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PATIENT INFORMATION DIRECTORY 2020/2021 Top Tips for Safe Health Care

What you need to know for yourself, your family or someone you care for.

Ask questions 1 You have the right to ask questions about your care.

Findgoodinformation 2 Not all information is reliable. Ask your doctor for guidance.

Understandtherisksandbenefits 3 Find out about your tests and treatments before they happen. Listallyourmedicines Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need more information about 4 the medicines you are taking.

Confirmdetailsofyouroperationbeforehand 5 Ask to be told who will be doing your procedure and what will happen to you.

Askaboutyourcareafterleavinghospital 6 Ask for a written outline of your treatment and what should happen after you get home.

Knowyourrights 7 You have a number of rights as a patient. Read our guide to find out what they are.

Understandprivacy 8 Your medical information is confidential. You can ask to see your medical record.

Givefeedback 9 Feedback helps health professionals spot when improvements can be made. Downloadourfreebookletat: www.safetyandquality.gov.au/toptips PATIENT INFORMATION

Contents Welcome 4 Coffee Shop 14 Vision, Purpose & Strategic Objectives 5 Consent 14 Vision 5 Consumer Participation 14 Purpose 5 Discharge Planner 15 Values 5 Donations 15 Services 6 Equipment Loan 15 Emergency Department 6 Falls Prevention 15 Medical Ward 6 Gifts of Food, Drinks & Sweets 15 Surgical Ward 6 Hospital Auxiliary 15 Urliup Assessment & Rehabilitation Unit 6 Infection Prevention & Control 16 Peri-Operative Unit & Day Surgery Unit 6 Media Contact 16 Murwillumbah Birth Centre (MBC) 7 Medications 16 Medical Imaging 7 Needle & Syringe Disposal & Acquisition 16 Pathology 7 Newspapers 16 Pharmacy 7 Parking 17 Physiotherapy 8 Patient Flow 17 Renal Unit 8 Personal Laundry 17 Social Work 8 Pink Ladies 17 Nutrition & Dietetics 8 Quality & Safety 17 Occupational Therapy 8 Security 18 Speech Pathology 8 Smoking 18 Cancer Care & Palliative Liaison 8 Teaching Facilities & Students 18 Outpatient Clinics 9 Telephones 18 Amputee Clinic 9 Toilets 19 Antenatal 9 Hospital Website 19 Cancer Care & Haematology Unit 9 Work Health & Safety (WHS) 19 Cardiac & Respiratory Program 9 Questions, Feedback, Comments, Gynaecology 9 Suggestions & Complaints 19 Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Clinic 10 Discharge from Hospital 20 Paediatric Clinic 10 Transport 20 Physiotherapy 10 Hospital Fees & Health Insurance 20 Rehabilitation Clinics 10 Choosing Between Public & Privacy & Confidentiality 10 Private Health Care 20 Collection 10 Being Admitted as a Private Patient 21 Use & Disclosure 12 Long Stay Patients 21 Access to Your Information 12 Supporting Services 22 Admission Information 12 Community & Allied Health Services 22 Meals 13 Aboriginal Health Unit 22 Patient Liaison Officer 13 Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) 23 Visiting Hours 13 Men’s Health Services 23 Valuables 13 Hospital in the Home (HITH) 23 General Information 14 Location Map – Accommodation for Relatives 14 Murwillumbah Hospital, Medical Centres & Pharmacies 24 Alcohol & Drugs 14 Medical Centres – Murwillumbah 24 Baby Change Area 14 Chemists – Murwillumbah 25 Chaplaincy Service 14 Local Community Services for Clothing 14 Your Information 26 3 PATIENT INFORMATION

Welcome Welcome to Murwillumbah District Hospital (MDH).

Murwillumbah District Hospital sits proudly in the heart of Bundjalung country under the shadow of the sacred Wollumbin.

The hospital was established in 1903 and the current art deco hospital building was completed and opened in 1939. Over the years, the hospital has undergone a variety of additions and facility upgrades, which includes the establishment of a well-appointed rehabilitation unit, the modernisation of the operating facilities and expansion of the emergency department.

The hospital serves the 20,000 locals and is a facility of the Tweed/Byron Health Services Group within the Northern NSW Local Health District. The hospital has (an):

• Emergency Department • General Surgical/Medical Ward • Operating Suite • Assessment and Rehabilitation Ward • Day Surgery • Birthing Unit • Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit • Outpatients Clinics • Medical Ward

Our hospital is well supported by the local community and our very active and enthusiastic volunteers from the Hospital Auxiliary, coffee shop and Pink Ladies.

Your care and comfort are of utmost importance to us. If you have any concerns, questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to discuss these with our staff. We are committed to providing you with quality health care services, and we make every effort to ensure that you are well cared for during your stay with us.

This patient information directory will give you, your family, friends and carers useful information about our services and your care whilst you are in hospital.

Darleen Berwick Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Murwillumbah District Hospital

Did you know that using your private health insurance whilst staying as an inpatient at Murwillumbah District Hospital assists the hospital in maintaining a high level of quality care to the community at no additional cost to you?

We waive your fund excess, meaning you will not have to pay your excess if you are admitted as a private patient.

The Patient Liaison Officer will simplify the process by providing you with any relevant forms that require your signature.

4 PATIENT INFORMATION

Vision, Purpose & Strategic Objectives

Vision

Better health and excellence in health care.

Purpose

To work together to promote better health across our diverse community and provide person- centred, integrated care through a valued, skilled, motivated and sustainable workforce.

Our Strategic Priorities

• Provide high quality, safe, patient-centered care.

• Work alongside Aboriginal communities to deliver care that is appropriate, culturally sensitive and specific to needs.

• Work in partnership to provide integrated care

• Value and empower our workforce in delivering high quality, safe and respectful health care.

• Strengthen accountability for financial, clinical, and corporate decisions and actions.

• Support and encourage a culture of innovation, leading the way in research and thus improving clinical practice.

Values

• Collaboration – Improving and sustaining performance depends on everyone in the system working as a team.

• Openness – Transparent performance improvement processes are essential to make sure the facts are known and acknowledged, even if at times this may be uncomfortable.

• Respect – The role of everyone engaged in improving performance is valued.

• Empowerment – There must be trust on all sides and at all levels with responsible delegation of authority and accountability.

