In order for your visit to the hospital to go as smoothly as possible we have prepared some information for patients. If you have any questions regarding this information please contact the hospital by phoning 03 54 88566 or using the information available on the Contact Us page.

Before your admission

After consultation and agreement to surgery with your surgeon, you will be given a folder on Manuka Street Hospital. In the folder there is an admission form which needs to be filled in completely and sent to us seven days prior to admission. At the time of your consultation your surgeon may have signed a consent form with you, if so please bring this form with you on admission day. Should there be any change in your health before admission time please contact us with details. You can download the Admission form.

Preparation for surgery depends on the kind of operation you are having. You will be given specific direction by your surgeon at the time of consultation and it is important that this be followed exactly, especially fasting, Please note nil by mouth includes lollies and chewing gum. Failure to follow directions may result in cancellation or rescheduling of your procedure. On arrival at the Hospital your nurse will explain details and ensure you fully understand your “nursing care” during your time with us. If you are unsure, please ask.

It is recommended you do not smoke in the 24 hours prior to surgery.

What to bring depends on your length of stay, but we recommend you bring:
· Night wear and Slippers
· Toilet Bag
· Personal Reading
· Clothes to leave the hospital
· For Children, feel free to bring their favourite toy or DVD

What not to bring: The hospital cannot take responsibility for patients’ valuables or money. If you cannot avoid bringing valuables with you, please give them to the nursing staff for safe keeping.

Late arrival: If unavoidable circumstance delay your arrival time on the date of admission, please telephone the hospital if possible.

Current medications that you are taking should be brought with you to the hospital. These should be handed to the nursing staff on admission. Medications will be kept secured and then dispensed by the nursing staff. These will be returned to you when you leave the hospital.

Rooming-In arrangements can be made so a parent can ensure a child’s stay is as pleasant as possible. A reasonable charge is made for this service, which includes the provision of meals. Please inquire from the Hospital Reception if this assistance is required. Should you wish to accompany your child during preparations for surgery, you are most welcome to do so. You will however be requested to leave theatre during surgery.

Day Stay and Outpatients should arrive at the time given to you by your surgeon. You will be taken to our Day Stay Unit where you will be admitted by one of our registered nursing staff. Following admission there will be an opportunity to discuss your surgery with your Anaethetist and Surgeon. You are able to bring a support person with you and there is a comfortable lounge area where you are asked to wait until theatre is ready for you. Excess visitors (ie more than 1) can use the visitors lounge nearby. After surgery and recovery you will be transferred to the Day Stay discharge area where you will be given refreshments before you go home. We ask that you arrange to be picked up and taken home by a relative or friend. The day after your surgery you will receive a courtesy call from one of the recovery staff to check on your progress.

During your visit

Meal Service is provided each day. You can select your own meals from a varied and changing menu. Our Nursing Staff will be happy to discuss any questions you may have about your diet or any specific menu requests. Your diet may be a special part of your treatment so please check with the Nursing Staff before having any food or drink brought in to you by your visitors.

Enquiries are often received from relatives and friends calling the hospital. In this case, patient privacy is important to us and as such they will be given only limited information about your condition. With your consent, our Principal Nurse can arrange for your relative / friend to see your specialist for more detailed information. Should you request that your admission be kept totally confidential, we will respect your wishes. Please advise the nursing staff.

Patient facilities are designed for your comfort and care. All bedrooms include full en-suite facilities, remote control television, radio, internet access points and telephone services. Any flowers or floral bouquets will be delivered to you when they arrive. Newspapers can be delivered to your room on request.

Leaving the hospital

Your Doctor / Specialist, in consultation with you, will decide when you are ready for discharge. You will receive full information on any necessary follow-up appointments, prescriptions, on going treatment etc. Referral to support services, home support, district nursing etc will be made according to your individual needs. You should be satisfied that you are fully aware of your post discharge requirements before you leave.

You are not permitted by law to drive a motor vehicle the day of your anaesthetic. Please ensure arrangements have been made for you to be picked up or if needed ask a staff member to call a Taxis service for you.

Payment of accounts

Your Manuka Street Trust Hospital account will normally be sent to you within 24 hours of discharge. Accounts from your Surgeon and Anaesthetist will be sent separately by them.

Manuka Street Trust Hospital accepts payment from all medical insurance policies as well; Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS, Credit Card and Direct Debit.

Where your hospitalisation is due to an accident and you have received a letter of approval from ACC, the Hospital will bill ACC direct.

If you have been supplied with crutches or other aids, these will be billed to you at the full replacement cost. On return of the aids to the Hospital, a portion of this cost will either be debited to your account or refunded to you, with the remaining portion being a hire charge to you for use of this equipment.

Overdue Accounts: If you are having problems with payment please contact the Hospital Accountant as soon as possible. In the event of your account not being paid and no contact made we reserve the right to add all costs of collection to your account.

Patient Rights

Your rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer Rights applies to all our services. Under this Code you have a right to:

• Respect
• Fair Treatment
• Dignity and Independence
• Proper Standards
• Communication
• Information
• Its Your Decision
• Support
• Teaching and Research
• Complaints

For further information on these rights please see there website on www.hdc.org.nz/theact/theact-thecode