If you’re staying overnight in hospital, you’ll need to bring:
If you don’t know where to go, please have a chat to one of our friendly volunteers.
Before your scheduled hospital admission, your treating team will let you know where to go on the day of admission.
If there is any uncertainty about where you should go at Cairns Hospital, you may be directed to the Transit Procedure Unit (Ground Floor, D Block). This unit functions as a central point for assistance for patient admissions.
At all other hospitals, unless advised otherwise, go to the reception counter in the foyer of the hospital.
If you think you are in labour, contact your MGP midwife or your closest maternity unit/birth suite.
In emergency departments you’ll see a nurse who will assess your condition.
Please let us know:
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.
We’re expanding our menu options based on patient feedback, particularly for our culturally diverse patient groups.
If you’d like to give us feedback on the hospital menu, please complete the online feedback form.
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.
We use identification (ID) bands to make sure you get the right medications, treatments and procedures. We’ll put an identity 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.
You’ll have a bedside locker next to your bed for your personal items, but 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.
Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about your medications. They’re happy to answer your questions.
You could ask:
Some patients may be able to get medicines at a reduced price. Talk to our pharmacy team when you give them your prescription.
Read more about how you can get help with the cost of your medicines on the Services Australia website.
Smoking isn’t allowed in any of our hospitals and health centres. This includes vaping and e-cigarettes.
You can’t smoke on the premises, the grounds, or within 5 metres of their boundaries. This rule applies to all staff, patients, visitors, contractors and other people who enter our buildings, grounds or vehicles.
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 hospital.
Social workers can help you and your carer (if applicable) with questions or concerns, such as:
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.
We have interpreter services at all Queensland Health hospitals and health centres for people who are hearing impaired or have difficulty communicating in English.
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.