patient information guide 2014-2015 edition...has served western victoria for more than...

Patient Information Guide

2014-2015 EditionThis directory is the property of the Hospital.

Please do not remove

Hire & Loan equipment and direct sales to public, including wheelchairs, walking frames,

physiotherapy equipment, continence aids and more!

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

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Welcome to South West Healthcare 4

About Us 5

How we work with you and your family 6

Preventing falls 12

Preventing infections 13

Preventing pressure injuries 14

Medication 16

Providing consent 17

Your rights and responsibilities as a patient 20

Feedback 21

South West Healthcare, Warrnambool, Vic - 5552/2014

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P a t i e n t I n f o r m a t i o n

Welcome to South West Healthcare

This ‘Patient Guide’ provides you with relevant information about our services that will ensure you havea safe and comfortable stay. We want every stay at South West Healthcare to be as pleasant as possible.Our health care team is dedicated to anticipating and exceeding the needs of patients and families.

South West Healthcare provides a comprehensive range of health services. We seek to continuallyimprove these services and facilities to make sure our community is well served and to help each personattain maximum quality of life.

Patients are our first priority. We understand that being a hospital patient can be a stressful time forpatients and their families and we are committed to help ease your stress by communicating clearly soyou know what to expect during your stay.

During your hospital stay a number of healthcare professionals will be looking after you. These mayinclude doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health staff such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists orsocial workers, specialist medical imaging staff and other support staff including pharmacists, patientsupport staff, cleaners and administration staff. We understand that the hospital environment may beunfamiliar to you and being admitted to hospital can be an overwhelming experience.

If you experience any difficulties during your stay at South West Healthcare or have any suggestions asto how we can improve our standards of care or compliments for the staff, please let us know (SeeFeedback page 21). We will try to incorporate your ideas and improve the standard of care for futurepatients.

South West Healthcare Executive Team

At South West Healthcare , we value youas a partner in making decisions aboutyour care. If you have any concerns orquestions about your care or servicesbeing provided, don’t be afraid to askand a staff member will be happy tohelp.

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About Us

Our ServicesThere are a number of communities we serve,with a total population of 110,000 distributedacross 5 council areas.

Our hospitals are based at:

• Warrnambool

• Camperdown

Our Mental Health Services offices arebased at:

• Warrnambool

• Camperdown

• Hamilton

• Portland

Our Community Health centres are basedat:

• Warrnambool

• Camperdown (there are two, including an adult day centre)

• Macarthur

• Lismore

Our aged care facility is based at:

Camperdown (on the grounds of ourCamperdown Hospital) South West Healthcarehas served Western Victoria for more than one-and-a-half centuries. Our Warrnambool Hospitalis 158 years old and our Camperdown Hospitalis 103.

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How we work with you andyour family

We aim to work with you to achieve your optimalhealth outcome. We genuinely believe that byworking in partnership with our patients,together we can achieve the best possibleoutcomes. Your treatment or care plan will bedeveloped in consultation with you and you canexpect a member of the treating team to visit youregularly to check if you are comfortable or ifthere is anything you require.

Handing over your informationAt the change of each shift, the staff “handover” to the next team, discussing your care plan.

This also provides you with an opportunity to askquestions about your care and discuss your goals.We encourage you to participate in the handoverprocess.

We will support you to ensure a smoothdischarge from hospital. Our staff will work withyou to ensure, when required, you haveassistance in place upon your discharge tocontinue to support you through your recovery.

Identifying YouDuring your hospital stay, you will regularly beasked by our treating team about importantinformation that we need to know to identifyyou, including your name and date of birth. It isimportant that our staff regularly ask you torepeat this information to ensure we are treatingyou safely. Our staff will be asking you if you haveany allergies and if you do you will have a singlered arm band placed on your wrist. If you do nothave any allergies a single white arm band will beplaced on your wrist that provides staff with youridentifying information. If you believe your armband contains incorrect information, please letthe staff know.

If at any time during your hospital stay, you oryour friends and family have any questions,concerns or are worried about your health, pleasespeak to a nurse or midwife in charge.

South West Healthcare encourages you toactively participate in your healthcare. This willhelp you to better understand the care youreceive and plan your recovery. The information inthis booklet will assist you to participate in yourhealthcare and answer general questions youmay have. If you have other questions orconcerns please talk to our staff.

