Herston Private Hospital Patient Information
For patients requiring surgical treatment she operates at Herston Private Hospital
Dr Sharon Kelly offers comprehensive care - ear, nose, and throat specialist care for a wide range surgical and medical disorders of the ears, nose and throat for both adults and children. Dr Kelly's specialities include Ear, Nose and throat surgery, Paediatric ENT, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck, Endoscopic management of stones in the submandibular ducts, Bone anchored hearing aids and management of snoring and sleep apnoea.
Herston Private Hospital | Specialist Suites
Patient Admission Information
Your Care in Our Hands
To assist us in your admission process, please ensure you have:
- Read and understood all information and completed the online Admission form
- Medicare card, Health Insurance Fund cards, and benefits details
- A list of medications to bring to the hospital
- For patients who have private health insurance cover, please ensure you have contacted your Health Insurance Fund prior to your admission to check for any excess, co payment or out of pocket costs
- Made payment to the hospital of any excess or out of pocket costs and completed the Consent form
Prior to Your Day of Surgery Checklist
- Advise us if you require an Interpreter service if you are unable to speak or understand English clearly
- Arrange for Carer or Family Member to accompany you home and be with you after your surgery
- The usual length of stay is 3 to 4 hours, unless you are to stay overnight in hospital
- If you are unwell prior to your admission, please telephone the hospital
- If you have not heard from one of our nurses by the afternoon prior to your procedure, please contact the hospital
- Wear comfortable clothing that is not restrictive
- Children to wear own clothing with no metal zips or buttons
- Do not bring jewellery or valuables, as you will be asked to remove these
- Do not wear makeup
- Do not wear shellac or nail polish
About Us
Welcome to Herston Private Hospital.
Your care and safety throughout our private hospital is extremely important to us and our skilled professional clinical team will be there for you on every step of your journey through your surgery or procedure.
Our culture statement reflects our values: Your Care in Our Hands
Arrival and drop off for patients to the Herston Private Hospital
- The entrance to Herston Private Hospital is via the main entry and patients are welcomed into the patient lounge
- Parking for carers and families is available on levels 5 and 6
- Limited street parking is available in the surrounding area
- Please proceed via the lifts to the patient lounge on arrival
Your Journey
Consent for Your Surgery
A consent form for your procedure must be completed and signed by you as the Patient prior to your procedure.
According to the Australian Medical Association, the process of informed consent is a communication between a patient and physician resulting in the patient’s authorisation to undergo a specific medical intervention.
In seeking a patient’s informed consent, physicians should:
- Assess the patient’s ability to understand relevant medical information and alternatives and to make an independent, voluntary decision
- Present relevant information accurately and sensitively, including:
- The diagnosis, when known
- The nature and purpose of recommended interventions
- The burdens, risks and expected benefits of all options
- Document the informed consent conversation and the patient’s consent in the medical record
*AMA link: https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/informed-consent
Guidelines for Consent:
- Patients need to give consent in broad and general terms before undergoing treatment
- Patients need to be provided with sufficient information about the nature of the proposed procedure or treatment to allow an informed consent
- Responsibility to obtain consent rests with you, as the Patient, and the treating Doctor
- Consent form is also a safety net for a hospital as it provides us with evidence that the patient undergoes the correct procedure and they have consented to the procedure
- No elective procedure or treatment may be undertaken unless the hospital has a documented patient consent form
- Consent must be completed before a procedure or treatment or before administration of any sedation or anaesthetic drugs
Contact from the Preadmission Nurse
A Nurse will contact you via a telephone call about 24 to 48 hours prior to your admission for assessment of your Patient Admission and Health Questionnaire.
Please have any questions ready as this is also a good time to ask any questions of the Nurse.
