|
Kingston Centre
A Southern Health service
Older people with medical problems and disabilities are
referred for assessment and rehabilitation. Care is holistic in approach and is designed
to assist the patient to attain an optimal level of independence, prior to discharge home
or to appropriate accommodation. Relatives are encouraged to be involved in the
patient’s treatment and rehabilitation
On Admission
All admissions are prearranged by a Geriatrician. If
necessary, ambulance transport is arranged through the local doctor or the referring
hospital. Clerical staff will visit the patient on the ward to complete any administrative
details. The patient should bring Pensioner Health Entitlement Card, Medicare Card, any
Health Insurance details, all current medications and walking aids.
Accommodation
There are both single and shared rooms. All rooms are
spacious with windows for natural light. There is a fully equipped ensuite attached to
each single room and a toilet and bathroom for each shared ward.
Please understand that clinical need will always determine bed arrangements.
Interpreter Services
An interpreter service is available and staff should be
advised of a patient’s preferred language on admission.
Outpatient Appointments
Appointments at outpatients clinics at other facilities are
sometimes necessary. Where possible, transport to and from the appointment should be
arranged by the patient’s family and/or carer. Please discuss transport arrangements
with the Nursing Unit Manager.
Clothing and Toiletries
As patients are up and dressed each day it is ESSENTIAL
that an adequate supply of both day and night attire accompanies the patient to the Centre
and is maintained throughout their stay. Comfortable, easy fitting clothes are advisable.
Clearly mark all items of clothing with patient’s name and ward number. Please do NOT
bring sheepskins or knee rugs. These items will be provided by the Centre. A sufficient
supply of toiletries for the patient’s needs must also be maintained. These can be
purchased from the Gift Shop on site if necessary.
Laundry
It is preferable that private arrangements be made for
the laundering of personal items. Dry cleaning and laundry can be arranged if requested at
a cost.
Valuables
It is recommended that no valuables be brought in to the
hospital. A small amount of money may be required for personal use.
Visiting Hours
To avoid disruption to treatment programs, visitors are
requested to inquire from the Nursing Unit Manager regarding the best times to visit.
Television
Portable televisions with a stand and radios are permitted if
fitted with ear plugs and remain the responsibility of the patient. Arrangements can be
made for the hire of television sets.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any of the hospital’s
buildings or facilities.
Fees
Unless a patient has elected to be a Private Patient, fees
are paid by the Government via the Medicare Agreement. For private patients, the Health
Insurance Fund benefit is accepted to cover hospital bed charges and other associated
medical costs.
Patients will be asked to purchase items of equipment, personal aids, shoes,
dentures, spectacles, etc. which may be required.
Private Patients
If you elect to be admitted as a private patient you will be treated by a doctor of your choice, provided the doctor is on the
staff of the Aged Care Program and agrees to treat you as a private patient. You will
enter into a private agreement for care with the doctor of your choice, and with other
doctors your treating doctor may choose to assist in your care. You will receive accounts
for all your medical expenses such as radiology, pathology and medical consultations.
These can be forwarded by you directly to the insurance fund. The hospital will invoice
the insurance fund directly for accommodation charges. If eligible, you may claim Hospital
and Medical costs from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Discharge
Discharge plans are made in advance and discussed with the
patient and relatives. Home care supports eg. District Nursing Service, Home Help, Meals
on Wheels, etc. will be arranged when needed. If discharge home is not possible, advice
and assistance is provided to the family to find alternative care for the patient.
| 
To provide consumer feedback, complaints and compliments email :
feedback@southernhealth.org.au