About Our Hospital
Calvary Mater Newcastle provides a number of services to help make your stay in hospital as comfortable as possible. To obtain a printable version of the following information, please download the following file:
For more information please follow the links below:
Accommodation
NBN Telethon Villa Units & McAuley Lodge
Calvary Mater Newcastle provides some accommodation facilities for patients undergoing treatment however, patients should be aware that due to high demand these facilities can often be booked out.
Patients traveling to the hospital for treatment should be aware that outpatient accommodation may not always be available, however our staff will endeavour to do their best to accommodate patients from outside of our region.
The McAuley Lodge, has now been completely refurbished to a high standard for our patients' comfort and care thanks to Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary, The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and the Gloucester Villa Units Trust Group. The facility was re-opened in October 2009 with a new modern makeover including, all new beds, furniture and amenities - this facility is a great home away from home for our patients and their carers.
Bed linen and towels are provided to each room, and our kitchen, bathrooms, lounge-room and laundry facilities are communal. Please note that rooms are not serviced during visits.
We ask that patients and families supply and prepare their own meals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not provided as part of your accommodation booking. Our staff can provide you with information about where local shopping centres are located.
The maximum number of adults permitted in one room is two (2) and we may be able to offer a fold-out bed for children.
On Site Food Facilities
A range of light snacks and meals are available at the new Cafe Delimarche located in the main foyer of the hospital. There is also a coffee cart which serves light snacks and refreshements situated on level 2, near the Platt Street entry to the hospital.
Opening Hours
Delimarche Café is open 7 days 8am to 7.45pm.
The Coffee Cart is open Monday - Friday - 6.30am to 2.30pm
Security
Patients are responsible for their own personal belongings. The hospital accepts no responsibility if items are lost or stolen.
IPTAAS
Department of Veterans Affairs and IPTAAS Patients (Isolated Patients Travel & Accommodation Assistance Scheme)
Some patients are eligible for assistance through these schemes. It is the patient’s responsibility to investigate their eligibility. As it is the personal responsibility of each individual, please ensure that all forms that refer to previous medical and hospital appointments are completed and submitted to a local IPTAAS or Veteran’s Affairs Office prior to your arrival at our accommodation facility. Delays in the submission of these forms may delay personal financial reimbursement.
Accommodation Fees
Please speak to the Outpatient Accommodation Nurse when making your initial enquiry.
How to Make a Booking
All bookings must be made through the Outpatient Accommodation Nurse who is available Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm (02) 4921 1405.
Arrival
Residents arriving Monday to Friday between 8am – 4pm should report to the Outpatient Accommodation Nurse whose office is in the NBN Telethon Villas. Patients arriving after 5pm or at weekends should collect their keys from the main reception area in our emergency department - Edith Street, Waratah.
Patients should confirm room availability one (1) week prior to their arrival date by telephoning (02) 4921 1405.
Checking Out
It is requested that on last day of treatment [departure day] that rooms be vacated by 10am to allow for cleaning and reallocation to other patients. If required, your possessions can be securely stored until it is time for you to leave. Please discuss arrangements with the Outpatient Accommodation Nurse.
IMPORTANT— Calvary Mater Newcastle site (including The Villa Units) is a SMOKE FREE site. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on site, this includes car parks, inside cars and in all hospital buildings.
Some of our patients and families 
Admissions
Except in an emergency, your doctor will have planned your admission to hospital. On arrival to the hospital you should present to the Admissions Office which is located in the main foyer of the hospital, located in Edith Street, Waratah. From here you will be directed to the ward where you will be admitted.
On arrival at the ward, the ward staff will explain the area’s layout and procedures.TOP
Allergies
It is vital that the medical and nursing staff are aware of any allergies from which you suffer. This includes foods, bites, stings and other materials eg. iodine and lotions, in addition to medications. If you do not tell the staff, they may not have any other way of gaining this information, and your health may suffer as a consequence.
Cafe
Delimarche Cafe is located in the hospital grounds in the main foyer. This facility is open 7 days 8am-7.45pm and provides a selection of hot and cold food including, gourmet meals and sandwiches, salads, pastries, cakes and hot and cold beverages. The Coffee Cart, situated in the Platt Street entry is open Mon - Friday 6.30am-2.30pm.