South West Healthcare ensures access and equityto our services for those members of thecommunity who have specific requirements.

Interpreter ServiceThe hospital provides a free and confidentialinterpreting service. Your doctor or nurse willorganise this for you.

Culturally Sensitive Support & InformationWe aim to provide a service that is sensitive todiverse cultural needs. We employ resource staffto assist and support patients and their families.Please discuss your requirements with staff.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderPatientsAre you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanderdescent?

All patients attending the hospital must be askedthis question on admission. This allows staff toadapt health programs and services to meet thespecific needs of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people.

The hospital employs Aboriginal Hospital LiaisonOfficers (AHLO) who can assist Aboriginalpatients and their families.

Contact AHLO on 5564 4192 or mobile number0448 519 364.

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Visits by clergy and pastoral care workersOn admission (when practicable) all patients willbe asked if they wish to receive Clergy/PastoralCare worker visits. A register of patients wishingto have visits is kept at the main enquiry desk. Anondenominational chapel is provided for the useof patients, visitors and staff. If you inform staffon admission that you do not want these visitsand then change your mind, please let thenursing staff know so they may have you addedto the clergy visits list.

ADMISSION

What to Bring with You Medicare card

Pension or repatriation card

Private Health Insurance details

Health Care card

Pyjamas

Footwear

Toiletries

Medications

Next of Kin contact

Money for small purchases

Advanced Care Plan if you have one

Support aides eg glasses, hearing aid, walkingstick.

Please make sure ALL items are clearly markedwith your name.

You may also need comfortable day clothes andflat shoes, reading and writing material, gamesand music etc.

Please make arrangements for the collection andlaundering of personal articles of clothing.

If you wear dentures please ask for a denture cupfor storage.

What you should NOT bringDo not bring valuable personal items such asjewellery, large amounts of cash, andcomputers/laptops if at all possible.

If you are admitted unexpectedly and havevaluables or cash with you, they may be placed inthe hospital safe - ask staff for further assistance.

The hospital does not take responsibility forpatient’s property or lost property.

ServicesIf you receive services at home e.g. home help,meals on wheels, district nursing, communitynursing or any visiting services prior to youradmission, PLEASE advise the Nurse in charge sowe can notify them.

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Food CafeCafé Nosh (Warrnambool) - Located ground floormain entrance - a wide range of items most indemand by patients and visitors can bepurchased.

07.30am - 6.30pm Monday - Friday and

07.30am - 5.30pm Sat & Sun

There is also a Café located in the WarrnamboolCommunity Health Centre building (Café Noshon Hider).

Hospital Cafeteria9am -6.30pm Monday - Friday (no weekend orpublic holidays).

Witnessing DocumentsPlease do not ask staff members to witnessdocuments. Contact the Unit Manager who willarrange for an appropriate person to do so.Should you wish to consult your Solicitor,arrangements can be made by ward staff.

ATMAn ATM is accessible in the front foyer of theWarrnambool Hospital.

FACILITIES

Car ParkingParking restrictions are controlled around thehospital - please observe council signage.

Parking bays are provided for disabled personswith approved permits.

- In Emergency Department car park

- Ryot Street at the hospital main entrance

- Hider Street

- Underground car park, entry on Timor Street

Camperdown campus

- In grounds near front entrance

- Near Merindah Lodge entrance off York Street

VisitorsVisitors are an important part of hospitalisationand contribute greatly to patient recovery.

For the benefit of our patients, we ask that younote the following:

- Rest periods = NO VISITORS

- Visitors are asked to obtain permission from the nurse before entering any room where a door is closed

- Abide by signs with specific instructions

- Visitors may be asked to leave the room temporarily while staff are attending the patient

- ICU patients ‘rest period’ is between 1.00 pm– 3.00 pm

- Other Wards/Units as displayed

- Camperdown Patients ‘rest period’ between 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm

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TelephonesTelephones are provided by most beds. Incomingcalls are free and outgoing calls are charged to aprepaid phone card. Phone cards andinstructions for their use are available from themain hospital reception.

Public Telephones are available within thehospital – ask staff for location of closesttelephone.

Mobile TelephonesWe ask that people entering the hospital turn offmobile phones as they can interfere with medicalequipment.

TelevisionBoth hospitals have bedside TV. Rental chargesapply, ask staff for details.