The Nurse will advise you of:
- Your nominated admission time
- When to stop taking food
- When to stop taking fluids
- Any change to your medication
- Any advice relating to your surgery
- Plan for your discharge
The Day Before Your Admission
You may receive a text message or phone call confirming your time of admission. This may have changed since the Preadmission Nurse or your Surgeon rooms issued your appointment. The change is due to the Surgeon’s workload on the day of your procedure.
Every effort is made by our clinical team to reduce waiting times for surgery; however occasional delays can occur and waiting times can be endured.
The clinical team will ensure any extended waiting times are communicated to you.
Diabetic Patients
People with diabetes face additional risks when having a surgical procedure and fasting before an anaesthetic.
Your General Practitioner or Medical Specialist who manages your diabetes should ensure it is well controlled throughout your surgery.
It is important to inform the clinical staff at Herston Private Hospital prior to your admission if you have diabetes.
Discharge Planning
After an anaesthetic, for your safety, you must have an escort to accompany you home and an adult to stay with you overnight.
If this cannot be organised, please contact the hospital at least two days prior to your admission to discuss your discharge plan.
We require you to be transported home by your Carer in a private car, preferably not by public transport.
The Preadmission Nurse will check in with you as to whom will be your carer post procedure and how you will be getting home. Please have your carer’s contact details available.
The Day of Surgery
Fasting
Patients who are having anaesthetic may not be allowed to eat or drink within specific times before the procedure. This is called fasting. For children and adults having elective procedures, this may include no food up to six hours prior to anaesthesia and clear fluids up to two hours prior to anaesthesia. Patients will be advised of their specific fasting instructions and it is important to follow the instructions provided.
Medication scheduled for the day of your procedure
Please ensure you ask your doctor whether you should take your prescribed medications on the day of your procedure. If you are taking diabetic and blood thinning medication, contact your Surgeon or admitting doctor prior to your day of surgery.
GLP-1 / GIP Medications
Patients taking GLP-1 or GIP medications such as Ozempic, Victoza, Saxenda and similar medications for diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure or weight loss should advise their Specialist as some of these medications may need to be ceased for a period of time prior to surgery.
Your Anaesthetic
Your Anaesthetist will perform a health assessment prior to your surgery or procedure and give you the opportunity to discuss any concerns or anxieties that you may have in relation to the procedure. It is very important to disclose everything you think is relevant.
It is also very important to ensure that you have your stomach free of food and fluids and follow your fasting instructions set for you by your nurse.
Your Anaesthetist will monitor you throughout and after your surgery to assist with any pain, nausea and or vomiting that you may endure post surgery or procedure.
Please note: It is important that you do not smoke or vape on the day of your surgery or procedure.
There are different types of anaesthetic:
- Local
- General
It is important after an anaesthetic that patients must avoid for 24 hours:
- Driving
- Operating machinery
- Making important business decisions
- Taking public transport alone, including trains and buses
Overnight Stay
Your Surgeon would have advised if you are to stay overnight in the short stay ward.
You will be admitted to the hospital ward by either one of two ways:
- Directly on admission
- Following your procedure
Your personal belongings will be taken to your room with you. Please only bring a few changes of clothes or pyjamas.
Please be aware that there is limited storage space. Do not bring valuables to the hospital.
Your Surgeon will advise you when you may be able to go home following your stay.
A light diet will be served to patients for the evening meal of toast, tea, soup, yoghurt or ice cream.
Discharge Information
When you are ready to be discharged from Herston Private Hospital, the nursing staff will advise you how to manage any dressings and medications, if needed, and whom to contact if there are any problems after your procedure or surgery. The nurse will contact your carer and let them know where to collect you.
Please note:
- Following an anaesthetic, you are required to be accompanied home by a responsible adult and have someone stay with you overnight after your surgery
- You must also be transported home accompanied in a private car or taxi, not public transport
You will be provided with details about follow up care and any instructions required following discharge.
We value your feedback about your visit to Herston Private Hospital and will strive to provide quality excellent care. We are also mindful that you have your own goals after surgery and hope those goals have been met with the service and care provided.
