This page includes important information about St Vincent’s and the services we provide. It contains information on what to expect during your stay, how to find your way around and some of the services that may be helpful to you. There is also a series of important tips for managing your own health and information on your rights as a patient, including your right to privacy.
St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne - Fitzroy Campus
Medical and surgical patients
Generally 8.00am to 8.00pm, 7 days per week (including public holidays)
For the 4th floor East of Building A - Main Hospital, visiting hours are 8.00am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 8.00pm, to allow a rest period for patients.
Rehabilitation
Generally 8.00am to 8.00pm, 7 days per week (including public holidays)
Please note that patients may be away from the ward at various times throughout the day for therapies.
Intensive Care Unit
As the Intensive Care Unit is a highly specialised area, visitors are limited to next-of-kin with only 2 visitors able to visit a patient at the same time.
To ensure privacy for all patients, visitors are not admitted during ward rounds (morning and afternoon), but are welcome at all other times. More information about intensive care is available from the unit. Specific patient enquiries should, in the first instance, be addressed to the nurse caring for the patient, who can refer to the appropriate person as required.
For the health of the patients please do not bring flowers into the unit.
The Intensive Care Unit can be contacted on (03) 9288 4485.
Mental Health Service
Hours are 2.00pm to 4.00pm and 6.00pm to 8.00pm, 7 days per week (including public holidays)
The Mental Health Service can be contacted on (03) 9288 4141.
St Vincent’s is a Deaf and hard of hearing friendly health service which prides itself on meeting the healthcare needs of patients with a hearing loss.
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at St Vincent’s is run by the Speech Pathology department, and provides information, technology and support to staff, patients and families across the health service.
Contacts
Email: DeafandHardofHearing.Program@svha.org.au
Tel: St Vincent’s Speech Pathology
(03) 9231 3840
24-hour relay call numbers
TTY/voice calls: 133 677
Speak and Listen: 1300 555 727
SMS relay: 0423 677 767
Leave a Message
There are a number of cafés on site at the Fitzroy campus, as well as a pharmacy, Commonwealth Bank branch and ATM, lotto/news agent, florist and travel agent.
A café is located on site at St George’s Health Service.
Food
Café Vincent's (Zouki) is located in Building E - Aikenhead Wing on the corner of Victoria Parade and Nicholson Street.
Opening hours:
6.30am – 8.00pm Monday to Friday
7.30am – 7.00pm Saturday and Sunday
Coffee and refreshments are also available on the ground floor of Building D - Daly Wing near St Vincent's Clinics and in the foyer of the main hospital.
Many cafés and restaurants can be found in nearby Fitzroy and the city.
Groceries
Major supermarkets are located nearby in the city. Coles is located in Melbourne Central and Safeway in the QV Building. Smaller convenience stores can be found in Fitzroy and the city.
Pharmacy
Location: Building B - 55 Victoria Parade
Hours: 9.00am – 5.30pm weekdays only (closed public holidays)
Newsagent
Location: Building B - 55 Victoria Parade.
Hours: 8.00am – 5.30pm weekdays only
The newsagent also offers dry cleaning, Tattslotto and public transport tickets in addition to a broad range of stationary, greeting cards and sweets.
Florist
Location: Building B - 55 Victoria Parade
Hours: Weekdays 8.00am – 8.00pm, Weekends 10.00am – 8.00pm
Tel: (03) 9417 4093
Post Office
Nearest post box: Victoria Parade near the corner of Nicholson Street.
Nearest post office: Corner of Brunswick and Gertrude Streets, a short walk from St Vincent’s.
ATMs and Banking
A Commonwealth Bank branch and ATM are located on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Victoria Parade.
More information on the local area can be found at the thatsmelbourne website.
St Vincent’s has an Accommodation Liaison Officer to assist rural, regional and interstate patients and their families with accommodation. The Accommodation Liaison Officer can provide information about local accommodation (PDF 216.8KB) and possible government rebates.
If you require assistance to find somewhere to stay while attending St Vincent’s please contact our Accommodation Liaison Officer on (03) 9288 2268.
Smoking is not permitted on the grounds of and within four metres of Victorian hospitals and registered community health centres
While you are in hospital, we expect you to respect and follow our smoke-free policy. Please don't smoke.
If you decide to give up smoking during your stay, we can help you.
We ask for your support, we care about your health, so please don't smoke here.
Please call the Patient Enquiries Desk on (03) 9288 4360 for details about a patient's condition or to confirm the hospital's visiting hours.
St Vincent’s Patient Representative Officers are available to help you resolve any issues and concerns about the care you (or your friend/relative) have experienced at St Vincent’s.