5 PATIENT INFORMATION

Services Urliup Assessment & Rehabilitation Unit Emergency Department Located on the ground floor, the unit Located on the ground floor, the Emergency provides a rehabilitation program for up Department operates 24 hours a day, seven to 20 clients. Services are provided by days a week. The Emergency department an interdisciplinary team comprising of provides high-quality emergency care for registered and enrolled nurses, allied health all members of the public and is staffed by and medical officers. Rehabilitation programs highly qualified nursing staff and medical are prescribed by allied health professionals officers. and include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, social workers, Medical Ward dietitian and allied health assistants. The Located on the Level 2, Medical Ward is a 19- medical needs of the clients in the unit bed, acute medical unit. The ward provides are managed by a rehabilitation specialist, general medical treatment, cardiac (heart) registrar and a part-time visiting medical monitoring and palliative care. You will be officer. admitted to the ward under the care of a The Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit hospital doctor on call. Some patients in the run several outpatient clinics: Amputee unit who require specialist services may be Clinic, Motor Neurone Disease Clinic and a transferred to The Tweed Hospital (TTH) or General Rehabilitation Clinic. Please see the another facility within the local health district Outpatient Clinic, section for details. or within South East Queensland. Peri-Operative Unit & Surgical Ward Day Surgery Unit

Located on Level 1, Surgical Ward is a 12-bed Located on the Level 1, the theatre unit and cares for elective general surgical, complex provides a wide range of elective orthopaedic, ENT, urology, gynaecology and surgery including general, orthopaedic, general medical patients. Surgical ward also ophthalmic, ear, nose and throat, urology, acts as a receiving facility for patients at The gastroenterology, gynaecology, plastic and Tweed Hospital (TTH) requiring an extended faciomaxillary surgery. length of stay. Some patients in the unit who The Day Surgery Unit admits, prepares, require specialist services, may be transferred and discharges patients. The unit has four to The Tweed Hospital (TTH) or another cubicles and four recliner chairs, and caters facility within the local health district or for short-stay surgery. within South East Queensland.

The hospital doctor on call and visiting specialist surgeons oversee the delivery of patient care on the surgical ward.

6 PATIENT INFORMATION

Murwillumbah Birth Centre (MBC) The unit also provides additional support to theatre, and provides a 24-hour, after The Birth Centre is located on Level 2 and hours Emergency on-call radiology service. staffed by midwives working in the Midwifery Additional after-hours emergency imaging, Group Practice (MGP). such as ultrasound, CTs and MRI are provided MGP is a model of care wherein each off-site at TTH. Private medical imaging pregnant woman is allocated a primary services are also available and a referral from midwife and a backup midwife, who work your doctor must be provided. in partnership to provide continuity of care throughout the pregnancy, labour and birth, Pathology with early discharge (four hours post-birth). Located on the ground floor, NSW Health It includes up to four weeks postnatal care Pathology provides a collection service, in your home. The Murwillumbah MGP which is undertaken during daily ward model cares for women with normal risk rounds to collect blood and other specimens pregnancies who are well and plan to have a from inpatients. An outpatient pathology normal labour and birth in the Birth Centre collection service is also available at the at the Murwillumbah Hospital. Women can hospital between the hours of 7.30am– nominate care by the midwife only or attend 3.00pm (Monday to Friday). Glucose tests shared care with their general practitioner. are performed daily between 7.00am– The MGP program offers all your pregnancy 12.00midday. Tests can be undertaken from care in the Birth Unit and if any complication a referral from any pathology provider. For arises, your primary midwife will liaise with an appointment and further information, the Tweed Heads Hospital obstetric and/or telephone: (02) 6672 0263. neonatal team, and referral where clinically appropriate will be organised. If your Pharmacy pregnancy requires transfer to The Tweed The pharmacy is located on the ground Hospital after 37 weeks of pregnancy, your floor and supplies medications to inpatients. primary midwife will, when possible, support Medications are also supplied to specialist your labour and birth at the Birth Centre at clinic patients. Northern NSW Local Health Tweed Heads Hospital. The option of water District does not dispense medications to birth is also available for your labour and patients who are not admitted to hospital. birth. MBC Phone: (02) 6672 0108 Please bring an updated list of your medicines Medical Imaging (including those bought at supermarkets or health food shops in their original, labelled Located on the Ground Floor, this unit containers) to hospital with you. You will be provides a service to inpatients and asked to give your medicines to nursing staff outpatients. for safe keeping during your hospital stay.

Services provided include general radiology, This helps to make sure that you receive the dental and cephalography, and computerised right medicine, at the right dose and at the tomography, including CT angiography and right time while you are in hospital. It also diagnostic ultrasound procedures. helps to identify any drug related problems.

7 PATIENT INFORMATION

Physiotherapy Occupational Therapy

The Physiotherapy Unit is located on the Occupational therapists provide assessment, ground floor. Physiotherapy services are treatment and advice to inpatients who are provided to you in consultation with your experiencing difficulties in completing daily doctor and/or the Nurse Unit Manager on tasks. They can also advise on equipment the ward. Physiotherapists provide education requirements and any home modifications and assistance in improving your mobility, that you may need in order to support your balance, strength and movement before independence. and after surgery or following an injury or illness. Physiotherapy is an important part of Speech Pathology optimising your recovery and enables you to A speech pathology service is available and return home as soon as possible. will be provided to you if requested by your Renal Unit doctor and/or the Nurse Unit Manager on the ward. Speech pathologists assist stroke The Renal Dialysis Unit is a five-chair patients to communicate and are vital in unit that operates Monday to Saturday. assessing and managing patients with The Murwillumbah Renal Unit works in swallowing difficulties. collaboration with the Tweed Hospital renal unit to offer services to the local community. Cancer Care & Palliative Liaison

Social Work A Cancer & Palliative Liaison Nurse offers support and information on cancer diagnosis, Social work services support and assist treatment and discharge services that are inpatients’ and their carers in dealing with available. Please ask nursing staff to arrange emotional and social issues that may arise. a visit from the Cancer & Palliative Liaison They also provide crisis intervention, grief and Nurse. This service also facilitates a cancer loss counselling, information and advocacy, survivor support group that meets monthly at and can link you to appropriate community Murwillumbah Community Health. services and resources. For further information, telephone: Nutrition & Dietetics (02) 6672 0252.

Dietetics provides a clinical nutrition service assessing the nutritional needs of inpatients.

The dietitian helps to ensure that nutritional needs are met through providing appropriate diets and menus, taking into account an individual’s clinical condition and their food preferences. The dietitian also provides education to patients on their individual nutritional requirements.

8 PATIENT INFORMATION

Outpatient Clinics Pregnant women are requested to contact the Antenatal Clinic between 12 and 16 Amputee Clinic weeks of pregnancy to book in.