You will receive a courtesy follow up telephone call from one of the clinical team to ensure you had a safe and uneventful recovery and that your goals post surgery have been met.
After Your Surgery
Nausea
If nausea occurs, it should only be temporary. If nausea persists, avoid food but try small sips of fluid. If the issue does not resolve within 24 hours, contact your doctor.
Sore throat
This may occur due to your Anaesthetist assisting with your breathing. It usually settles within 24 hours. Simple pain relief may help relieve this.
Tender arm or hand at injection site
This may occur due to irritation of the vein or slight bruising from the needle. If your arm or hand looks red, feels hot or increasingly painful, contact your GP.
Recognising and Responding to Acute Deterioration in Health or Mental State
Herston Private Hospital uses the We Care rule. This rule is about keeping you safe by partnering with you and your family in care. Our commitment is to provide excellent care and focus on your safety.
If you are worried, follow these steps to make staff aware of your concerns:
- Talk to the Nurse or Doctor regarding your concerns. If you are not satisfied that your concerns have been acknowledged, continue to the next step.
- Ask to talk to the Nurse in Charge of the shift. If you are still concerned, continue to the next step.
- Activate the “We Care” Rule by ringing the hospital and asking for the “We Care” Rule to be activated.
The We Care Rule is based on REACH, an initiative developed by Queensland Health.
When to Activate the “We Care” Rule
Patients: When you are concerned about a change in your condition, feel that you may be getting worse or feel that your concerns have not been acknowledged.
Families and Carers: You are concerned that your loved one is looking unwell or their behaviour is unusual for them.
Location
Herston Private Hospital is located at 7 Wren Street, Bowen Hills.
Quality Risk and Safety
NSQHS 1 - Clinical Governance
Herston Private Hospital ensures that we adhere to all relevant statutory requirements for Safety and Quality Health Services Standards. We aim to provide the highest standard of safe and quality care to our patients, carers and families in a safe and supportive environment.
Herston Private Hospital is also a part of national benchmarking that enables us to continually improve our patient care. We also have a Consumer Representative who assists the hospital with policy, documentation and auditing to ensure we are meeting our patient’s needs.
Suitability Criteria
Herston Private Hospital has select criteria, governed by relevant legislation and standards, for day surgery and procedures. Specific requirements and guidelines are in place for patient admission restrictions and patient consent, including patients requiring consent by a guardian or carer.
Privacy
We ensure that all our patients’ privacy and dignity is always maintained. All records relating to a patient’s treatment and the content of these records will only be divulged as permitted by law and for the purpose of providing private health insurance information in accordance with our privacy policy.
NSQHS 2 - Patient, Carers and Families
Herston Private Hospital encourages carers and their families to be included in the planning, delivery, measurement and evaluation of the patient care process.
Rights and Responsibilities
The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights of patients in the Australian health system. These rights are essential to make that, wherever and whenever care is provided, it is of high quality and safe.
Your Rights
- To be treated with courtesy and have your ethnic, cultural and religious beliefs respected
- To be informed about your procedure, out of pocket expenses, medications and matters pertaining to your admission
- For all staff at Herston Private Hospital to ensure confidentiality regarding your care
- For staff of Herston Private Hospital to identify themselves to you
- To be informed prior to making decisions regarding your procedure and care
- To be informed of risks and benefits prior to signing consent to treatment
- To seek a second medical opinion
- To obtain advice on post procedure care after discharge
- To discharge yourself at any time, even against medical advice, after signing the relevant form
Your Responsibilities
- To treat healthcare workers with respect and courtesy
- To answer questions regarding your health honestly
- To alert staff to any regular medication you are taking
- To abide by the non-smoking policy
- To show consideration to other patients
- To settle your account on admission
Carers Information
Herston Private Hospital encourages carers to be part of the patient’s care. It is important that carers accompany patients home in private transport or taxi following discharge and have adequate supervision at home until recovery is established.