If you have a complaint, it is often best to speak directly to the staff member or their manager straight away. If your complaint is not resolved and you would like further assistance, please contact the Patient Representative Officers Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 4.00pm.
If you are staying in hospital you may ask a relative or staff member to contact the Patient Liaison Officers to arrange a suitable time to meet with you in the ward area.
St Vincent’s staff are committed to your rights and aim to uphold the mission and values of the Sisters of Charity in all activities.
You can view a copy of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.
How to give Feedback or make a Complaint
If you are not satisfied with our service, please contact us. We take complaints seriously and aim to resolve them quickly and fairly. If you remain dissatisfied with our response, you may contact the Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC). The HCC responds to complaints about health services and the handling of health information in Victoria. This includes complaints about both Professional Health Service Providers (i.e. those regulated by APHRA) as well as General Health Service Providers (i.e. those non-regulated by APHRA).
A Code of Conduct for General Health Service Providers was established in 2016 and is available to review below. The HCC can investigate complaints about breaches in this Code of Conduct that are not able to be resolved at SVHM. The HCC service is free, confidential and impartial.
To lodge a complaint with the HCC:
Fill out a complaint form online at www.hcc.vic.gov.au or
Phone 1300 582 113 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday to discuss your complaint.
Downloads
Your Feedback Brochure (PDF 647.8KB)
Code of Conduct for General Health Service Providers – Summary (PDF 86.4KB)
Code of Conduct for General Health Service Providers – A3 poster (PDF 98.4KB)
Contacts
Tel: (03) 9231 3108
Monday to Friday
8.00am to 4.00pm
Email: plo@svhm.org.au
Leave a Message
24-hour relay call numbers
TTY/voice calls: 133 677
Speak and Listen: 1300 555 727
SMS relay: 0423 677 767
As part of our commitment to family centred care, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne welcomes children visiting patients.
Before visiting the hospital
If you can, it is helpful to:
- Spend some time talking to your children about what to expect when visiting hospital. This could include what the hospital looks like, how long you will stay, other patients in the room and what it smells like.
- Describe any changes in the patient's appearance or mood.
- Reassure them that however they feel is OK (if you have any concerns you can ask to see one of the social workers at the hospital).
- Suggest they might like to bring a gift, a card or a drawing for the patient.
- Make sure they wash their hands before they come. You can use the hand sanitiser stations around the hospital.
- Check with one of the nurses if your child is unwell before they visit to see if it is safe for them to come.
During the hospital visit
- Explain they can touch, kiss or hug their loved one if the patient is up to this.
- Keep your visits brief if possible
- Bring some activities and a snack
After the Hospital visit
- Talk to your child after the visit to ask them what they thought and felt.
- Was it what they expected?
- What do they remember most?
- Reassure them that it was great for their loved one to see them.
This discussion will help the child to understand their feelings and thoughts and will help you plan their next visit.
Downloads
Kids at St Vincent's brochure
Do you need an interpreter?
St Vincent’s has staff interpreters who provide free, confidential interpreting in Greek, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka), Vietnamese, Italian and Arabic. Other languages are also available on request. Please speak to a St Vincent’s staff member to arrange an interpreter for your appointment if necessary.
Booking an interpreter at St Vincent's Clinics
Please ensure your doctor requests an interpreter when making a referral for you to see a specialist at St Vincent’s Clinics. You may also request an interpreter when you make your appointment. Interpreters are available to patients with a valid Medicare card.
If you cannot come to your appointment please call St Vincent’s Clinics on (03) 9288 3475 and cancel your interpreter booking as well.
Other Languages
Coming to hospital is a unique experience for each person. It may be a time of anxiety, fear and uncertainty. You may find yourself in a state of transition and start to think more deeply about your life and what is important to you. You may just like to share your experience with another person.
The St Vincent's Pastoral Care team provides emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families.
While at St Vincent's you are invited to use our Pastoral Care service by calling (03) 9288 3716 or by asking a staff member to arrange a visit. The Pastoral Care team is available Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Chaplains from many denominations visit the hospital regularly. Sacramental Ministry is available on request.
For more information about Pastoral Service, please click here.
This page explains what food can and can’t be brought into St Vincent’s facilities (hospitals, residential care homes, hospices) by patients/residents and their visitors. It has been written to help prevent food poisoning.
Can I bring food for patients and residents?
Yes, as long as the food is safe and suitable for any special dietary needs the patient may have. Families and friends sometimes
bring in food as a treat for patients or to supplement the existing menu. Please speak to staff if you have any concerns or questions
about the patient’s or resident’s nutritional requirements, cultural or religious needs, or if the patient is having swallowing difficulties and has been placed on thickened drinks or texture-modified food.