This clinic offers a comprehensive Women wanting to birth at the post-operative lower limb amputation Murwillumbah Birth Centre, please see the management program to all NSW residents. ‘Murwillumbah Birth Centre’ section of this The Amputee Clinic provides a continuum guide. of care to lower limb amputees from the Cancer Care & Haematology Unit acute phase (immediately post amputation), scripting of interim and definitive prosthesis, An Established Satellite Unit is based at the fitting and retraining of trans-femoral and hospital and is operated by staff from TTH trans-tibial amputees, as well as providing Unit. A referral from your doctor is required ongoing prosthetic repair for clients to access this service. The Outpatient Clinic experiencing problems with damage or wear currently operates on Mondays and patients of prosthetic limbs. This clinic is attended by attending are consulted by our medical a rehabilitation specialist, physiotherapists oncologist and advanced trainee. Our nursing and a prosthetist. If you wish to attend, a staff are qualified oncology and haematology referral is required from your doctor. nurses who strive to provide excellence in care to patients, their families, friends and Antenatal carers throughout their time in our Cancer Antenatal care is provided throughout the Care and Haematology Unit. pregnancy for women who have either a Cardiac & Respiratory Program normal risk pregnancy or complex pregnancy and are planning to birth at The Tweed Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs, which Hospital. include group exercise and education, as well The models of care available include: as individual support (such as adult asthma, smoking cessation and heart failure nurse • Complex care – provided by an clinics) are available for people with cardiac obstetrician or obstetric registrar. and respiratory conditions. Please ask your • GP shared care – provided by both the nurse or doctor for more information. GP and antenatal clinic staff for low risk pregnancy. Gynaecology

• Midwife care – provided by antenatal The Gynaecology Clinic provides clinic midwives for low risk pregnancy. investigation, management and treatment of gynaecological conditions, contraception, The Murwillumbah Antenatal Clinic works postoperative and postnatal services. in collaboration with the Antenatal Clinic at the Tweed Hospital. A referral to this clinic is A referral to this clinic is required from your required from your doctor. doctor or the TTH Women’s Care Unit.

9 PATIENT INFORMATION

The clinics at Murwillumbah and the Physiotherapy Tweed Hospitals work collaboratively and gynaecological surgery is undertaken at both MDH offer a physiotherapy outpatient sites. Referrals for both sites are received service. A referral from your doctor is and processed at the clinic at Murwillumbah. required. Phone: (02) 6672 0294. The MDH clinic is open two mornings Referral assessed for clinical priority. per week. After a referral is received, the patient is contacted with an appointment Rehabilitation Clinics time according to clinical need. For further General rehabilitation clinics are provided information, telephone: (02) 6672 0238. twice a week (Mondays and Wednesdays) Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and are run by a rehabilitation staff specialist. Clinic Patients are referred from the inpatient ward or a general practitioner. Therapy is provided This is a multidisciplinary clinic run every by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, three months in the rehabilitation outpatient speech pathologist and social worker. department. Patients who suffer from Assisted transport may be available MND are referred to this clinic, usually by their GP. The aim of this clinic is to provide these patients with therapy, equipment and Privacy & Confidentiality support to maintain their independence NSW Health is committed to safeguarding and quality of life, as well as to allow them the privacy of patient information and has to stay at home for as long as possible. The implemented measures to comply with its MND team consist of a rehabilitation staff obligations under the Health Records and specialist, MND advisor, palliative care CNS, Information Privacy Act 2002. Our doctors, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, nurses and other staff are bound by law, by speech pathologist and social worker. NSW Health Privacy Policy and by a strict code of conduct to maintain confidentiality Paediatric Clinic of patient information. There are two paediatric clinics a week (on Collection Tuesdays and Thursdays) with a paediatrician and paediatric registrar onsite. Referrals are • We collect your personal information so accepted from GPs (12 months) and specialist that we can provide you with treatment to specialist (3 months). and advice.

A referral from the Emergency Department • Test results and further information will be accepted with initial appointment, collected while you are being treated are however, a GP referral will be required for kept with your medical record. further clinic appointments. To make an • We only collect information that is appointment for the paediatric clinic, please relevant and necessary for your treatment call (07) 5506 7212. and to manage the health service.

10 ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT A RECENT CHANGE IN YOUR CONDITION OR THAT OF YOUR LOVED ONE?

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT A RECENT CHANGE IN Y OUR CONDITIORN O.R ETHA.T OAF YO.UCR LO.VHED O NE? ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT A RECENT CHANGE IN YOUR CONDITION OR THAT OF YOUR LOVED ONE? R.EHav.eA you. RCECO.GHNISE D s omething RECOGNISE R.cEonc.eArnin.gC abo.uHt yo u or your loved Have oyonue ’RsE hCeOaGlthN IcSoEnDd istoiomne?t hing RECOGNISE coHnacve rynoiun RgE aCbOoGuNt IySoEuD o sro ymoeuthri nlogv ed RECOGNISE Pleacsoen cEeoNrnGneiAn’sgG ahEbe aoanuldt hy d ociuso conurd syisot iuyoron luo?rv ecdo ncerns ENGAGE ownieth’s yhoeuarlt thr ecaontidnigti onnu?r se. Please ENGAGE and discuss your concerns Please ENGAGE and discuss your concerns with your treating nurse. ENGAGEENGAGE with your treating nurse. All staff will listen to your concerns. CALLING a Clinical Revie w will mean a Senior Nurse will CT aAslslA eslstl asft fay fwof uwilrli l llci lsiostetnendn i tttooio ynoo uuarrn c cdoo nencseccrenarsln.a sCt.eA C LwALiILtNhLG Iy Nao Gu ra A CliCnilicnaicl aRl eRveive ieww w wiillll meaann a a S Seneinoiro Nr uNrsuer sweil lw ill treating Medi cal Team if required. ACT assaessess yso yuoru rc coonnddiittiion aanndd e escsaclaaltae twei twh iythou yro ur ACT treating Medical Team if required. treating Medical Team if required. If you feel your concerns are not addressed in an appIrf oyopur fieaetel y toiumr ecfornacmeren,s AarCeT n-o at asdkd yreosusre dtr iena atni ng nIuf ryasopeup tfroeoe pinrl iyaitotieau triem c eaof nrCaclmeinerin,c AsaC alT rR-e ae nsvkoi ety owaud.r d treastsinegd in an Call nurse to initiate a Clinical Review. Call appropriate timeframe, ACT- ask your treating all nurse to initiate a Clinical Review. C If yoIf uyor ucro cnocnceerrnnss arree n noot at daddrdesrseesds ien da in a rearseoasnoanbalbele t itmimee, prreessss th teh EeM EEMREGRENGCEYN CY If ybouuttro cno fonrc HeErnLPs oarr cea nllo 0t4 a3d8 d2r6e2s 7s6e7d. A in a HELP bruetaRtsoaopnni dfao Rbre lHesp EtoimLnsPee ,o rperr vceieaswlsl a0thn4de3 uE8rM g2eE6nR2t m G7eE6dN7ic.C aAYl ELP Rapid Response review and urgent medical H buattsosens fsomr eHnEt wLiPll ocrc cuar.l l 0438 262 767. A HELP aRsaspeisds Rmeesnpto wnislle o rcecvuierw. and urgent medical assessment will occur. R.E.A.C.H out to us if you are worried. R.E.A.C.H out to us if you are worried. R.E.A.C.H out to us if you are worried. Together we make a great team!