Chaplains/Chapel
Calvary Mater Newcastle values the religious and cultural needs of those for whom we care. Religious representatives of all faiths are welcome to visit patients from their community of faith. Each major Christian denomination has an appointed Chaplain to the hospital. All are available to visit as requested.
Chapels for quiet reflection and prayer are located in the hospital adjacent to the Inforamtion Desk on level 2, south block and the hospice chapel for use by patients, families, visitors 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.TOP
Cancer Council Information Centre: Connecting you to information and support services.
The Cancer Council of NSW is committed to providing access to high quality information and support services to cancer patients, their carers and their families. The Cancer Council has established an Information Centre run by trained volunteers within the hospital to provide information and support services and is tailored to the needs of cancer patients, carers and families during their cancer journey. The Information Centre is for anyone who has questions about cancer and all are welcome. It is open weekdays on Level 3, adjacent to the Medical Centre and level 3 lifts.
Free resources
When you visit the Cancer Council Information Centre, you will find a range of information resources. Some of these include:
- free booklets about cancer, its treatments and related emotional and practical issues
- internet access to cancer-related web sites
- information about the support services for patients and carers available in your local community
- DVDs and books about cancer
- access to the Cancer Council's main library
Friendly faces
Trained Cancer Council volunteers are available at the Centre to help you find the resources you need. The volunteers do not provide counselling or medical advice, but are happy to talk with you and guide you to support services, information and resources. They are easily identifiable by their smart uniforms and name badges.
Helpline access
A telephone in the Information Centre provides an opportunity for patients and carers to talk to experienced oncology professionals at the Cancer Council Helpline about any aspect of cancer, while maintaining anonymity and without an appointment.
A place to relax
The Centre provides a space to take a break from the hospital waiting room, browse through the resources, wait for your transport, or just sit quietly. No appointment is necessary and you can stay as long as you need to.
For more information, visit: www.cancercouncil.com.au
Child Protection Responsibilities
The NSW Government believes that one of the primary concerns of any community should be the health and well being of its children and young people. The role of health staff in child protection is to recognise and report children and young people who are at suspected risk of harm from abuse and neglect to the Department of Community Services. Health staff also provide treatment and care to children, young people and families. Health staff who make a report to DOCS are not breaching their responsibilities with regard to confidentiality.
Confidentiality
Details of your treatment and care at Calvary Mater Newcastle are documented in your medical record.
You have the right to:
- Have details of your condition and treatment kept confidential. All Hospital staff are bound by a duty of confidentiality;
- View information in your medical record in the presence of a member of the health care team. Whilst in hospital you may ask your doctor for any relevant information.
After discharge you may request access by writing to the Director of Clinical Services (Medical).
Consent
As a general rule your consent is required before you receive any treatment in hospital. In certain circumstances, such as emergency treatment, however, it may not be possible to obtain consent prior to treatment. Consent does not always have to be in writing and may be implied from your obvious agreement with the more routine treatments which have been discussed. In some circumstances you may be asked to give verbal consent to a specific treatment or test. You should always be given sufficient information about the outcome, consequences, risks and alternative treatment options to assist you to make a decision. Do not hesitate to ask for more information or to seek clarification before giving consent. You may withdraw your consent and refuse further treatment at any time. The same applies for diagnostic tests. Consent should always be informed and freely given. Do not feel obliged to give consent if you do not wish to. Always ask for alternate options if you are in doubt about what is in your best interests.
Your consent is required if the proposed treatment is experimental, that is, if your treatment is medical research. In these circumstances a very detailed explanation will be given and your participation is voluntary. No inducement or coercion is permitted. You have the right to withdraw from a research program at any time, without compromising the care given to you. Should you have any concerns about a research program in which you are involved, please contact either your doctor, the Director of Clinical Services (Medical), or the Professional Officer of the Hunter Research Ethics Committee on telephone 4921 4950.
You also have the right to leave the hospital at any time. However, you are advised not to leave against your doctor’s advice. If you do so, you are required to complete the Voluntary Discharge Form. The hospital reserves the right to attempt to convince you not to leave the hospital if to leave is not in your best interest.
Discharge Arrangements
Planning for discharge commences prior to admission when you will be advised of the probable length of your stay in hospital.