Radios, IPods, IPads, Computer laptops,MP3’sIt is preferable not to bring electronic items intohospital. If you choose to do so, the equipmentmust be checked for electric safety BEFORE use.As a courtesy to other patients - please usepersonal earplugs or headphones.

MealsMeals are planned by the Food ServicesDepartment to provide nutritional balance.

The Menu Monitor will collect your menu eachday and can advise you on food selection and dietpreferences. This includes any specialcultural/spiritual requirements.

If a special diet is required, advice from a Dieticianmay be sought. Please inform staff.

SmokingAll campuses of South West Healthcare are totallysmoke free. NO SMOKING within all buildingsand Hospital grounds.

Nicotine replacement therapy is available whenprescribed by your doctor. Please ask staff forfurther information.

Your Accommodation South West Healthcare has a range of rooms.

Single rooms are limited and are allocatedprimarily on a basis of medical need (the sickestpatients have priority).

It is sometimes necessary to transfer patientsbetween wards/rooms to ensure the mostappropriate area is used for incomingemergencies. We ask for your understanding ifyou are affected by these transfers.

Rotary House SWH can provide short term accommodation forpatients and a carer if there are no suitablealternatives. Enquiries can be made with ourSupply Shop.

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Preventing fallsWe can all be a little unstable on our feet attimes and as we get older we are at greater riskof having a fall. When we are unwell and inunfamiliar surroundings, are vision impaired orwearing unsafe footwear, the risk of fallingincreases.

While all efforts are made to care for patients ina safe environment, occasionally patients fall inhospital. While some falls cause no injuries,others can cause serious harm. There are anumber of ways we can work together to reduceyour chance of falling.

South West Healthcare staff will help reduce yourrisk of a fall by:

• helping you to settle in, keeping your surroundings safe and clutter-free and providing you with falls prevention information

• undertaking an individual risk assessment specifically for you, which will assess your riskof falling, and discussing the results with you

• developing and implementing a Falls Prevention Care Plan suited to your needs

• Referring you to specialist staff who will helpprovide support to assist you in avoiding a fall.

You can help reduce your risk of a fall by:

• always keeping your nurse call bell within easy reach and calling immediately if you require assistance

• letting staff know if you feel unwell or unsteady on your feet

• asking for assistance when you want to movearound, if you have been assessed as being atrisk of a fall

• Waiting for a staff member to respond if youneed assistance

• looking out for hazards that may cause a fall,such as liquid spills and clutter and tell staff about them immediately

• using a prescribed walking aid if necessary that is in good working condition, rather thanusing furniture or walls for balance

• wearing your prescribed spectacles

• wearing comfortable clothing that is not too long or loose and wearing comfortable, low-heeled and non-slip shoes that fit you well, rather than slippers

What happens if you fall?If you have a fall staff will provide care you need,identify what contributed to the fall and may putfurther strategies in place to reduce the risk ofyou falling again.

You may be assessed by a doctor and staff willrepeat your Falls Prevention Care Plan and discussany changes to your plan with you.

Preventing falls is just as important when you gohome. Before you leave hospital you may bereferred to specialist community or home-basedservices which will continue to work with you tomake your home safer in an effort to reduce yourrisk of falling. This may involve makingsuggestions on moving some furniture, rugs orother floor coverings and providing suggestionsor equipment that may assist you to move aroundyour home more safely.

This information has been adapted fromPreventing Falls and Harm From Falls in OlderPeople: Best Practice Guidelines for AustralianHospitals 2009, developed by the AustralianCommission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare.

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Preventing infectionsIn hospitals, prevention of the spread of infectionand maintaining a hygienic environment is theresponsibility of everyone – staff, patients andvisitors.

Good hand hygiene is the single most importantfactor in reducing the spread of infections. Handhygiene is a general term referring to the use ofsoap and water or a waterless alcohol-based gelto clean your hands.

When we are fit and healthy we can usuallydefend ourselves against many germs, but ournatural defences are generally weakened whenwe are not well or after an operation.

Healthcare associated infections can result in:

• illness

• a longer stay in hospital

• slower recovery

We actively encourage you and your visitors topractice good hand hygiene by regularly washingyour hands with soap and water or by applying awaterless alcohol-based gel to clean your hands.