Together0438 we make262 a great 767 team! Together we make a great team! 04380438 262262 767 PATIENT INFORMATION

• We will take all reasonable steps to ensure • Access to your personal information may the information we collect about you is be declined in special circumstances, such stored securely. as where giving access would put you or another person at risk of harm. • We are required by law to retain medical records for certain periods of time, • If you believe the information we hold depending on the type of record and the about you is incorrect and an error has facility. been made, please inform the service in writing and we will review the • We have appropriate systems and policies information. in place to protect your information from loss, unauthorised access and misuse. • If we believe the information is correct, Any computer system we use where you may request for your view to be your health information may be stored, is noted on the record. secure. • Requests for access to your medical • If you do not wish for us to collect certain record, or to submit an addendum, are information about you, you need to to be addressed to the MDH Clinical tell us and we will discuss with you any Information Department. consequences this may have for your All personal health information collected health care. whilst you are attending the hospital is kept Use & Disclosure confidential unless the law or other ethical considerations require such information to be We will use or disclose your information for given to some person or authority. purposes directly related to your treatment, A copy of the Privacy Leaflet for Patients and in ways that you would reasonably and Clients is available upon your request. expect for your ongoing care. This may If you would like to read the requirements include the transfer of relevant information for safeguarding the privacy of your health to your nominated doctor, to the ambulance information, access the Information and service, to another treating health service Privacy Commission internet website: www. or hospital, to a specialist for a referral, for ipc.nsw.gov.au pathology tests, x-rays and so on. Admission Information Access to Your Information All necessary information regarding your • You are entitled to request access to all admission will have already been provided to personal information, including your you by the booking office and pre-admissions medical record held by health service clinic, either by phone interview or at your providers in NSW. appointment at the pre-admission clinic. • You will be asked to apply for access in The information you provided on the writing and provide identification. recommendation for admission form will • You may be charged a fee if you request assist hospital staff to prepare you for your copies of your personal information or stay in hospital. medical record.

12 PATIENT INFORMATION

Meals An inpatient election information sheet for Medicare-eligible, or other eligible patient The Food Services Department operates categories, will be provided to you and between the hours of 6.00am and 7.30pm, will assist you to elect your patient type seven days a week. during your stay. If you have private health We are now offering a wider range of tasty insurance, the PLO will discuss with you and nutritious meals and more personalised the benefits of using your private health service. Most patients will receive a pictorial insurance during your stay. Any relevant menu and will be able to choose from at forms that are required to be completed and least 12 hot meals at lunch and dinner, along signed by you will also be provided. with soups and desserts or freshly made salads and sandwiches. Staff with mobile Visiting Hours devices will take orders just hours before Visitors are welcome and recommended. meal time, so that patients can select the Whilst we do not have set visiting hours, meal that best suits their immediate feelings generally we request public limit their visits of hunger and wellness. Patients who require between 10.00am and 8.00pm. support at meal times will be recognised and Visiting outside of these hours based on provided with assistance. compassionate grounds is possible with A dietitian is available for advice on special consultation and approval by the Nurse Unit dietary needs. Patients on special therapeutic Manager. diets will be provided with meals that meet their requirements, as recommended by their Valuables health professionals (e.g. speech pathologist, We strongly recommend that you do not dietitian or medical officer). bring valuables with you on your admission Meal times are: to hospital. Breakfast: 8.00am The hospital is unable to accept liability for, Morning Tea: 10.00am damage to, or loss or theft of your personal Lunch: 12.00pm property. Afternoon Tea: 1.30pm Valuable items include: cash, cheques, transaction cards, pension cards, jewellery, Dinner: 4.45pm keys, electronic and communication devices, Supper: 6.40pm or any personal property that is considered Patient Liaison Officer personally valuable to you. If it is absolutely necessary for you to keep The Patient Liaison Officer (PLO) will visit you valuables at the hospital, there is a process to during your stay in hospital. The PLO will follow to have them stored securely. Please check that your admission details are correct discuss and arrange safekeeping of valuables and organise any changes if necessary. with the nursing staff. Any changes will be recorded into the patient Please note: items such as spectacles, walking administration system and will be passed on aids, false teeth, etc. need to be clearly to the nursing staff on your ward. labelled with your name. 13 PATIENT INFORMATION

General Information Coffee Shop

Accommodation for Relatives The hospital coffee shop was established in 2008 and the deck was built by members of There is no onsite accommodation available the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah Central. for relatives. Motel accommodation is The hospital coffee shop operates weekdays available at your cost in Murwillumbah. between 9.00am and 3.00pm (excluding public holidays) and offers a wide range of Alcohol & Drugs delicious, home cooked food for visitors, Hospital policy prohibits alcohol and staff and patients to enjoy on the outdoor unauthorized drugs in the hospital or on the deck. All proceeds from the shop, which is grounds. operated entirely by volunteers, go towards the purchase of equipment for the MDH. Baby Change Area Consent There is a baby changing facility located in the female public toilet on the ground floor, MDH is obliged by law to obtain the written near main reception. There is another baby consent of anyone who is to have an changing facility located on the second invasive procedure, such as an operation. No floor, in the toilets outside the Outpatient procedure can be performed on a patient Department, which is available for men and without the valid, informed consent of the women. To access this, please take the lift in patient or person responsible (who must be the main foyer. competent to give consent on the patient’s behalf). Consent is obtained by medical staff Breast feeding is welcome anywhere in MDH. who must ensure that legal requirements are met. Chaplaincy Service If you do not fully understand the nature of If you would like a visit from your minister, your operation or illness, ask to speak to your priest or rabbi, please speak to the nurse in doctor to receive information on the likely charge of your ward to arrange. cause of your illness, the expected treatment Clothing and risks.

A bedside locker is provided for patient’s Consumer Participation personal clothing and other items. Please do MDH encourages a stronger, more active role not bring any valuables or large amounts of for patients, consumers, carers and families money to hospital with you. Whilst all care is at all levels of the health system. provided, no responsibility will be taken for loss or damage to personal items. Importantly, we strongly encourage patients to partner in their own care and share in the decision making process, and the provision of feedback regarding the care and services delivered.