You will be discharged between 10am and 11am generally. Please arrange for someone to take you home at this time. At the time of discharge please ensure that you:
- Have all of your belongings;
- Have any private x-rays that you may have brought into hospital with you;
- Have any of the medications which you brought into hospital with you;
- Have received your discharge medications (if any);
- If changes were made to your regular medications during your admission the Pharmacist is able to discard any unwanted medications. Please note: You are encouraged to discuss your medications with either your doctor or a pharmacist prior to your discharge.
- Are aware of when your follow-up appointment is with your specialist or general practitioner or another doctor to whom you have been referred;
- Have any discharge information given to you by the staff.
Guardianship
The Guardianship Tribunal appoints guardians and financial managers for people 16 years and over who are incapable of making their own lifestyle and financial decisions and have no suitable informal arrangements in place. Hospital social work staff are able to discuss guardianship issues with patients and families and assist in application process where appropriate.
Health Fund
If you choose to use your private health insurance at Calvary Mater Newcastle it means that you will have:
- No out-of-pocket expenses;
- 100% coverage on all of your inpatient service accounts
- excluding front-end deductible table, self insured, Medicare Ineligible, Workers Compensation, Third Party and Public Liability;
- Your choice of doctor;
- All accounts processed for you by our Administrative Support Service.
Calvary Mater Newcastle is a registered Simplified Billing Agent with HIC (Medicare) and will process your inpatient service accounts through Medicare and your Private Health Fund on your behalf.
These accounts include:
Hospital Doctors, Pathology, X-ray and some Visiting Medical Officers accounts.
It is important that you understand that if you present to the emergency department and are admitted, that you can request to be classified as a private patient and can be transferred to the care of the doctor of your choice if he/she has admitting privileges to the hospital. This can occur after your admission under the Specialist of the day on the admitting emergency roster. You may also request transfer to a private hospital. The staff are obliged to facilitate this for you.
If you require further information about using your Private Health Insurance, please contact the Manager Revenue Services on (02) 4014 4721during business hours. TOP
Hairdresser
The hospital does not have a hairderessing service. The nearest hairdresser is at Waratah Village Shopping Centre.
Interpreters
You have the right to a free, qualified and confidential interpreter. If you require an interpreter for communicating medical, social or other information, please call a member of the staff and point to this paragraph.
Interpretation required for the following languages – Arabic, Armenian, Assyrian, Bosnian, Chinese, Croation, Farsi/Dari, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Macedonian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Samoan, Serbian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese.
Laundry
The hospital is unable to do personal laundry for patients. It will be necessary to make alternative arrangements for washing of personal clothing with friends or relatives. Hospital clothing is available for use in emergency circumstances. Please ask the nurse or ask to speak to a social worker.
Lost And Found Property
Property found (or left at the hospital) is forwarded to the emergency department office for storage.
Any enquiry regarding lost and found property should be referred to 4921 1211.
Your mail will be delivered to the ward Monday to Friday. If you wish to post outgoing mail it must have a stamp affixed and you should hand it to a member of the ward nursing or clerical staff. Stamps are available for purchase from the Cashier's Office located in the hospital's main foyer on level 3.
Meals
Calvary Mater Newcastle provides an extensive meal service to patients based on approved Australian Dietary Guidelines. All meals are served from the hospital's kitchen where we focus on presentation and meeting patient's nutritional needs. Diet staff will ensure that you are issued with a daily menu from which you can select your meals. The menu is prepared in consultation with the hospital’s dietitians who are available to attend to any special dietary requirements.
Meal Service Times
Breakfast From 7:00am
Morning Tea From 10:00am
Lunch From 12:00md
Afternoon Tea From 2:00pm (for patients on special diets only)
Dinner From 5:00pm
Supper From 7:30pm
Should any item be inadvertently missing from your tray, or if your meal is not satisfactory, please notify a member of the nursing staff.
Food that is not stored or handled properly can become contaminated with harmful bacteria. Harmful bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness to people who have a weakened immune system. The hospital strongly advises patients not to consume meals that have been brought in by relatives/carers - If you have a particular dietary requirement, please advise the nurse in your ward.
All food provided by the hospital has been certified as safe for consumption by patients with weakened immune systems.
Newspapers and Magazines
Newspapers and magazines can be purchased at Amigo's to go in the main hospital foyer on level 3 between the north and sough blocks. this general store also offers a range of good books, flowers and confectionary as well as light snacks. Newspapers are delivered to the wards in the morning. TOP
Nurse Call Button
Each bedside is provided with a call button that allows you to call for attention at any time. Your nurse will show you how to use this button. These buttons are also located in the toilets and bathrooms. It is necessary to press the button only once, because the call lights up a sign outside your door and at the nurses’ station. Delay in response means that the nurses are otherwise occupied. Be assured that your call will be answered as soon as possible.
