preferences for future medical treatments, including what type of medical treatment you would agree to and what you would not want.

Think about writing down your ACP or Directive if:

• you have firm preferences about future medical treatment
• you have no-one, or no-one suitable to appoint as a Medical Enduring Power of Attorney
• you have preferences for your health care that are different from what you think your family would want for you.

Contact details:

To find out more about Advance Care Planning, contact our Health Independence Programs team on 5173 8891.

Our commitment to you is to provide quality care in a safe environment where the rights of the individual are respected.

The following information has been prepared in accordance with the principles of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights which is displayed in all departments and units in the hospital.

You can also download our Rights and Responsibilities brochure

Access

You have the right:

• to access a wide range of services that provide appropriate care of a high quality
• to receive prompt response in emergencies where time is critical
• to be informed that you can choose to be treated as a public or private patient
• to choose to discharge yourself at your own risk
• to access the Aboriginal Service Development Officer as require.

You have the responsibility:

• to sign a form accepting responsibility if you choose to discharge yourself
• to attend appointments made for you or advise staff if you need to change an appointment.

Safety

You have the right:

• to experience safe care and treatment in a clean and comfortable environment delivered with competence and skill.

You have the responsibility:

• to inform your healthcare professional of any safety concerns you may have
• to inform staff of your medical or mental health history and any issues that may directly affect the result of your healthcare/treatment.

Respect

You have the right:

• to refuse student involvement in your treatment
• to be treated with consideration, respect and dignity at all times regardless of age, gender identity, impairment, race, religious belief or activity, sex or other lawful beliefs or activities.

You have the responsibility:

• to respect the wellbeing and rights of other patients, visitors and staff by conducting yourself in a socially appropriate manner
• to acknowledge that violence and aggression within the organisation is unacceptable and shall not be tolerated
• to not consume alcohol or illicit drugs whilst on the premises of LRH
• to keep noise at a minimal level (including by visitors and family members) for the benefit of those around you.

Communication

You have the right:

• to be provided with a clear, concise explanation of your medical condition, problem or disease
• to participate together with your carer, in decisions regarding your health care including providing informed consent to treatment. You may also appoint someone to make medical decisions for you if you are unable to at any stage
• to be provided with an accredited interpreter whenever information about your health needs to be given, should English not be your first language.

You have the responsibility:

• to inform staff of any treatment you are receiving from other health professionals
• to be truthful and honest in explaining your own medical or mental health history and to include any details of medications you are taking, prescribed and non-prescribed
• to inform staff if there have been changes to your condition or if any new symptoms have developed.

Participation

You have the right:

• to seek a second opinion
• to be informed if the treatment proposed is experimental or is to be part of medical research
• for you and your carer to be fully involved in decisions about your care and be given the opportunity to ask questions
• to have your wishes for future treatment and care (Advance Care Plan) respected.

You have the responsibility:

• to clarify any issues you do not understand with the health professional before you consent to any procedure/treatment
• to participate in your care and treatment.

Privacy

You have the right:

• to expect privacy and confidentiality about your care, including medical or mental health history and personal information
• to access your medical record in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (1989)
• to inform staff if you do not wish for a visit from a representative of your nominated faith.

You have the responsibility:

• to respect the privacy and confidentiality of others including appropriate use of mobile phones and other recording devices
• to inform the health service if you do not wish your information to be forwarded to other health services/health practitioners in relation to the continuation of your care.

Feedback

Latrobe Regional Hospital appreciates all feedback about the services we provide and the manner in which they have been delivered. Feedback is used to continually review and improve the quality of services we provide.

Should you wish to provide feedback or make comment or suggestion on any aspect of your care and treatment, please speak with any member of your treating team or contact the Consumer Liaison Coordinator.

Consumer Liaison Coordinator

Phone: 5173 8530

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Office of the Health Complaints Commissioner

If you do not believe your concerns have been adequately resolved you may contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC).

The HCC responds to complaints about health services and the handling of health information in Victoria. The service is free, confidential and impartial.

There is an online complaint form at www.hcc.vic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 582 113 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)

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Mental Health Complaints Commissioner

The Mental Health Complaints Commissioner is an independent, specialist body to safeguard rights, resolve complaints about Victorian public mental health services and recommend improvements.