14 PATIENT INFORMATION

The general public can also actively 1.  Use your call bell and ring if you require participate in planning, design, delivery, assistance, and please wait for staff. measuring and evaluation of systems and 2.  Sit down to shower, and use the grab services by choosing to sit on our Consumer rails. Advisory Committee (CAG). 3.  Familiarize yourself with your room, If you are interested and wish to be involved surrounds and bathroom. on the CAG, please write to the Executive Officer/Director of Nursing. 4.  ake your time when getting up from a seated or lying position. Discharge Planner 5.  Use your walking aid.

The discharge planner is part of the allied 6.  Wear safe footwear (e.g. non-slip shoes). health team, which assists patients and their Do not walk in socks or surgical stockings. families with complex discharge needs. 7.  Wear your glasses. The discharge planner can advise and assist 8.  At night, use the light on your call button with referrals to outpatient appointments, before getting out of bed. home support services and negotiating with care providers. For further information, visit:

Donations http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/keep- patients-safe/Falls-prevention/for-patients- Donations may be made to MDH for specific carers-and-families items of equipment or to general funds. They may also be left in the form of a bequest. Gifts of Food, Drinks & Sweets All donations of two dollars or more are Family, friends, carers and visitors are asked tax deductible. No matter how small the to consult with a registered nurse in the ward donation, they are always welcome and before giving patients any items of food or appreciated. drink. Please contact the Nursing Unit Manager, Deputy Director of Nursing or EO/DON Hospital Auxiliary regarding donations of specific equipment. The Hospital Auxiliary was established in Equipment Loan 1926 and provides an essential service to MDH. The hospital has a small pool of equipment The Auxiliary’s aim is to raise funds towards that is available to patients for short-term the care and benefit of the patients and loan after discharge from hospital. A deposit towards the improvement of patient facilities is required for equipment. within the hospital. Donations are welcome Falls Prevention and can be made directly to the Auxiliary. New volunteers are always welcome. There are many things that you can do while in hospital to minimise your risk of falling whist in hospital.

15 PATIENT INFORMATION

Infection Prevention & Control Media Contact

Controlling the spread of infection is very Under NSW Ministry of Health regulations, important. Hand hygiene, either by washing any arrangement made with a journalist at a sink for at least 15 seconds, or using wishing to speak with, interview, or the alcohol-based hand rub, is the single photograph a patient in a public hospital, most important process in reducing hospital must be referred in advance to the Northern acquired infections. NSW Local Health District Media Office on (02) 6620 2141. Patients and visitors can assist in keeping this hospital safe by attending to hand hygiene The privacy and wishes of our patients are regularly, particularly on arrival and leaving. paramount. It is important that media not Our hands may look clean, but germs are impinge on patient’s or staff rights, and not invisible to the eye, so attend to hand affect the hospital’s provision of clinical care. hygiene regularly. Alcohol rubs are provided across the hospital and all patients and Medications visitors are encouraged to use them. The hospital is responsible for providing all of If you are in doubt, ask the staff member your medications during your hospitalisation. attending to your care if they have attended It is recommended that you bring a current to hand hygiene. list of medicines that you are taking to We also ask all patients and visitors to hospital with you. observe coughing and sneezing etiquette Please hand all medications to the staff upon to cover their nose/mouth with a tissue, or admission for safe keeping. coughing and sneezing into their elbow. We will aim to send all your ‘own’ If spitting is necessary, please spit into a medications home with a person nominated tissue and dispose of the tissue in the nearest by you once admitted. While in hospital, it is rubbish bin, then attend to hand hygiene. important that you only take those medicines that are prescribed and given to you by nursing staff.

Needle & Syringe Disposal & Acquisition

A vending machine dispensing needles and syringes and a disposal unit is located outside on the wall facing the hospital car park (charges apply).

Newspapers

Newspapers are available for purchase from reception located on the ground floor.

16 parents with prams and disabled parking

PATIENT INFORMATION

Parking NNSW Local Health District holds contracts with the (ACHS) for their facilities to undergo There is limited parking available within accreditation against the eight (8) National hospital grounds. Entry to the car park is via Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) the Ewing Street there are allocated short- Standards on a regular basis, as nominated term drop off and pick up, parents with by the council. prams and disabled parking spaces located at the rear of the hospital. The NSQHS standards aim to: • Protect the public from harm. Patient Flow • Improve the quality of health service The MDH, TTH and BCH work collaboratively provision. and, at times, patients are transferred from • Provide a quality assurance mechanism one hospital to another based on clinical that tests whether relevant systems are in need and bed availability. Should you need to place. be transferred, this will be discussed with you at the time. • Ensure that minimum standards of safety and quality are met. Personal Laundry • Provide a quality improvement mechanism This should be arranged with your family, that allows health services to realise friends or carer. For patients who are unable aspirational or developmental goals. to make these arrangements, please inform The eight NSQHS standards are: the staff and alternative arrangements may be made. 1.  Clinical governance for safety and quality in health service organisations,

Pink Ladies 2.  Partnering with consumers,

The Pink Ladies is a volunteer service and 3.  Preventing and controlling healthcare- was established at MDH over 30 years ago. associated infections, Pink Ladies are present on the wards on 4. Medication safety, weekdays (excluding public holidays) and provide a volunteer service to the patients 5.  Comprehensive care, on the wards. The Pink Ladies can assist by 6.  Communicating for safety, finding you reading materials, talking to you, arranging your flowers and assisting at meal 7.  Blood management, and times, amongst many other jobs. 8.  Recognising and responding to acute deterioration Quality & Safety For further information about quality MDH strives to continually maintain and and safety, please refer to the Australian improve the performance, quality and safety Commission on Safety and Quality in Health of health care services to consumers, and is Care website link: currently accredited by the Australian Council https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/ on Healthcare Standards. standards/nsqhs-standards