Organ And Tissue Donation
Anyone can choose to donate organs and tissue – there is no age limit on the donation of some organs and tissue. While your age and medical history may need to be considered you should not assume that you are not healthy enough or that you are too old. By recording your wish on the Australian Organ Donor Register and drivers licence you can ensure that your intentions about organ and tissue donation for transplantation will be recorded on the Donor Register. Inclusion on the Donor Register is voluntary and you can choose which organs and tissue you will be prepared to donate. Registration forms are available at any Medicare Office.
Hunter New England Area Health Service Organ Donation Co-ordinator - contact Mobile 0408 274 813 or ring the John Hunter Hospital switchboard 4921 3000 (available 24 hours) and ask to page the Organ Donation Co-ordinator.
The most important thing to do is tell your family (senior next of kin) your decision about organ and tissue donation is important.
Remember “Tell someone who cares!”
Personal Health Information
Your personal health information is protected under privacy legislation and NSW Health’s Information Privacy Policy. All staff in the health system are bound by laws that contain strict confidentiality and privacy clauses.
When you are a patient of Calvary Mater Newcastle your personal information is collected which may be used for your ongoing treatment and care; protection of public health; education and research; management of the healthcare system; and supervised training of students.
The supply of your information is voluntary, however, healthcare providers have an obligation to record details of the services they provide to you. You should be aware that withholding information may limit staff ability to provide the most appropriate care to you.
If you supply us with the name of your current General Practitioner (GP), information will be sent to your GP for continued care as appropriate.
Under legislation, some authorities are legally entitled to information about matters such as Medicare eligibility; child protection; and circumstances of death, drink driving and notifiable diseases.
Whilst a patient of the hospital you can ask your treating healthcare professional for details of your care. You may also apply in writing with appropriate identification to request access to information the hospital holds about you. The Medical Record Department can advise you about this process.
You have the right to request an internal review be undertaken if you consider a breach of privacy has occurred.
For further information about Information Privacy please ask to see a copy of the hospital’s Personal Health Information brochure or speak to your treating health professional.
Safe Moving Program
One of the continual improvements to patient care you will find during your stay is the ‘Safe Moving’ program. While you are in our care, the staff will use a number of techniques and types of equipment for moving/lifting you as the patient, to ensure the safety of both the staff and patients. These may include the use of various pieces of equipment like Slide Sheets, Bed Ladders, Mechanical Lifters and Walking Frames, Electric Recliner chairs, and other pieces of equipment.
Staff may also offer instruction on differing self-help techniques that you can use as a patient, to maintain your own independence and mobility. We would ask that you listen to the staff in these instances, and discuss any concerns you might have, and cooperate with the ‘Safe Moving’ program to the benefit of your stay at the hospital.
Your Safety
Whilst we strive to ensure that the hospital environment is safe for our patients, visitors, contractors and staff, you should be responsible for your own safety by following any specific directions given to you by the staff or by particular signage.
If you have any concerns regarding your safety and welfare, please do not hesitate to speak to the staff in your area to discuss these. If the staff are unable to answer your questions, they will obtain an answer from those with appropriate expertise.
Please ensure that you wear good fitting non-slip footwear, not socks alone, and observe wet floor signs. Wearing socks without shoes or slippers can cause nasty consequences if you slip and fall. TOP
Fire Procedures
If you become aware of a fire alarm within the hospital, we ask that you follow the instructions of nursing staff. If you are not in your normal ward area report to the staff from the area nearest to you. They will take care of you. Do not use the lifts. Please do not attempt to return to your ward.
Regular training is provided to all staff to ensure that the correct response is initiated and carried through.
If you smell or observe a fire, please notify a member of staff immediately.
Second Medical Opinions
You have the right to ask for a second medical opinion on your condition or treatment. You should discuss this in the first instance with your treating doctor. Should your doctor refuse to refer you for a second opinion please ask him/her that the Director Clinical Services (Medical) be contacted, or contact the Director Clinical Services (Medical) yourself, or through a family member or friend.
In a life threatening emergency it may not be safe to wait whilst a second opinion is sought. This should be discussed with your attending Medical Officer.
