During your stay

Arriving at the hospital

When you arrive at the hospital, go to the admissions office so we can register you (unless you have been instructed otherwise). The admissions office is on Level 1 in the Whitty Wing.

If you need a wheelchair to get you to your destination, our admissions office staff can help. 

After you have been registered, our staff will direct you to your ward. When you arrive at your ward, a nurse will greet you, check your details and explain the ward’s routines. Please tell staff if you:

• Have an allergy (for example, to a particular medicine or food, or to latex)
• Are taking any medicines and have brought any in with you
• Have valuables or money which need to given to a friend or relative to take home or to be kept safe

Identification wristbands

The nurse will give you a wristband with your name on it, which you must wear at all times when you are in the hospital. If you have any allergies you will get a red band too. This is to make sure you are always given the correct treatments or medicines.

If your wristband comes off or is damaged, please tell your nurse and you will be given a new one.

Meals

You will be given a choice of meals during your stay at the hospital.

• If you have a food allergy, please tell the nurse and the ward catering staff. The catering food allergen leaflet will be provided to you on admission to your ward.
• If you have any special dietary requirements or food intolerance you should tell the ward nurses and the catering staff.
• We make sure that the food you eat while in hospital is safe and wholesome. You should only eat food supplied by the hospital while staying here as the Mater Hospital cannot accept responsibility for food eaten by patients which has not been supplied by the catering services department.
• Please ask your relatives/visitors not to bring you in meals or food, as they may put you at risk of getting a food-related illness.

Avoid infection during your stay in hospital

Here are some tips to help you avoid infection and keep safe.

• Clean your hands with soap and water, hand wipes or alcohol gel before meals and after going to the toilet.
• Avoid touching wounds, drips, drains, catheters or other medical devices.
• Ask your visitors to clean their hands with alcohol gel when they enter and leave the ward.
• Ask your relatives and friends not to visit if they are unwell or have flu symptoms, colds, diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Ask staff if they have washed their hands before they attend to you.

Your care and consent in hospital

You have the right to refuse any treatment or tests. If you do, we will explain to you what this decision will mean. If you are unable to give your consent, your medical team will act in your best interests.

We must always ask your consent before we go ahead with any surgery or treatment. This may involve asking you to sign a written consent form. Your doctor will explain what will happen during any treatment. They will tell you what the risks, benefits and other options are, as well as how you can expect to feel afterwards.

It is important that you understand everything that will happen. You should sign the consent form only when you are satisfied that all your questions have been answered.

Teaching, research and students 

The Mater Hospital is a university teaching hospital that trains doctors, nurses and other health professionals. You might see students on the wards and they may help to deliver your care or treatment under supervision. They may also be present during your procedure or operation. See our participating in research and teaching page for more information on how student healthcare professionals may be involved in your care.

Recording devices 

Photography or the use of recording devices is not permitted without consent from the hospital. This includes photographs or videos taken on mobile phones and/or wireless devices or the use of any recording device. If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a nurse or member of your care team.