Our hands may look clean but many germs areinvisible to our eyes. We all can unknowinglytransmit germs on our hands to others and ourenvironment.

Remember to wash your hands:

• when entering and leaving the hospital and ward

• after going to the toilet

• after blowing your nose

• after smoking

• after handling/patting animals

• before, during and after preparing food

• when your hands are visibly dirty.

Our staff also has a responsibility to practice goodhand hygiene. There are 5 moments when handhygiene should be performed by your healthcareprovider:

1. when arriving to attend to your care

2. before attending to your care

3. after attending your care

4. when your care is finished

5. after touching your surrounds.

We encourage patients and visitors to remindstaff to practice good hand hygiene, especially asoutlined above.

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Preventing pressure injuries

A pressure injury, commonly known as a pressuresore or bed sore, is an area of skin and underlyingtissue that has been damaged due to constantunrelieved pressure. The pressure causes damageto blood vessels in the tissues resulting in poorblood flow and tissue breakdown.

Pressure injuries can develop quickly and may bedifficult to treat, they increase your time inhospital and can lead to serious complications.Working together all efforts will be made to avoidthe development of pressure injuries.

Where do pressure injuries occur?Pressure injuries usually occur over bony areas,especially the tailbone, heels, buttocks and toes.

Am I at risk of a pressure injury?Unrelieved pressure is the main cause of pressureinjuries. For this reason if you are confined to abed or chair and unable to move independentlyor have limited movement, you are at greater riskof a pressure injury.

Other risk factors include:

• loss of sensation and poor circulation(i.e. people with diabetes)

• poor diet and/or fluid intake

• skin that is constantly moist through perspiration or incontinence

• being underweight or obese

• inability to hold correct body alignment.

Assessing and managing your risk ofdeveloping a pressure injury

During your hospital stay, our staff will regularlyassess your risk of developing a pressure injury byexamining your skin, discussing your generalhealth and reviewing your ability to moveindependently.

Together we will establish a plan to prevent orreduce your risk of developing a pressure injury.Your plan may include:

• the use of special equipment such as cushions, air mattresses and booties to reducethe pressure over “bony areas”

• regular turning or repositioning if you have difficulty moving independently

• involvement of other health professionals such as a dietitian, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and podiatrist to assist with your care.

Monaghan’s Pharmacy is open when you need

us with a full range of Services Open until 9.00pm every day

• Medication Management

• National Diabetes Supply Agent

• Blood Pressure Testing

• Free Home Delivery

• Range of Patient Aids for Independent Living

• Seniors discount* * Does not apply to prescriptions

Monaghan’s Pharmacy140 Fairy Street,

Warrnambool 3280Ph 5562 9555

Fax 5561 2670

“MODERN, AFFORDABLE DENTISTRY”

DENTISTS

Dr Richard White - B.D.S (Adelaide)

Dr Tom Walpole - B.D.S (Queensland)

Dr Lauren Baxter - B.D.S (Melbourne)

Dr Michelle Jeyaratnam - B.D.S (Adelaide)

WARRNAMBOOL CLINICOpen Monday to FridayHours: 9 am – 5 pm284 Timor Street Warrnambool 3280Phone: 03 5562 7663 or 03 5562 2085Facsimile: 03 5562 3350

TERANG CLINICOpen every WednesdayHours: 9 am – 4.30 pm105 High Street Terang 3264Phone: 03 5592 1033Facsimile: 03 5592 1215www.ladybaydental.com.au

Dr Sook Loi Ng - B.D.S (Sydney)

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What you can do to help avoid a pressureinjuryWe need to work together to prevent pressureinjuries. When in hospital try to maintain a gooddiet, keep moving as much as possible, eitherwith assistance or safely by yourself. If you arehaving difficulty moving, it is essential thatsomeone helps you to change your positionregularly. This may include your friends andfamily.

MedicationIt is important that you tell us of any medication,prescribed and non - prescribed, you are takingwhen you are admitted to hospital. Medicationscan have adverse effects if taken with othermedications, that’s why we need to know all yourmedications including complementary productsyou are taking.

On admission, please bring with you allmedication you are currently taking.

Medications will be given to you by a nurse orpharmacist during your stay in hospital. Please donot self-administer any medication unless advisedto do so. e.g. Inhalers, eye drops, creams etc.