The carer should be available to assist with day to day tasks and ensure the patient is safe.
Any special needs will be fully explained and detailed instructions will be given by the clinical team.
Cultural Diversity
Herston Private Hospital is committed to supporting and developing culturally responsive healthcare services to patients and carers of diverse backgrounds.
- Compassion: Accepting people as they are, caring for them with sensitivity and awareness of ethnicity, language, culture or beliefs
- Justice: Respecting the rights of all and ensuring patients and clients from all cultural and religious backgrounds have equitable access to our services
- Integrity: Acting with honesty and truth while ensuring that who we are is reflected in our behaviour
Consumer Participation
We value patients, carers and families feedback about their experience and use this feedback to constructively improve our service.
Please let any one of our administrative team know if you would like to be part of this service.
NSQHS 3 - Infection Control
Herston Private Hospital has robust systems in place to mitigate the risk of infection and support antimicrobial stewardship programs.
We ask people with gastroenteritis and other contagious diseases do not attend the hospital.
Post-operative
Please notify the clinical team at Herston Private Hospital should any redness, swelling or discharge be noticed from your wound, or if you visit a doctor and are prescribed antibiotics within 30 days of your procedure.
COVID-19
The hospital follows Queensland Health directives at all times. If you, your child or accompanying carer have symptoms, please contact the hospital prior to attending. Masks may be required in attendance as directed.
NSQHS 4 - Medication Safety
Managing your medications
One of the most common causes of adverse incidents is medicines being omitted, misused, prescribed, administered or taken incorrectly.
Before being admitted, clinical nurses will source a patient’s best possible medication history and ask patients to fully disclose their medication history and present the list of medications they are taking. If you have questions, ask a clinical nurse prior to admission.
NSQHS 5 - Comprehensive Care
Risk Assessment
As part of clinical practice, the hospital works to ensure you are fit and well for surgery through assessments at each phase of your journey, from pre-admission through to discharge.
Preventing Falls
After your procedure and anaesthetic, you may be at risk of falling or tripping. Take time when moving around and ensure your home, especially your bedroom, is free of clutter.
Preventing Pressure Injuries
A pressure injury, ulcer or sore can occur from unrelieved pressure on an area of the body for a long period. If you are immobile for any period of time, staff will help get you moving as quickly as possible to reduce risk.
Nutrition
The hospital environment, fasting, tests and procedures can affect nutritional intake. Malnutrition has many negative impacts not only on your procedure but also on general health service. Nurses have a key role in assessing patients’ nutritional status and creating a supportive environment for eating and assistance at mealtimes.
NSQHS 6 - Communicating for Safety
Correct Patient, Correct Site, Correct Procedure
The hospital uses safety checklists and identification processes to plan and monitor every surgical safety step to ensure correct patient, correct site and correct procedure.
To ensure correct surgery on the correct site, ensure:
- Your consent form signed by your Medical Practitioner and yourself identifies the correct site and side for surgery or the procedure
- Ensure that your full name, date of birth, the type of procedure you are undertaking are verified. This process may also occur when any form of medication is given
Complaints
Herston Private Hospital values the thoughts, concerns and suggestions of consumers and all other partnering consumers. If you have any feedback about your experience you can provide it by either:
- Requesting a Patient Experience Survey from the reception team
- Completing the feedback form online
- Emailing the team at reception@herstonprivatehospital.com.au
Complaints can be made to any of the following:
Nursing Management
Chief Operating Officer / Director of Nursing
Medical Issues
Your treating Surgeon
Herston Private Hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee (MAC)
Health Fund Issues
Your private health fund
The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman complaints hotline 1800 640 695
NSQHS 8 - Deterioration in Health or Mental State
The hospital’s “We Care” process supports early recognition and response when a patient’s condition worsens.
If you, your family or carers are worried, raise your concern with the treating team immediately and follow the We Care steps outlined above.