17 PATIENT INFORMATION

Security UCRH provides on-site teaching for medical students from The University of Wollongong, The hospital’s security officers often perform Bond University, The University of Sydney a security walk around the hospital’s exterior and The University of Western Sydney. Senior and interior. The front entrance to the medical students from The University of hospital is locked at 8.00pm and is opened at Wollongong spend a year on rural placement 6.00am each morning. and Bond, Sydney and Western Sydney University students spend short periods of Smoking time in the wards, outpatient clinics and in Smoking is prohibited in hospital general practices. buildings and on hospital grounds. Teaching includes tutorials, lectures, All health service facilities are smoke- video conferences, clinical workshops free environments in accordance with and simulation scenarios in our excellent NSW Ministry of Health policy. Nicotine Education Centre, where we have a Clinical replacement therapy is available for Unit for Skills & Simulation (CUSS) and inpatients. control room, lecture theatre, computer Teaching Facilities & Students room, library, education room and breakout rooms. MDH is proud to be affiliated with UCRH, The aim is to give students an excellent which has a modern teaching facility located placement experience, to support them well within the grounds. during placement, to introduce them to the MDH and University Centre for Rural Health beautiful Tweed Valley and our community (UCRH) host students from 15 universities and to encourage them to return as local and various disciplines for clinical placement. workforce when they graduate or post- These include medical, general nursing, internship. The program is showing good midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational return rates. therapy, speech pathology, pharmacy, dietetics, social work and radiography. Telephones

We are also proud to support the local high Please restrict general calls to the hospital schools in placing work experience students. to speak with patients from 10.00am, if Students attend inpatient, outpatient and possible, to enable staff to attend to morning community placements. You may have the patient care and doctors’ rounds. pleasure of meeting some of our enthusiastic There is a direct-dial telephone for a taxi students during your stay. service provided in the main reception area The UCRH provides coordination of on the ground floor. Please speak to the placements, student orientation and general Ward Clerk or Nurse in Charge if you need to support during placements and this includes make an urgent phone call. extracurricular activities (multi-disciplinary To minimise disruption to our hardworking education and social). staff, please nominate one family member as the primary contact for your visit and provide updates to other family members if needed.

18 PATIENT INFORMATION

Toilets Questions, Feedback, For health reasons, visitors are not to use the Comments, Suggestions & patient toilets (including ensuites). Complaints Visitors’ toilets are located on ground floor In order to further improve our services and near Reception. care delivery, it is very important that we hear from you. Hospital Website There are a number of ways in which you Information about services at MDH can be can convey your views, make suggestions or located on the Northern NSW local health express concerns, including: district website by accessing the following • Speaking directly to the staff. link: • Completing a consumer feedback form. http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au • Writing a letter. Work Health & Safety (WHS) • Speaking with one of the following if you WHS is of ultimate importance to this have concerns or complaints about your hospital. Maintaining a safe work treatment, care or hospital stay: environment requires everyone’s continuous - The Nurse Unit Manager, cooperation. - The Nurse Manager, Whether you are a patient, visitor, or staff member, we are all individually responsible to - Deputy Director of Nursing, and/or protect our own health and safety, and the - The Executive Officer/Director of health and safety of others. Nursing.

- Writing a complaint and forwarding it to the Complaints Manager, the Northern NSW Local Health District or the Health Care Complaints Commission. https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/

The staff at MDH are keen to ensure your needs are met and you are satisfied with our care. We would appreciate it if you let us know of any concern at the time, so we can assist you as soon as possible.

19 PATIENT INFORMATION

Discharge from Hospital Hospital Fees & Health If you have been provided with a scheduled Insurance date for admission, you can begin planning for your discharge before coming into Choosing Between Public & Private Health Care hospital.

Arrangement of transport, assistance at According to the existing Medicare home, and modifications to the home and arrangements, every Australian resident respite are just some of the things you can (except those who are receiving treatment start to arrange ahead of time. in an insurance matter) has the right to elect to be treated as either a chargeable (private) If you foresee problems at home during or or non-chargeable (public) patient. It is very after your hospital stay, you should discuss important that you tell the admissions staff these with your doctor or nursing staff. whether you choose to be admitted as a There are programs available to you on private or public patient. discharge that will assist and support your Patient Liaison Officers are available to transition back to the community and reduce discuss the benefits of each option and help the risk of you returning to hospital. you to choose the one that suits you best. For example, transitional aged care services, Did you know that using your private health community nursing, age-related care services, insurance whilst staying as an inpatient at and community packages. Murwillumbah District Hospital assists the Transport hospital in maintaining a high level of quality care to the community at no additional cost Where possible, you should arrange your to you? own transport home. If this is not possible, We waive your fund excess; meaning you inform the nursing staff, who will assist you will not have to pay your excess if you are with alternative arrangements at your cost. admitted as a private patient. If you are transferring to another hospital or health facility, transport arrangements will be The Patient Liaison Officer will simplify the made by the ward staff and your family/carer process by providing you with any relevant will be informed. forms that require your signature.

If you are having day surgery, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your operation. (This is a requirement by law after anaesthetics). If you require assistance arranging transport home after day surgery, speak to the pre-admissions staff.

20 PATIENT INFORMATION

Being Admitted as a Private How the hospital benefits: Patient • It is our aim to provide all patients with If you are a potential private patient, the the highest possible standard of care. To Patient Liaison Officer visits the ward daily do this we need to constantly update our and will discuss this issue with you and seek equipment and keep staff well trained. your consent to be admitted as a private • The hospital receives funds when patients patient. MDH has electronic access to most elect to use their private health insurance. health funds for the purpose of eligibility • The fees received from privately insured checks and is able to provide a printed patients provide additional funds for copy of your entitlements. Any excess fee is MDH. waived by MDH and there is no gap to pay. • This assists us to continually improve our As a private patient, you can enjoy the services to you. following benefits:

• You may choose to be treated by the Long Stay Patients doctor(s) of your choice, which includes When you are a patient in this or any other the Doctor on Call, provided your chosen hospital (public or private) for longer than doctor holds private practice rights with 35 days (without a break of more than seven this hospital. Your chosen doctor may call days), then a determination must be made other doctors into consultation to assist by your doctor as to whether you still require with your care. acute treatment. If your doctor decides that • Waiver of any excess fees. you do not require acute care, then you may • Where a private single room is available, be classified as a ‘nursing home type’ patient. this may be offered to you. An accommodation charge will apply if you • Post-discharge care will usually be carried are changed to a nursing home type patient. out by your chosen doctor in his/her These charges are referred to as your patient private rooms. contribution, and are not claimable through health insurance or veterans affairs. For more • A simple billing process. Our staff will information, please ask to speak to the Nurse submit a claim form for you, which Unit Manager. will need to be signed by you prior to submission to your health fund.

• Private health fund checks to ensure you are fully covered for your admission to hospital, and no gaps to pay.

21 PATIENT INFORMATION

Supporting Services For further information about all community and allied health services and centre locations Community & Allied Health within the Northern NSW Local Health Services District, visit our website by accessing the following link: Community & Allied Health provides a wide range of accessible health care services to http://nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/about/ people of all ages. The services at Community community-health/ Health link in with some of the allied health Aboriginal Health Unit services at the hospital.