Tips to ensure your safety when it comes tomedicationsIt is important that we know what medicationyou are taking.

• If your hospital stay is planned, bring all yourmedication with you. This includes any medication bought at a pharmacy or supermarket, and any complementary medications including herbal, natural and alternative medication you may be taking. You may be advised to stop taking some medication but we will discuss this with you.

• A Pharmacist will discuss your current medication regime with you on admission.

Once your medicines have been checked(reconciled), they will quarantined in Pharmacyuntil your discharge, when they will be returnedto you.

There may be circumstances when it is best to useyour own medication during your stay in hospital.These medications will need to be checked andwill be given to you by your treating team.

• Tell our staff about any allergies or adverse reactions you have had to medication in the past. These may have included things like a rash, tingling or a burning sensation or an erratic heartbeat.

• Try to have someone with you when talking tous about your medication. When you areunwell and under stress it is harder to remember things that are said. It might also be useful to have this person available to support you when making decisions about your care plan.

• Ask questions if you are unsure about your medication, such as what medication to take,what it is for, how much to take, its effect (including any possible side effects) or when to take it. In hospital, this can be difficult because you may not be feeling your best andbeing visited by a number of doctors, nurses,midwives and other health professionals. However, it is important that you clear-up anyuncertainties you may have while in hospital.

• Don’t be afraid to speak to the doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you don’t know why you are being given a medicine. We are always happy to discuss why you have been prescribed something different, or why a particular medicine has been ceased.

• Before leaving hospital, the Pharmacy will giveyou an updated medication list. This will

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include any new medicines you are to take, andany medication that was changed or stoppedduring your stay. Show the summary to your localdoctor and pharmacist when you first see themafter your hospital stay. It is important that youtell your local doctor and pharmacist about anychanges that were made to your medication.

• When you are discharged from hospital, youmay be prescribed medications to take with you.There is a charge for this medication. Please bringyour Medicare Card as well as any healthcarebenefits cards, Repatriation benefits card, SafetyNet card or Pensioner Concession Card with youto hospital. Please show these to us to ensure youare charged the correct rate for your dischargemedications.

A suggestionInformation written for patients can be providedon most medications. Ask a member of yourtreating team if you would like a copy of thisinformation.

Providing consentYour treatment is your choice and when it comesto having an operation or test, you (or yourparent/guardian) need to give what is called“informed consent” (except in certain emergencysituations). Consent is your agreement for ahealth practitioner to provide treatment,including any medical or surgical management,care, therapy, test or procedure.

Informed consent requires your healthprofessional to discuss with you or yourparent/guardian the benefits and risks associatedwith treatment options.

This will enable you or your parent/guardian tocompare options and make the decision that isbest for you at the time.

You are entitled to seek a second opinionThe process and requirements for obtainingconsent may vary depending on your competencyand age. However, it will involve the followingsteps:

1. A discussion about the benefits and risks of treatment options

2. You or your parent/guardian deciding what course of action to take

3. The health practitioner gaining your consent for a specific treatment, having appropriatelydisclosed any material risks for that specific treatment

4. The health practitioner records and documents the consent process.

You have the right to withdraw your consent atany time prior to the start of the procedure.

Phone 5562 2766

Dr. J.D. PhilpotDr. B.L. OppermannDr. T. CimpoesuDr. P.J. Hall Dr. S.W. SmithDr. J.M. RounsevellDr. J.P. OlesenDr. K.L. Gunn

Dr. E. R. RenoufDr. C. E. HandDr. C. SainiDr. T.D. NguyenDr. D. ElhalawaniDr. P. Codoceo-PérezDr. B. R. CoulsonDr. Soe M. Kyaw

193a LiebigStreet,

Warrnambool

Caring for your healthWarrnambool Medical Clinic

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When your treatment is not urgent, you shouldtake your time to consider the information youhave been given.

Whether or not medical treatment is to takeplace is your decision. Although our staff haveextensive knowledge of the treatments beingproposed for you, only you know about yourlifestyle and preferences and only you can decidewhich risks are acceptable and which risks arenot.

A suggestionIf you do not understand the information youhave received, ask questions.

If you still do not understand, ask morequestions.

This information has been adapted from ThePatient First Program, WA Council for Safety andQuality in Healthcare.

