Q: How much will I have to pay for my hospital visit?

If you do not have any private health insurance, please contact the hospital as soon as possible for an estimate for your procedure. If you do have private health insurance with hospital cover, please contact your health fund on your member enquiry number to receive that information. They will determine your eligibility to claim and advise you of any out of pocket expenses (eg excesses on your policy or co payments for requesting a private room). Cosmetic procedures and podiatry procedures may not be covered by all Health Funds.

In addition, some procedures are not covered by all Health Funds as they are deemed procedures that could be performed in a facility other than a hospital such as Doctors rooms. (Type C procedures)

Hospital charges do not include non-medical or medical provider costs such as your Doctor, Anaesthetist, pathology, X-ray and pharmacy. Additional charges may also include therapeutic aids such as compression stockings or podiatry shoes.  For more information see Fees and Charges

A cost estimate for your stay can be obtained by contacting the Accounts Department on 08 9367 0298

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Q; Why is a hotel room cheaper?

Hospital room charges include nursing care, non clinical services, meals and some intraoperative medication charges

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Q; If I have an excess to pay, when do I pay it?

Payment for estimate of gap between fund benefits and hospital fees is required to be paid at the time of admission.

If you do not have health insurance, the total estimated costs for your hospitalisation is required to be paid at the time of admission.

For more information see Fees and Charges

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Q: What do I get back from Medicare?

The hospital account is not covered by Medicare.  For links to what is covered by Medicare see Fees and Charges

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Q: Can I pay my account by cheque?

The hospital has EFTPOS facilities and all major credit cards and cash are accepted. Only bank cheques will be accepted

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Q: Do I have to request or pay for room facilities?

A television is provided free of charge for each patient staying overnight.  A bedside telephone is available for making local calls. STD and mobile calls will be charged to your account which is payable on discharge.

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Q. What do I need to bring for a day stay?

Ensure that you bring the following with you:

• Medicare and Health fund membership details

• Social Security or Pension card

• Pharmacy Benefits or Safety Net card/details

• Any documentation from your doctor

• Any relevant X-ray films or scans

• Medications you are currently taking in its original packet

• Any equipment that you would normally use such as spectacles or walking aids.

For more information see Day Surgery

For children also bring their favourite toy/ book/pillow disposable nappies and infant formula (if required). For more information see Children in Hospital.

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Q: What do I bring if I am staying overnight?

Ensure that you bring the following with you:

• Medicare and Health fund membership details

• Social Security or Pension card

• Pharmacy Benefits or Safety Net card/details

• Any documentation from your doctor

• Any relevant X-ray films or scans

• Medications you are currently taking in its original packet

• Any equipment that you would normally use such as spectacles walking aids or sleep aids such as CPAP machines

For more information see Staying Overnight

For children also bring their favourite toy/ book/pillow, disposable nappies and infant formula (if required).  For more information see Children in Hospital.

Limited storage space is available in the patient rooms.  A hospital gown will be provided for your procedure, but please bring night attire and toiletries for staying overnight.

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Q: Can I stay overnight with my child?

Under appropriate circumstances, South Perth Hospital is able to provide boarder facilities for one parent or carer. Charges may apply dependent upon your fund and your level of coverage. Please contact the Clinical Nurse Manager Surgical Services  if you require further information prior to admission. See Children in Hospital for more information

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Q: How long will I need to fast for?

Generally, you should not eat or drink (including water) for at least six hours prior to your procedure.

Fasting times however may vary depending upon the type of anaesthetic you are having. Your doctor will advise you of the period of fasting required.  If your doctor has allowed a “light breakfast” on the morning of your procedure, it is expected this will be a small bowl of cereal or tea and toast.

If fasting instructions are not followed, your procedure may have to be postponed in the interests of your safety.

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Q: Should I take my blood pressure pills even though I am fasting?

Generally you should take your normal medications at 6am with a sip of water, unless otherwise instructed. Exceptions to this may include aspirin or anti-coagulant medications, anti-inflammatory and diabetic medications and some herbal medicines. If you are aware or suspect that you are taking any of these medications, you may require specific instructions regarding their use. Please contact your doctor for advice.

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Q: Can I leave my body piercings in place?

Where possible all jewellery including body piercings should be removed prior to coming into the hospital.  No responsibility will be accepted for the loss or theft of any items.

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Q: I have acrylic nails can I keep them on?

Acrylic nails are acceptable. Where possible, coloured nail polish should be removed.

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Q. Where can I park?

Free off-street parking is available at the rear of the hospital in Burch Street (off Fortune Street).

For patients and visitors to South Perth Hospital with limited mobility, a disabled parking bay is available at the front door of the hospital to ensure ease of access to Main Reception.  For further information see Transport and Parking.

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Q: Do I arrive at the time the Dr’s rooms have told me?

Yes, there is no need to arrive any earlier.

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Q: What time will my surgery start?

Your surgeon room’s can advise you as to where you are placed on the theatre list, and approximately what time you may expect to go to theatre.  The time frame estimated may change if other factors occur on the day including any delay with the Surgeon or theatre and whether the list needs to be altered for any reason (for example – emergency additions to the list).  Further information can be obtained from your admitting nurse.

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Q. Can I Use My Mobile Phone?

If you are staying with us overnight, all inpatient beds are equipped with an individual telephone with direct dial facilities for local calls. You will be given your personal telephone number on admission which will allow family and friends to contact you directly. While the use of mobile phones is permitted in the ward areas, we would ask that you keep their use to a minimum and to be considerate of other patients and visitors.

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Q. What are your visiting hours?

Visiting hours are between 10am – 12noon and 3pm – 7pm daily.  For more information see Visitor Information

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Q: I smoke, do you have a smoking area?

South Perth Hospital is a Smoke Free environment. If you feel that you will require nicotine replacement therapy during your stay with us, please discuss this with your doctor. If you choose to leave the hospital to smoke, you may be asked to sign a “Smoking Waiver”. Please do not ask our staff for assistance to smoke as refusal may offend.

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Q: I am having a day procedure.  How long will I be here after my procedure (discharge time)?

Your length of stay will depend upon the type of procedure, your recovery and your doctor’s instructions.  Your nurse will provide you with further information

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Q. I am staying overnight.  What time should I arrange to be picked up (discharge time)?

Patients who have stayed overnight should be prepared to leave the hospital between 9am and 10am.

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Q: What services are available at the hospital?

For inpatients, the hospital is equipped with a pantry for tea and coffee making in each ward area. Located a short walking distance from the hospital are a café, deli and newsagency. Meals for visitors can be ordered and paid for at Reception.  Further Information can be found in Facilities.

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Q: How can I access my Medical Record?

Under the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000, patients can request access to information held in their Medical Record. A fee applies and proof of identity must be shown. Please contact the Health Information Manager on 93670222 to discuss.  Further information can be found in Privacy

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Q: What about WIFI?

The hospital provides free WIFI for patients.  Please speak to the Reception staff or your nurse who will assist you with connection.  If you have difficulties our Network Administrator can assist during office hours.

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