What to bring
If you're staying overnight in hospital, you'll need to bring:
- your admission advice and completed admission form
- pyjamas or a night gown, dressing gown and non slip footwear
- toiletries
- a small amount of money for things like a taxi fare home or using a payphone
- your mobile phone and charger
- prescription medicines
- your x-rays
- your Medicare card, Pension card or Health Care Card
- the name and contact number for your next of kin
- your Workcover detail, if your illness or injury happened because of work
- any current advance health directive or enduring power of attorney.
If you're staying with a child, bring a favourite toy, nappies or any special items. Make sure you put a name label on anything you bring.
We have small lockers beside the beds if you need to use them. Please don't bring valuables or large amounts of money with you to hospital. If they go missing, we won't accept responsibility for them.
Checking into hospital
Visit the reception counter in the foyer of our hospitals for information on checking in. This includes checking in for surgical and medical appointments.
Women in labour
Please go straight to the birth suite for admission. You'll be given information on what you need to do and where you need to go as part of your prenatal appointments.
Emergency
In our emergency department you'll see a nurse who will assess your condition.
Please let us know:
- your medical history and why you've come to hospital
- your address and phone number
- details of your GP or other health professionals
- who your next of kin are
- your Medicare card or number
- your private health insurance details, if you have it
- any current advance health directive or enduring power of attorney
- if you'd like an interpreter or Indigenous health worker
- whether you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Meals
We have a variety of meals that meet therapeutic, allergen and religious dietary requirements. Our dietetic assistants visit most inpatient wards daily to take your menu choices.
Please let us know if you have a food allergy, specific dietary requirements or need to speak with a dietitian.
Meal times
Breakfast from 7 am to 8 am.
Lunch from 11 am to 12 pm.
Dinner from 5 pm to 6 pm.
Fasting for surgery
If you're having an operation you may not be able to eat or drink for several hours. This means all foods and fluids, including chewing gum, lollies, and water.
Your ward staff will tell you how long you need to fast before your operation. This is for your safety. Make sure you tell us if you haven't followed this instruction.
Patient identification band
We use identification (ID) bands to make sure you get the right medication, treatments and procedures. We'll put an ID band on your wrist or ankle when you're admitted to hospital.
You need to make sure your details are correct and wear the ID band until you leave hospital. We'll ask for your ID details many times during your hospital stay as part of our essential safety measures.
Personal belongings
You'll have a locker next to your bed for your personal items. We recommend you don't bring any valuables with you to hospital.
We're not responsible for any lost or damaged items that belong to you, your family or any visitors.
Medications
Please bring your own medication with you. You can bring vitamins, herbal supplements or prescriptions from your doctor.
You can also speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about your medications. They'll be happy to answer your questions.
You could ask:
- what does the medication do?
- how do I take it?
- how long do I keep taking it?
- should I avoid any food, drinks or other medications?
- what if I miss a dose?
- are there any side effects and what should I do if they occur?
- how do I store this medication?
Find out how you can be involved in taking your medicines safely in hospital [PDF 1 MB].
We'll give you a list of all your medications when you leave hospital. Please share this with your GP and any other care providers.
It's important that you know:
- the name of your medications
- what the medication is for
- how long you need to take them
- about any possible side effects.
No smoking, alcohol and drugs
Smoking isn't allowed in any of our hospitals and health centres.
You can't smoke on the premises, the grounds, or within 4 metres of their boundaries. This rule applies to all staff, patients, visitors, contractors and other people who enter our buildings, grounds or vehicles.
If you're a smoker, talk to your nurse about getting Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) like chewing gum or patches during your stay.
You can't use alcohol or illicit drugs at any of our hospitals or health centres. Don't bring them to hospital and ask your visitors not to bring them to the hospital.
Please let your visitors know that they can't smoke on the grounds of the hospital.
Support services
Counselling and spiritual care
We understand that illness, injury and time in hospital can be difficult for you and your family. We have social workers and multi-faith hospital chaplains who can help you during your treatment and recovery.
Interpreter services
We have interpreter services at all Queensland Health hospitals and health centres for people who are hearing impaired or have difficulty communicating in English.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support
We have support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples including liaison officers who can provide cultural support and advice to Indigenous patients, their families and carers.