Can I bring children with me to the Emergency Department?
Children can come to the Emergency Department but should be supervised by an adult at all times.
Why is another patient seen before me when I arrived before them?
Treatment is not provided on a first in, first served basis. Everyone in Emergency who needs care will be seen. People with less severe illnesses or injuries will need to wait longer for treatment than people with more urgent medical needs.
Everyone who comes to an Emergency Department will see a triage nurse. Triage is a medical assessment process to see how ill a patient is. This helps them to work out which patients need urgent care. During triage, patients are given a rating from one to five. A rating of 1is given to patients who need the most urgent care. Patients with a rating of 5 can expect a longer wait to see a doctor than those with lower ratings.
Can I have visitors in the Emergency Department?
Please
note visitor policy is subject to change based on the
latest recommendation from the Department of Health. Please speak to a
member of staff for the latest information. Our staff endeavor to make your
stay as comfortable as possible, and will consider your needs on an individual
basis..
Is it ok if I eat or drink before coming to the Emergency Department?
A test or operation may be necessary that requires an empty stomach. We recommend that you don’t eat or drink while waiting for care.
Why am I being transferred to another hospital?
In some cases patients are transferred to another hospital for specialist treatment.
Can I use my mobile phone to make calls to relatives and friends while in the Emergency Department?
Mobile phones may only be used with discretion in sign posted non-clinical areas such as hallways, reception areas, however mobile phone use should be kept to a minimum throughout Western Health premises.
Mobile phones are not to be used in patient care areas.
Mobile phones are not to be used within two meters of any medical electronic equipment.
