Are interpreters available?
St. Vincent's provides a confidential, free Interpreter Service. Please
ask a staff member or phone 9288 3482 for this service between
8.30am-5.00pm, Monday to Friday. 
Are there specific services for Kooris?
St. Vincent's has a full time Koori Hospital Liaison Officer to make the
hospital visit of indigenous Australians easier. Please ask a staff member
if you want this service.
Are there specific services for veterans and war widows?
War veterans and widows receive a range of special services, including
guaranteed specialist appointments within ten days, fast-tracked hospital
admission from Emergency, reduced waiting times for elective surgery, and
half price car parking. Please ask a staff member if you want to contact our
Veteran's Care Co-ordinator.
Are there shops and services?
Click here for details of the
the shops and services available nearby.
Can I smoke or drink alcohol?
The Hospital is a smoke free environment - please help us to keep it this
way. When smoking outside, please use the ashtrays provided and keep clear
of the entrance. Please remember that you should not smoke for at least 12
hours before your procedure. Quit
for Life provides support and information on quitting smoking. Please do
not bring alcohol into the Hospital.
What religious services are offered?
There is a prayer room on the ground floor of the In-patient Services
Building, just off the main foyer area. The time-table for religious
services is available on the notice-board outside the prayer room.
Patients, visitors and family may also visit the St. Vincent's Hospital
Chapel, located in the Healy wing. The Chapel provides a quiet place for
reflection and all are welcome. Click
here for a map.
Can I get pastoral care?
Pastoral care supports people through challenging times by offering
guidance on how to draw on their own resources, and by helping them accept,
resolve, or change their situation. The service is offered to patients and
families through listening, supportive care, counseling, reconciliation and
healing. It is especially offered at times of grief, loss and crisis.
The Pastoral Care Team has representatives from the major religions. Team
members are available for the spiritual and emotional care of patients and
families, and sacramental care is also available for patients. Chaplains
will visit patients on request. Please contact the team on 03 9288 3716.
What if I am asked to join a research program?
St. Vincent's Hospital staff are often involved in research studies that
evaluate new treatments or look at ways to improve existing treatments and
care. You may be approached to join a research study. If so, a full
explanation will be given to you so you can decide whether or not you wish
to participate. Your support for research at St. Vincent's is appreciated.
What are my rights and responsibilities?
Patient Representative
The St. Vincent's Patient Representative is
available to mediate between patients, their families and Hospital staff if
needed. If you have any concerns about your care, please discuss them with
our staff. Alternatively, the Patient Representative can act on your behalf.
Telephone 9288 3108 or ask a staff member to call for you.
In line with the
Hospital's values, St. Vincent's staff are committed to respecting your
rights as a patient. Our research shows that patients who understand their
rights and their corresponding responsibilities are more likely to be
satisfied with their hospital stay. Please take the time to read the
Patients' Rights & Responsibilities statement, below. The Hospital has a
responsibility to:
- Provide you with care in accordance with our values of compassion,
justice, human dignity, excellence and unity.
- Give you a clear explanation of your condition, problem or disease.
- Inform you about treatment options and choices.
- Enable you to participate fully in decisions made about your treatment
and care.
- Provide you with access to the services of a professional interpreter.
- Obtain your informed consent before any treatment begins (except in
emergencies).
- Ensure confidentiality about your care in hospital unless the law
requires such information be given to some person or authority.
- Respond as promptly as possible to any need or concern you may have.
Each patient or his/her representative has a responsibility to:
- Provide information relating to your health including past illnesses,
stays in hospital and medications.
- Co-operate with hospital personnel and ask questions if directions and
procedures are not understood.
- Tell us if you require the service of an interpreter.
- Follow the prescribed treatment or inform us if you choose not to.
- Be considerate of other patients in limiting noise and the number of
visitors.
- Keep appointments or advise staff if an appointment needs to be
changed.
- Let hospital staff know if your health changes whilst in our care.
Can I access my medical record?
Your medical record remains the property of the Hospital, but, in
accordance with Freedom of Information legislation, you can have access to
your records by asking the medical staff who are looking after you. They
will organise a time to sit down and read through the information with you.
Alternatively, you can ask for assistance from the Patient Representative.
Copies of the information in your medical record can be obtained by applying
through the Freedom of Information Officer who is located in Health
Information Services. An administration and copying fee is charged. You can
apply by ringing 9288 2775 and asking for the Freedom of Information
Officer. Click here for the brochure 'Privacy & your health information'.
Have your say
As part of the Hospital's quality improvement process you may be
contacted by phone when you return home. This survey is to help us to find
out what we are and/or are not doing. Results of these surveys are used to
make improvements in the services provided by the Hospital.
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