Understanding your treatment optionsHealthcare and medical treatments are oftencomplex and you may receive information thatyou do not understand at a time when you maybe distressed by your condition and diagnosis.Understanding this complex information is crucialto the decisions you make.

When making your decision about whether ornot to undergo a treatment, you should ask yourhealth practitioner the following questions:

• Why do you think this procedure is appropriate for me?

• Is this procedure new or uncommon and is there sufficient research to support your recommendation?

• How many times have you conducted this procedure yourself?

• What have been the outcomes of the procedures you have conducted?

• Do you have any other information that will help me to make an informed decision?

Tony Brown, Specialist Personal Injury Lawyer.Personal injury lawyers working for injured people.

FREE 1st interview, NO WIN NO FEE policy*

- Studio Rooms perfect for an overnight stay

- 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Apartments

- Lifts to each floor

- Undercover Parking

- Restaurant Open 7 Days a week for Breakfast and Dinner

Room Service Menu available.

- Deep Water Baths and Day Spa, featuring a Geothermal

Mineral Pool rich in Therapeutic Benefits

- 3 Minutes to Southwest Healthcare

- Check In 2pm, Check out 11am

16 Pertobe Road, Warrnambool VIC 3280

Phone (03) 5559 2000 Fax (03) 5559 2111Email [email protected]: qsdb.com.au

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Your rights and responsibilities as a patient

As a patient of South West Healthcare , you are entitled to expect and receive high-quality services andcare. It is important that you know what to expect from South West Healthcare and what yourresponsibilities are while in our care.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights of patients, consumers and other peopleusing the Australian healthcare system. These rights are essential to ensure that wherever and wheneverhealthcare is provided, it is of high quality and safe.

South West Healthcare supports and is committed to these principles.

What can you expect from South West Healthcare?

Your Rights What this means

Access You have a right to access You can access services to address yourhealthcare healthcare needs

Safety You have a right to receive safe You receive safe and high-quality and high-quality healthcare health services, provided with

professional care, skill and competence

Respect You have a right to be shown respect The care provided shows respectand to be treated with dignity and to you and your culture, beliefs,consideration values and personal characteristics

Communication You have a right to be informed You receive open, timely andabout services, treatment, options appropriate communication aboutand costs in a clear and open way your healthcare in a way that

you can understand

Participation You have a right to be included in You may join in making decisionsdecisions and to make choices and choices about yourabout your healthcare care and health service planning

Privacy You have a right to privacy and Your personal privacy is maintainedconfidentiality of your personal and proper handling of yourinformation personal health and other

information is assured

Comment You have a right to comment on You can comment on or complainyour healthcare and to have about your care and haveyour concerns addressed your concerns dealt with properly

and promptly

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As a patient, family member or carer you alsohave responsibilities when receiving healthcareservices from South West Healthcare. Yourresponsibilities include:

• working with your treating team by providingrelevant information about your health and circumstances that may influence your care, treatment or stay in hospital

• participating in decision-making regarding your healthcare

• working with health professionals on the provision and evaluation of your healthcare

• treating all healthcare staff with respect and courtesy

• treating all property belonging to South WestHealthcare with respect

• refraining from any act that can be perceivedby staff, other patients and visitors as being aggressive or threatening in nature

• attend all scheduled appointments and if unable to do so, ensure the hospital or relevant service is notified, where possible, ina timely manner.

FeedbackSouth West Healthcare acknowledges thepatients who participated in the development ofthis booklet. We value the contribution that ourpatients make to improving the quality and safetyof the care we provide.

Your feedback is important. If you have anyfeedback about the information provided to youor your experience at South West Healthcare wewould like to hear it. We take your feedback veryseriously. If you are concerned or not satisfiedwith any aspect of your care, please talk to the

manager of the area in which you are beingprovided care first. If this does not help, there aremany other ways you can provide feedback to us:

TelephoneContact our Consumer Liaison Officer throughour switchboard (03) 5563 1469.

Feedback forms are available in all outpatientareas. You can fill out a form and drop it intomain reception.

MailFeedback forms are available in all inpatientareas. You can fill out a form or write a letter andpost it to:

Consumer Liaison OfficerSouth West HealthcareRyot StreetWarrnambool 3280

EmailSend your comments to [email protected]

Sometimes people feel that they may be treateddifferently if they complain while they are usingone of our services. This is not the case, howeverif you feel more comfortable you can contact usafter you have returned home.