Security
The hospital has in place a number of policies and processes to protect patients, visitors, staff and property.
Security Officers conduct regular patrols of hospital grounds and buildings and video surveillance cameras are installed in some locations.
Improved lighting has been installed in the grounds and car parks as part of upgrading security and the new hospital environment. Between the hours of 8pm and 5am, entrance into the hospital is restricted to that via the emergency department. Despite these measures we cannot however take responsibility for any valuables. We do ask that you report anything or anyone you regard as suspicious to staff.
Our staff are here to help you. They are entitled to work without fear of assault or intimidation. With the help of the Police we will actively pursue prosecution of anyone who threatens or assaults any member of our staff or causes wilful damage to our facilities and/or equipment.
Smoking and Alcohol
Calvary Mater Newcastle is now a totally 'SMOKE FREE' site .
Smoking is not permitted in any buildings, cars or carparks or anywhere on the hospital site in accordance with NSW Health Department policy. PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE AT ANY OF OUR ENTRANCES - OUR PATIENT AND VISITOR COMMUNITY HAVE THE RIGHT TO A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT - YOU CAN ALERT SECURITY OR OUR STAFF IF YOU OBSERVE PEOPLE SMOKING IN OUR GROUNDS AND CAR PARKS. HELP US TO KEEP OUR CAMPUS COMPLETELY SMOKE FREE!
Alcohol is not permitted unless authorised by the treating Medical Officer.
If you would like assistance to quit smoking or alcohol please ask staff.
Access to "Quit" programs is available at our hospital and your enquiry is always treated in a confidential manner.
Telephones
Public telephones are located throughout the hospital and Telstra Phoneaway cards are available for purchase at the emergency department reception and the revenue department.
Bedside telephones are available in some wards. These are connected to the Telstra Phone Card network.
Patients will be able to charge calls to their home phone or use Telstra Phoneaway Cards. There will be no charge made for a bedside telephone where installed. This enables patients free access for incoming calls. Any outgoing calls, including STD and International calls may be then made using a phone card. Phoneaway cards may be purchased when you arrive at the hospital from the CASHIER in the main foyer, or of course, you may bring your own card, available from retailers located everywhere.
Mobile telephones must not be turned on inside the hospital buildings because of their potential interference with patient care equipment such as intravenous drip monitors and electro-physiological equipment such as cardiac and other monitors.
Televisions & Radios
Arrangements can be made with the ward staff for the hire of televisions.
Some wards have televisions which are free of charge. For radios you will need to bring your own set (a small battery operated radio is preferable).
You are requested to wear an earphone for the comfort of other patients.
Transport
Taxi: There is now a desiganted taxi rank in Platt Street. Y ou can ask a staff member to call at taxi for you.
Hire Car: Hire cars are available by telephoning (02) 4960-1800. This is a 24 hour service.
Government Bus Services: Bus stops are located in Edith Street (at the front of the hospital).TOP
What to Bring to Hospital
Bring with you:
- Toiletries – soap, toothbrush, comb, tissues, shaving gear and other personal items;
- Clothing – sleepwear, dressing gown;
- Well fitting non-slip slippers or shoes must be worn (bare feet or thongs are trip/slip hazards);
- Pen to fill out menus;
- Spectacles, hearing aids (do not forget your batteries), walking stick or other aids which you normally use;
- Medicare card and other medical/hospital benefit book/card;
- Healthcare/pensioner benefit card/Veteran’s Affairs card (where applicable);
- Private x-rays and other investigation reports;
- Medications which you are taking at home including over the counter preparations and complementary medicines;
- A small amount of money for newspapers etc.
Do not bring:
- Electrical appliances such as television, hairdryer;
- Mobile phones (these can interfere with medical equipment);
- Food;
- Talcum powder as it can cause patients to slip and fall;
- Thongs (they are a trip/slip hazard);
- Valuables and large sums of money. The hospital cannot accept responsibility for these;
- Alcohol, cigarettes, illegal drugs or weapons such as guns, knives or other implements.
Information About Your Care and Treatment
Patients may nominate two persons who can be contacted if there are any concerns regarding progress and treatment. Patients should nominate just one contact person who can make all enquiries to the hospital on behalf of their partner and family. This will assist us to ensure your privacy.
Telephone numbers for wards can be obtained from the nursing staff .