There can be a risk of food poisoning when food is not properly prepared, transported or stored. This can have serious
consequences for the patient.
What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning is a condition that can have serious and unpleasant effects. It is caused by eating food that contains harmful levels of
disease-causing bacteria or toxins. Food can become dangerous if it is not handled safely during cooking, storage, transport and serving.
The symptoms of food poisoning vary, but usually include one or more of the following: nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea,
fever and headaches. Food poisoning can be very serious for patients recovering
from illness or an operation.
St Vincent’s guidelines of ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ foods are about preventing food poisoning only. The lists do not reflect that many people must follow a specific diet because of their medical condition. Please talk to the unit dietitian for further information.
What food is safe to bring in for patients and residents?
For patients who are on normal diets you can bring:
- pretzels, potato chips, dry biscuits or crackers
- muesli bars, sweet biscuits e.g. Scotch Fingers, fruit biscuits, biscotti
- fresh and dried fruit
- bread, bread sticks, bagels, unleavened bread
- muffins, cakes, scones, pikelets (no cream)
- boiled lollies, liquorice, mints.
Please check with a member of the healthcare team before bringing in food for a patient on a special diet or with swallowing
difficulties.
What food is potentially unsafe to bring in for patients and residents?
- any food that can spoil if not refrigerated
- raw or cooked meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, oysters
- rice and pasta dishes, casseroles, soups, sauces
- soft cheeses, deli meats, pâtés
- salads and other items containing dairy products or creamy dressings e.g. coleslaw, potato salad
- sweet dishes containing custard or cream
- sandwiches with potentially hazardous food fillings e.g. meat, fish, poultry, cheese.
Why does St Vincent’s have to be so strict?
The immune systems of many patients in hospital are considerably lower than those not admitted to hospital. Food which is left in an
uncontrolled temperature range for more than four hours is dangerous and needs to be discarded as it may cause serious food poisoning to the patient.
St Vincent’s must comply with Australian food safety standards and the Victorian Food Act 1984. All St Vincent’s facilities are
regularly reviewed to make sure the organisation complies with these laws, regulations and standards.
Other Guidelines
St Vincent’s cannot accept responsibility for food prepared externally, however, there are storage and reheating facilities available that patients and visitors are welcome to use for safe foods.
Please let the staff know about food you bring. The staff will help you to ensure that all food is labelled with the following information:
- patient’s name and room number
- the date the food was prepared and by whom
- the date the food was brought into the health service.
All unsafe food components (commercially prepared or home cooked) that arrive to the ward at room temperature will not be
stored in the refrigeration units.
These must be consumed immediately or discarded. Any potentially dangerous food that has been refrigerated for more
than 24 hours will be discarded at around 9.00am to minimise the risk
of food poisoning.
If you are unsure about what is safe, or wish to bring in any food items, please talk to the healthcare team.
Need more information?
Please contact St Vincent’s Nutrition Department on (03) 9231 3755.
Victorian Department of Health website: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
Food Safety Victoria website: www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety
There are a number of cafés on site at the Fitzroy campus, as well as a pharmacy, Commonwealth Bank branch and ATM, lotto/news agent, florist and travel agent.
A café is located on site at St George’s Health Service.
Food
Café Vincent's (Zouki) is located in Building E - Aikenhead Wing on the corner of Victoria Parade and Nicholson Street.
Opening hours:
6.30am – 8.00pm Monday to Friday
7.30am – 7.00pm Saturday and Sunday
Coffee and refreshments are also available on the ground floor of Building D - Daly Wing near St Vincent's Clinics and in the foyer of the main hospital.
Many cafés and restaurants can be found in nearby Fitzroy and the city.
Groceries
Major supermarkets are located nearby in the city. Coles is located in Melbourne Central and Safeway in the QV Building. Smaller convenience stores can be found in Fitzroy and the city.
Pharmacy
Location: Building B - 55 Victoria Parade
Hours: 9.00am – 5.30pm weekdays only (closed public holidays)
Newsagent
Location: Building B - 55 Victoria Parade.
Hours: 8.00am – 5.30pm weekdays only
The newsagent also offers dry cleaning, Tattslotto and public transport tickets in addition to a broad range of stationary, greeting cards and sweets.
Florist
Location: Building B - 55 Victoria Parade
Hours: Weekdays 8.00am – 8.00pm, Weekends 10.00am – 8.00pm
Tel: (03) 9417 4093
Post Office
Nearest post box: Victoria Parade near the corner of Nicholson Street.
Nearest post office: Corner of Brunswick and Gertrude Streets, a short walk from St Vincent’s.
ATMs and Banking
A Commonwealth Bank branch and ATM are located on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Victoria Parade.
More information on the local area can be found at the thatsmelbourne website.