Support Services (Allied Health)

Medical

Patients can sometimes be confused when coming to hospital because they are seen by numerous doctors and other members of staff.

The following is a guide to our committed team:

You are admitted under the care of a specialist.

He/she is responsible for supervising your treatment, which is carried out on a day to day basis by a Registrar, a Resident Medical Officer or an Intern.  If you wish some free time outside of ward rounds to talk with one of your doctors, please ask the nurse in your ward/unit to arrange this. The Registrars and Residents will set time aside for extra discussions but they need to know that patients and families desire this.

A relative, friend or carer can speak with medical staff, with your permission.  This can be arranged with the nurse in your ward/unit who will make a time with the medical staff to discuss your care.

Nursing

Your care is given by registered and/or enrolled nurses.  They report to the Nursing Unit Manager who is in charge of your ward.  A Clinical Nurse Consultant may also be involved in your care.  Student nurses are generally accompanied by an Educator.  Calvary Mater Newcastle occasionally uses agency nurses when our own staff are unavailable.

Nutrition and Dietetics

 A clinical nutrition service is available for inpatients and oncology outpatients. Dietitians specialise in nutrition support and nutrition counselling. If you have a difficulty eating, any special dietary needs or are seeking nutrition information, please inform your doctor or nurse and a dietitian will see you as soon as possible.

Telephone -  492 11252

 

Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapist assists people of all ages who may be limited by physical or psychological factors or illness, to achieve their optimum independence. This includes all aspects of living such as self care, work, leisure and rest. Occupational Therapists have access to a variety of equipment and can educate patients and carers on management strategies.

Any member of our team can arrange referral to the Occupational Therapist.

Telephone: 4921 1250

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care personnel attempt to visit each patient during his/her time at the hospital to provide emotional and spiritual support.   Priority is given to those who are dying and those who are emotionally distressed or fragile.  They also provide support to families, friends, carers and staff.

For those patients whose tradition values Sacramental Care, Holy Communion, Anointing of the Sick, and Reconciliation are readily available.  Arrangements can be made through the Pastoral Care staff.

Please ask a member of staff to make contact with Pastoral Care.

Telephone: 4921 1711

Pharmacy

A pharmacist advises on selection of new drugs, dispenses your medication, is a medication specialist, monitors your drug therapy, provides drug information and is available to discuss any concerns regarding your medications.  Please ask your nurse to arrange this.

Telephone: 4921 1134

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a health profession which deals with the prevention, assessment and treatment of human movement problems.  Our mission is to assist people to solve problems of function to their satisfaction within the available resources.

The service is available to outpatients and inpatients with special services for Oncology and Palliative Care.
Your medical team arranges referral to the Physiotherapist.

Telephone: 4921 1205

Social Work

Social workers provide patients and their families/carers with free and confidential counselling support.  They provide assistance with social and emotional issues associated with a patient’s illness and assist clients to achieve the maximum benefit from health care services and community resources.

Nursing staff in your ward/unit will arrange for a social worker to speak with you at your request.

Telephone: 4921 1205

Speech Pathology

Speech Pathologists assess and manage patients with verbal communication and swallowing difficulties.  These types of problems may occur if someone has had a stroke or cancer-related illness, as well as in other conditions related to speech and swallowing.

Speech/communication referrals - any member of the multidisciplinary team can arrange referral to the Speech Pathologist.

Swallowing difficulty referrals – your medical team arranges referral to the Speech Pathologist.

Telephone: 4921 1162

Staff Identification

All members of staff are required to wear photographic identity badges including name, photograph and job title.  Do not hesitate to ask the identity of anyone not wearing a badge.  If a person without an identity badge approaches you, and you are concerned,  please alert a member of the nursing staff.  You are not required to receive non-staff persons whom you do not wish to see. Staff should be notified of troublesome visitors immediately.

Telephone: 4921 1631