Redwood Manor Motel Apartments

H Large suites ideal for overnight or longer

H Loungeroom plus separate bedroom

H A kitchenette with cooking appliances

H Standard suites and family rooms available

251 – 253 Koroit St, Warrnambool 3280

Enquiries – Freecall 1800 350 939

Ph:(03) 5562 3939 Fax:(03) 5561 7203

www.redwoodmanor.com.au

Email: [email protected]

Heatherlie Homes independent units provide quality accommodation forboth senior couples and singles, in a safe and secure neighbourhood.

Located within easy walking distance to shopping, amenities, transportand specialists services, Heatherlie’s locality is a desirable address.

103 - 111 Koroit Street Warrnambool, VictoriaPh: (03) 5561 5565 • Fax: (03) 5561 5011Email: [email protected]

www.heatherliehomes.com.auHeatherlie Homes is a community facility of Uniting Care

PHONE 5562 2140w. www.citycentral.net.au

e. [email protected] King Street Warrnambool

ComfortableAffordable

Accommodation- 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

Self-contained Apartments- 500m to hospital

Become a blood donor

at your nearestRed Cross Blood Bank

WarrnamboolPriceline

Pharmacy• National Diabetes Supply Agents • Medication Management • Blood Pressure Testing • Free Home Delivery

Join our Sister Club Loyalty Program

110 Liebig Street, Warrnambool. 3280

Ph 03 5562 2424

Archie Graham Community Centre Hydrotherapy Pool

Did you know...Hydrotherapy has numerous health benefitsand is a great way to maintain good health.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy Include: • Pain relief• Relaxation• Aerobic exercise• Stress reduction• Increased mobility• Accessible pool hoist

• Controlling weight• Strengthens muscles• Cardiovascular fitness• Reduce high blood pressure• Improves balance and

co-ordination

Ask about theRewards Card for

Regular users!

Cost: $8.50 1 hour sessions

Maximum 10 people at a time!A great facility for all the community

Maximum 10 people at a time!A great facility for all the community

Archie Graham Community CentreTimor Street - Phone: 55594920

Bookings essential

1. Check your Blood PressureHigh blood pressure often gives no warning signs and it isnecessary to have it checked regularly by your doctor. Highblood pressure sharply increases the risk of heart attack,stroke and other conditions if it goes undetected anduntreated. With proper medical treatment this disease can bebrought under control in most cases.

2. Don't SmokeSmoking greatly increases your risk of heart attack. It isnever too late to stop, as evidence shows that damage canbe very quickly reversed. Do not smoke cigarettes anddiscourage your family and friends from smoking.

3. Reduce Blood FatsA high level of blood fats (cholesterol and/ortriglycerides) increases the risk of heart attack. Withmoderated changes in your diet, your blood fats can bereduced to a safer level. This means reducing total fat intake,particularly saturated fats, and cholesterol in rich foods. Abalanced diet is necessary for good health. Ask your doctorfor advice or contact the National Heart Foundation in yourState for information on nutritional guidelines for you andyour family.

4. Maintain Normal WeightIf you or your children are too fat the chances of developing health problems are increased. Ask yourdoctor for a sensible weight reducing diet or get the HeartFoundation's publication "Guide to Losing Weight." Badfood habits formed in childhood are hard to break in laterlife, so it is important your childrenfollow a healthy eating pattern.

5. Improve Physical ActivityExercise should be fun not a chore. Choose a physicalactivity you enjoy, make it a family affair, walk the dog,cycle around the park, swim, play tennis, take the family fora sail. Exercise regularly, your doctor can tell you what kindof activities will suit your age and physical condition.

6. Have Regular Check-upsRegular check-ups enable your doctor to detect and treatconditions that can lead to heart attack and other forms ofheart and circulatory disease.

Six Ways to Beat Heart Attack

Heart FoundationNational Heart Foundation of Australia

Do you have asthma?

Do you know how to manage it,so that you can lead a full andactive life?

Do you want more information?

Call The Asthma Foundation. We provide asthma advice, education, training counselling and we are here to help you.We have:

• a telephone HelpLine

• a wide range of brochures on different aspects of asthma management

• a website with up-to-date and useful information

• a program of community education and training sessions

1800 645 130CALL US SO WE CAN HELP YOU