Phone: 1800 246 054

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can also learn more about the role of the Mental Health Complaints Commissioner by clicking here.

Information Privacy for patients

Latrobe Regional Hospital is committed to protecting the privacy of patients, aged care residents and other clients. We are required by law to protect personal and confidential information such as information relating to your health and other personal details.

The following information reflects the requirements of the Health Privacy Principles as detailed in the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic) and the Health Privacy Principles, the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and Information Privacy Principles.

It outlines the collection, use and disclosure, quality, security and data retention, access and correction of personal and health information.

Collection of Information

We will only collect health and personal information that is necessary for us to assess and treat your health condition. We will always try to collect health and personal information in a fair, lawful and non-intrusive way.

Wherever possible, we will collect information directly from you rather than from third parties.

Use of your information

Generally, we collect and use health and personal information  for provision of care and treatment to you for your health condition and for purposes directly related to this. For example, if you are admitted for inpatient medical treatment, your mental health file (if any) will be shared with the treating team and if you are admitted for inpatient mental health, your medical file (if any) will be shared with your treating team. We are required to inform you of the circumstances in which we might disclose information other than for this primary purpose.

Aside from where the law specifically allows us to use or disclose information, we will not use or disclose such information for  unrelated  purposes  without your consent.

Disclosure

Our staff are not permitted to use or disclose information of a personal or health nature, except  that  is required, authorised or permitted under law.

Disclosure Generally

We may disclose your health and personal information to:

• other health care providers, including your General Practitioner, for the purpose of providing further treatment to you
• a pastoral carer who may visit you, where you have provided details of your religion
• a representative of a veterans organisation where you are a veteran
• an agency for the purposes of determining your feedback and satisfactiion.

Disclosure for research purposes

We may disclose unidentifiable information about you for research purposes.

Disclosure for quality improvement purposes

We may disclose your health and personal information for internal quality improvement purposes and to external agencies for the purpose of accreditation of LRH.

Disclosure on Consumer Management Interface

If you are a registered mental health client, your health and personal information will be entered on the Consumer Management Interface (CMI), which is a state-wide data base accessible to authorised staff of designated Mental Health Services.  There are strict guidelines for staff accessing CMI.

Disclosure to the Department of Health (Vic) and Department of Social Services (Commonwealth)

We are required to disclose information to the Department of Health and for aged residents to the Department of Social Services.  Both departments are subject to privacy laws the same as or similar to the laws which apply to Latrobe Regional Hospital.

Disclosure under other laws

We also are required or permitted to disclose information under the Firearms Act, Road Safety Act, Marine Act, Public Health and Wellbeing Act, Cancer Act, Births Deaths and Marriages Registration Act, Commission for Children and Young Persons Act, Mental Health Act, Cemeteries and Crematoria Act, Coroners Act, Children, Youth and Families Act and the Health Services Act.  We may be required to provide information to the police under a search warrant or to a court on receipt of a subpoena.

You are entitled to refuse certain disclosures

The information set out above is to inform you as how and to whom we may disclose information about you.  Other than where we are required to disclose information you may indicate that you do not consent to such a disclosure.  

You are required to complete the 'Consent/Refusal to the use and disclosure of information' for each admission.  If you are an aged care resident, you are required to complete the 'Consent/Refusal to the use and disclosure of information' attached  to the Resident’s Agreement.

We have a fundraising arm which might contact you for fundraising purposes or activities.  You may receive information from the LRH Foundation unless you expressly refuse.

Data quality, security and retention

We take all reasonable steps to ensure all current information is accurate, complete and up to date and to protect your information from unauthorised access, improper use, disclosure, unlawful destruction or accidental loss.

Access, correction and provision of copies

Upon request and payment of a fee we will provide  you access to information we hold about you, as set out in the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic).  We can provide you with a copy or you can ask us to send a copy to another person or healthcare provider.  You also have a right to request that we correct information about you that we hold.  Application to obtain or correct information is via the Freedom of Information Officer. 

Anonymity

We will cooperate where it is lawful and practicable and where it doesn’t jeopardise your care and treatment, to keep your admission private or to be known by an alias.  This will not prevent us from disclosing the information we are required by law to disclose.