For example, you may have received Aboriginal Health is responsible for ensuring treatment from a speech pathologist whilst the delivery of culturally appropriate medical you were an inpatient in hospital. If you need services and health education and promotion to continue this treatment after discharge, programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait you have the option of being referred to Islander people throughout the Northern community health services. NSW Local Health District area.

Your nurse or your doctor may refer you to Aboriginal Health delivers a variety of health a community or allied health service to assist promotion activities and health education with your ongoing care after discharge. as well as supporting Aboriginal and Torres Below is a list of some of the services that Strait Islander people with identification and maybe available. For more information about management of chronic diseases. Included these services and how to access them, within Aboriginal Health is the Aboriginal please talk to your nursing staff. Family Health Program that has strategies that focus on responding to family violence • Child and family health in Aboriginal Communities throughout • Community nursing/palliative care nursing NNSW LHD. Aboriginal Health also partners • Diabetes education with government and non-government organisations to support the delivery • Dietetics of culturally effective health, social and • Occupational therapy emotional wellbeing programs.

• Social worker Our Aboriginal Health Liaison officer for • Speech pathology Murwillumbah District Hospital is Ragina • Women’s health Rogers. If you Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, please ask your nurse to • Hospital in the home contact Ragina on your behalf.

22 PATIENT INFORMATION

Aged Care Assessment Team Hospital in the Home (HITH) (ACAT) Hospital in the Home (HITH) is clinical care The ACAT provides assessment, information, that reduces the length of stay in hospital or, advice and assistance to frail older people in some instances, can avoid an admission who want to remain at home with support, altogether. A range of clinical conditions can or who are considering living in an aged care be effectively and safely managed without a facility. People who are not aged are eligible person needing to stay in hospital. There is for aged care services in some circumstances. evidence that certain conditions can be well managed through this type of care, including: The Aged Care Assessment Team comprehensively assesses frail-aged people, • Cellulitis taking into account the restorative, physical, • Pneumonia medical, psychological, cultural and social dimensions of their care needs and their • Deep vein thrombosis eligibility for Commonwealth subsidised aged • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care (for example, residential care, residential (copd) respite care, home care packages and • Urinary tract infections transitional care). The care received through a Hospital in the Assessments are conducted in accordance Home service is comparable with the care with the Aged Care Act, the principles, and received in a hospital. Some of the benefits the Aged Care Assessment Program (ACAP) for patients include: guidelines. • The ability to remain in the comfort of Men’s Health Services your own home.

These services are available through the • Not having to adjust to the hospital’s Tweed Hospital via referral from your local routine. You can eat your own food, general practitioner. watch TV when you want and sleep in your own bed.

• Reduced risk of adverse events from hospital admission.

• Family and friends can visit when it suits the patient rather than the hospital routine.

23 PATIENT INFORMATION

Location Map – Murwillumbah Hospital, Medical Centres & Pharmacies

Medical Centres – Murwillumbah

Map Ref. 1 Queen Street Medical Centre, 12 Queen Street, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 1244 Surgery Hours: Mon–Fri: 8.30am–5pm, Sat: Open from 8.30am (Emergencies only)

Map Ref. 2 Main Street Medical Centre, 140 Main Street, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 1200 Surgery Hours: Mon–Fri: 8.00am–5.00, Sat: 8.30am–11am

Map Ref. 3 Wollumbin Street Medical Centre, 36 Wollumbin Street, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 1488 Surgery Hours: Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm

Map Ref. 4 King Street Medical Centre, 14 King Street, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 4244 Surgery Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm, Sat: 8am–11am

24 PATIENT INFORMATION

Chemists – Murwillumbah

Map Ref. A Priceline Pharmacy Murwillumbah, 72 Main Street, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 1038 Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–5.30pm, Sat: 8.30am–12noon, Sun: 9am–12noon Services: Blood pressure checks, NDSS diabetic supplies.

Map Ref. B Varela and Swift Pharmacy, 80 Main Street, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 2388 Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm, Sat: 8.30am–12noon Services: Blood pressure and glucose checks and medication checks, NDSS diabetic supplies.

Map Ref. C Murwillumbah Pharmacy, 108 Main Street, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 1733 Hours: Mon–Fri: 8.30am–5pm, Sat: 8.30am–12noon. Sun and public holidays closed Services: Blood pressure checks, weight loss clinic, NDSS diabetic supplies.

Map Ref. D Soul Pattinson Chemist, Shop 14, Sunnyside Shopping Centre, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 3323 Hours: Mon–Fri: 8.30am–6pm, Sat: 8.30am–3pm, Sun: 9.30am–1.30pm Services: Naturopath services, NDSS diabetic supplies, medication checks and review, blood pressure checks, Webster and sachet packing.

Map Ref. E Greg Mapp & Paul Hession Pharmacy, 14 King Street, Murwillumbah, 2484 Tel: (02) 6672 1394 Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am-5.30pm, Sat: 8.30am–12noon Services: Hire and sale of surgical aids, crutches, wheelie walkers and wheelchairs; natural therapies and herbal dispensary, NDSS diabetic supplies.

25 PATIENT INFORMATION

Local Community Services for Your Information

The following pages contain information on a curated range of local community services chosen to help you and your visitors during and after your stay.

Though a service’s feature in the publication doesn’t imply an endorsement on behalf of the hospital, we want to thank these service providers for their support, without which this publication would not be possible.

Please take the time to look through their services and consider their usefulness to you.

26 The Murwillumbah Meals on Wheels Service provides nutritious meals, soups and desserts via a home delivery or a pick up service.

The target group for this service includes people of all ages who are at risk of poor nutrition due to an inability to cook, shop or prepare adequate meals regularly. This may lead to hospitalisations or early entrance into care. Residents of Murwillumbah and surrounding villages and rural areas are welcome to access our service.

A social program helps to keep people connected by volunteers helping with outings, trips to appointments, shopping and includes some refreshments while out. A small fee applies.

*Pictures not necessarily actual meals supplied

To discuss menu and delivery options and further information, please phone 02 6672 8866 or email [email protected] Tweed Community Services

Tweed Community Services provides programs to support eligible Tweed Shire residents to live independently and safely in the community and in their own home.

Our programs include: • My Aged Care support − helping older Australians access information on services and support available, assessing eligibility for support, and providing referral and support for access to service providers to meet specific needs. • Commonwealth Home Support Program − providing older Australians with entry-level support to help them maintain independence and wellbeing in their own homes and communities for longer. • Brett Street Café Meals to Go − offering • National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) convenient, fresh, ready-to-heat meals at Support Coordination − providing support affordable or subsidised costs to anyone who for those with NDIS plans to understand their needs them. plan and connect with both formal and informal supports to get the most out of their NDIS plan. • Social Groups and Activities − providing opportunities for older community members to socialise, connect and get involved in the community. We understand and work with people to help them find the right solutions and support services to participate fully in life and in the community. Our friendly team has more than 25 years’ experience and can help with advice on accessing different services.

