What to bring
If you're staying overnight in hospital, you'll need to bring:
- your admission advice and completed admission form
- pyjamas or a night gown, dressing gown and non slip footwear
- toiletries
- a small amount of money for things like a taxi fare home or using a payphone
- your mobile phone and charger
- prescription medicines
- your x-rays
- your Medicare card, Pension card or Health Care Card
- the name and contact number for your next of kin
- your Workcover detail, if your illness or injury happened because of work
- any current advance health directive or enduring power of attorney.
If you're staying with a child, bring a favourite toy, nappies or any special items. Make sure you put a name label on anything you bring.
We have small lockers beside the beds if you need to use them. Please don't bring valuables or large amounts of money with you to hospital. We're not responsible for any lost items.
Checking into hospital
Visit the reception counter in the foyer of our hospitals for information on checking in. This includes checking in for surgical and medical appointments.
If it’s an emergency, go to the emergency department. Find out more about what to expect at our emergency departments.
If you're in labour, go to the birth suite (if there is one).
When you're admitted, you'll get an identification (ID) band to put on your wrist or ankle. This band helps us make sure you get the right medication, treatments and procedures. Make sure your details are correct. Wear it until you leave hospital.
Meals
We have a variety of meals that meet therapeutic, allergen and religious dietary requirements. Our dietetic assistants visit most inpatient wards daily to take menu choices.
Let us know if you have a food allergy, specific dietary requirements or need to speak with a dietitian.
Meal times
- Breakfast: 7 am to 8 am
- Lunch: 11 am to 12 pm
- Dinner: 5 pm to 6 pm
Medications
Please bring your own medication with you. You can bring vitamins, herbal supplements or prescriptions from your doctor.
You can also speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about your medications. They'll be happy to answer your questions.
When you leave hospital, we'll give you a list of your medications. Share this with your GP and other care providers.
No smoking, alcohol and drugs
Smoking isn't allowed in any of our hospitals and health centres.
You can't smoke on the premises, the grounds, or within 4 metres of their boundaries. This rule applies to all staff, patients, visitors, contractors and other people who enter our buildings, grounds or vehicles.
If you're a smoker, talk to your nurse about getting Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) like chewing gum or patches during your stay.
You can't use alcohol or illicit drugs at any of our hospitals or health centres. Don't bring them to hospital and ask your visitors not to bring them to the hospital.
Please let your visitors know that they can't smoke on the grounds of the hospital.
Support services
Counselling and spiritual care
We understand that illness, injury and time in hospital can be difficult for you and your family. We have social workers and multi-faith hospital chaplains who can help you during your treatment and recovery.
Interpreter services
We have interpreter services at all Queensland Health hospitals and health centres for people who are hearing impaired or have difficulty communicating in English.
You can get help at the hospital by:
- pointing to the interpreter symbol at the front desk
- pointing to the Auslan symbol at the reception desk.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support
We have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officers who can provide cultural support and advice to Indigenous patients, their families and carers.
Find out what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people support is available
Wi-Fi, TV and mobile phones
There is free Wi-Fi for patients, families and visitors. This is to help patients stay connected with family and friends.
Select the ‘QH-FreeWiFi’ network on your device.
Network name: QH-FreeWiFi
You don’t need a password.
Read the terms and conditions. Once you agree and accept, you’ll be connected.
You’ll need to re-accept the terms and conditions after 12 hours of continuous use, or if your device is inactive for more than 30 minutes.
For more information please read the Queensland Health Wi-Fi Internet Terms of Use that appear on your device when you connect to QH-FreeWiFi.
Due to network capacity, streaming websites for movies, radio, TV and other on-demand content, such as Netflix may not work.
Television
There may be TVs in some common rooms and specific wards, but not beside your bed.
Using your mobile phone and other devices
You can use your mobile phone in most parts of the hospital, including your room. We'll let you know if you can't use it.
You can also use other devices such as laptops and tablets. Make sure you bring your own chargers.