Transfer or Closure

If we are amalgamated or parts of our service transferred or closed, your health and personal information will be handled in accordance with the law.

How to contact us for privacy concerns or Freedom of Information requests

Latrobe Regional Hospital has a feedback/complaints process to address any patient concerns relating to the care and handling of your information.

Any complaints relating to breach of privacy are thoroughly investigated.

Please contact the Privacy Officer if you have a complaint regarding a possible breach of your privacy or the FOI Officer if you would like to lodge an application under the Freedom of Information Act or if you wish to correct your records.

Latrobe Regional Hospital

PO Box 424

Traralgon 3844

Phone 5173 8501

What is Freedom of Information?

The Victorian Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 gives you the right to request information held by government agencies including public hospitals and community health centres.

The Act gives you:

• the right to access documents about your personal affairs, including Medical Records and the activities of government agencies
• the right to request that incorrect or misleading information held by an agency about you be amended or removed.

Latrobe Regional Hospital is an agency under the FOI Act.

How can I access information held by Latrobe Regional Hospital?

Requests for access to your Latrobe Regional Hospital record can be made in writing to:

The Freedom of Information Officer

Latrobe Regional Hospital

PO Box 424

Traralgon Vic 3844

FOI applications must:

• be in writing – not verbal
• clearly describe the documents you are requesting access to
• include the application fee or evidence that you qualify to have the application fee waived
• be made to the agency that holds the documents you are seeking.

You can make a request yourself or you can authorise another person (for example, a solicitor) to make a request on your behalf. If you want someone to make a request on your behalf for your personal information, you must give them your written authorisation. In the case of requesting information relating to a deceased person, the consent of the person’s most senior next of kin who is of or above the age of 18 years is required. Proof of this relationship is required.

There is a Latrobe Regional Hospital application form for requests for information.

Is there a cost involved when accessing documents?

There are two costs associated with making a FOI request - an application fee and access charges.

These charges are set by government regulations.

Application fee

There is a standard non-refundable application fee of $27.90 (effective from July 2016).

Access charges

An access charge is applied under the Act for processing your request. Access charges are applied according to the nature of the request and could include:

• search fees - $20 per hour
• photocopying - 20 cents per page
• providing written transcripts of a recorded document - $20 per hour
• supervising an inspection of documents - $5 per quarter hour

Can an application fee be waived?

The application fee can be waived if payment is likely to cause you hardship. If you wish to make a claim to have the fee waived you must provide evidence that you receive social security benefits eg: a current social security benefits or health benefits card.

Processing FOI requests

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 stipulates all FOI requests shall be completed within 45 days of the Health Information Unit receiving the completed request form and payment. Latrobe Regional Hospital provides an equitable service to all applicants, regardless of their financial resources. All FOI requests are treated in strictest confidence, as per the Latrobe Regional Hospital Confidentiality Policy.

Requests requiring interpretation of, or opinion on medical records or reports will be referred to the Chief Medical Officer for separate consideration.

The following factors are taken into consideration when prioritising your request:

• date your request becomes valid
• the size of your request
• the availability of the assessing Chief Medical Officer
• the time taken to search for your documents.

If your request is declined, Latrobe Regional Hospital is obliged to notify you within 45 days of the date your request was received. If you are not satisfied with this decision you are entitled to contact the Latrobe Regional Hospital Consumer Liaison Coordinator on 5173 8530 to discuss your concerns.

Correction of personal records

Every person has the right to request the correction or amendment of personal information held by Latrobe Regional Hospital which they believe is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date, or misleading. If there is information in your records which is incorrect or you do not agree with complete a request for it to be corrected, include in your request details of why the information is considered incorrect. Please note that you may be required to provide evidence to support your request.

Mail the completed amendment request to:

The Freedom of Information Officer

Latrobe Regional Hospital

PO Box 424

Traralgon Vic 3844

Latrobe Regional Hospital shall notify the applicant of the decision within 30 days on which the request is received.

Further information

Contact the Latrobe Regional Hospital Health Information Unit on 5173 8844.

You can also access more information on Freedom of Information from:

Freedom of Information Act

Victorian Government Freedom of Information website

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Victorian Ombudsman