For more details on any of our services contact: Tweed Community Services (07) 5569 3110 www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/communityoptions [email protected]

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With a wide range of garden and lawn sites suitable for family or individual memorials, Did you know? Tweed Valley Cemetery can provide for There is much to consider when it comes to burials, cremations and ash interments in a funerals. Early planning can help ease the caring and respectful manner. strain and ensure your family understands your The cemetery also offers a naturally wishes. Here are some of the things you’ll need beautiful and unique outdoor option to to think about: celebrate the life of a loved one, overlooking • For a burial, you’ll need a plot and a coffin the duck pond and picturesque gardens. (The coffin can be made from a number of Services and wakes can be held onsite in different materials - cardboard is fine) the historic non-denominational chapel. • For a cremation, you’ll also need a coffin Beautiful options are also available for (again cardboard is also fine) burials and interment at the Tweed Heads • The lowest cost farewell is a direct Lawn Cemetery and General Cemetery delivery cremation (no service, no and the Murwillumbah Lawn and General attendance) Cemetery. • There’s nothing stopping you having a ‘live wake’ – a party to celebrate your life while you’re still here to enjoy it – or having your friends and family celebrate your life in whatever way is meaningful to them • You may wish to get a funeral director or celebrant to help with arranging the funeral • Think about an environmentally friendly coffin or ashes container • Optional extras include a church or chapel ceremony, catering, service booklets, flowers, newspaper notice etc • You can also bring your loved one home for up to five days, without embalming in most cases. The body is kept on a refrigeration plate.

Ask a funeral director or call us on (02) 6670 2400 or visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/cemeteries A beautiful GET THE QUALITY SLEEP YOU DESERVE WITH THE way to remember HELP OF MEDISLEEP The Tweed Valley Cemetery at Eviron offers a range of services and arrangements in a beautiful and peaceful location.

With a wide range of garden and lawn sites suitable for family or individual memorials, Did you know? Tweed Valley Cemetery can provide for There is much to consider when it comes to burials, cremations and ash interments in a funerals. Early planning can help ease the caring and respectful manner. strain and ensure your family understands your The cemetery also offers a naturally wishes. Here are some of the things you’ll need beautiful and unique outdoor option to to think about: celebrate the life of a loved one, overlooking • For a burial, you’ll need a plot and a coffin the duck pond and picturesque gardens. (The coffin can be made from a number of Services and wakes can be held onsite in different materials - cardboard is fine) the historic non-denominational chapel. • For a cremation, you’ll also need a coffin Beautiful options are also available for (again cardboard is also fine) burials and interment at the Tweed Heads • The lowest cost farewell is a direct Lawn Cemetery and General Cemetery delivery cremation (no service, no and the Murwillumbah Lawn and General attendance) Cemetery. • There’s nothing stopping you having a ‘live wake’ – a party to celebrate your life while you’re still here to enjoy it – or having your DOES YOUR SNORING KEEP YOU OR friends and family celebrate your life in YOUR PARTNER UP AT NIGHT? whatever way is meaningful to them • You may wish to get a funeral director DO YOU WAKE UP FEELING LIKE YOU’VE or celebrant to help with arranging the HAD NO SLEEP AT ALL? funeral • Think about an environmentally friendly WE OFFER BULK BILLED SLEEP STUDIES, coffin or ashes container DISORDER DIAGNOSIS, CUSTOM • Optional extras include a church or chapel ceremony, catering, service booklets, TREATMENT PLANS AND EQUIPMENT. flowers, newspaper notice etc • You can also bring your loved one home Medisleep can help. for up to five days, without embalming For more information please scan the QR code. in most cases. The body is kept on a refrigeration plate.

Ask a funeral director or call us on 8/70 River Street (02) 6670 2400 or visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/cemeteries Ballina NSW 2478 (02) 6686 2403 [email protected] Tweed Regional Aquatic Centres Are you recovering from an operation or do you need rehabilitation from injury or illness?

Hydrotherapy is a proven, low-impact form of rehabilitation that is also used to treat many illnesses and conditions. Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre (TRAC) Hydrotherapy is basically ‘water therapy’ in which Hydrotherapy is ideal for people recovering from Murwillumbah has the only public purpose-built buoyancy, resistance and the warmth of the water muscle and joint pain or injury. It can be perfect for hydrotherapy pool on the Far North Coast. are all used in a positive way to maximise the the early steps of a rehabilitation program. physical and mental benefits to participants. The TRAC complex in Murwillumbah hosts structured hydrotherapy sessions and the Exercise programs in an aquatic environment can hydrotherapy pool is open for general public provide unique and rapid benefits, to take you to a use at other times. higher level of fitness and mobility sooner.

More information For more information, visit the TRAC website at trac.tweed.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6670 2750. You’ll feel so at home with McKenzie Aged Care.

“We create communities with heart” said Kim Hunt, General Manger Client Relations at McKenzie Aged Care Group. This is why McKenzie communities, like Raffles in Tweed Heads and Heritage Lodge in Murwillumbah, feel so warm and welcoming. “Everything from the comfortable suites and stunning surrounds to the caring staff and family- friendly policy. If you love having family call in for afternoon tea, it will be just the same when you’re living here,” added Kim. “We also offer a range of special extras. This could include having fresh flowers or the daily paper delivered, regular hairdressing, a massage, along with a special class or outing. Each community has put together its own range of special treats and it’s just a case of asking what’s on offer,” Kim said. As an Australian family-owned aged care group, McKenzie creates communities where their own loved ones would be happy and they’d like living themselves. With the addition of beautiful couples suites at Heritage Lodge, you can go on sharing a home with the one you love or as a single, have more room for those special touches.

Murwillumbah Pathology Collection Centre Murwillumbah District Hospital Ewing Street, Murwillumbah Open: 7.30am-3.00pm (Monday to Friday) Closed Saturday Phone 6672 0263 We offer bulk billing services All pathology request forms accepted Other Local Collection Centres • Ballina • Byron Bay • Casino • Grafton • Lismore • Maclean • Tweed Heads

Please phone: 6620 2900 or visit: www.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au Your local public pathology provider Creating Aged Care Communities With Heart

At McKenzie we know how much it matters that you feel comfortable, can enjoy your own space and have your treasured belongings around you. Also that you receive all the care you need. As an Australian, family-owned aged care group, McKenzie creates environments that really feel like home. With a range of permanent and respite options, there’s plenty of choice for you and your loved one.