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Te Noho ki te Hōhipera | Staying in hospital


What to bring to hospital

Please do not bring any valuables with you to hospital.

Please bring the following items with you:

  • Your passport, birth certificate or New Zealand citizenship certificate if you need to confirm that you are eligible to receive publicly funded healthcare
  • Your appointment letter
  • Any relevant X-rays and scans
  • All medicines and ointments you are using (or a list of them)
  • Medical devices, such as hearing aids and dentures
  • Money to pay for any parking charges, prescriptions, or snacks.

For overnight stays

Storage space is limited so please don't bring unnecessary clothing. Make arrangements with a family member or friend to wash your clothing as there are few facilities for this in the hospital. We recommend personal items be named and that you bring:

  • One change of comfortable day clothes
  • Night-dress or pyjamas and dressing gown
  • Slippers, shoes and/or jandals
  • Personal toiletries (for example a toothbrush and toothpaste).

Mums-to-be can find out more about what to bring here.

If you are unsure about whether you need to bring anything else with you, please contact the specific service/department or call the main hospital number 09 367 0000.

 

What to expect

While in hospital, you will be looked after by a team who will work together to plan and provide your care. All staff who meet you will introduce themselves and wear a badge stating their name and role.

A team of doctors may be involved in your treatment and care under the supervision of a specialist. You will be seen by a member of their team, but not necessarily by the specialist. You may see different members of the team at different times.

The nurse or doctor will explain what treatments or procedures you will be having and ask for your consent before any procedures are carried out. For some procedures, such as operations, you will be asked to give specific consent in writing. If you are unclear about anything, please ask. Our team are happy to explain your care and treatment to you.

Research projects are carried out at National Women's Health with the aim of improving knowledge and care provided to women and babies. You may be asked to consider participation. We are also a teaching hospital for midwifery and medical students, so you may be asked if a trainee clinician can be present at your consultation or involved in your care. You can say no to this and this will not affect your treatment in any way. 

Find out more about your rights and privacy here.

 

Meals & nutrition services

Each day you will receive a menu with meal choices for the next day. Please fill in the menu and nutrition staff will record your choices. Dietitians can advise you on all aspects of your nutritional care. If you are on a special diet or you want to talk to a dietitian please tell your midwife or nurse when you arrive.

Meal times are specific to each ward but will be between:

  • Breakfast: 7 - 9am
  • Lunch: 12noon - 1.30pm
  • Dinner: 5 - 6.30pm

 

Going home

Auckland City Hospital

Planning for your discharge home or to another facility is an important part of your time in hospital. We usually complete the final checks and paperwork in the mornings so that you can leave by 11am. In most cases you will be moved to the Transition lounge where there is a nurse on duty, on Level 5 of the main hospital building (see map) to wait for your lift home or other transport. Just outside the transition lounge there is a taxi rank and a five-minute parking zone if you are being collected in a car.

Care doesn't end when you leave the hospital. You may need a follow up appointment or, if you are a new mother, postnatal care.

Starship Children's Hospital

Before you go home, your healthcare team will tell you about:

  • Your child's medicine.
  • How to care for your child at home.
  • What to do if you are concerned about your child's health.
  • If you have follow-up appointments.

 Please ask if you are unsure of any of the information you have been given. Find out more on the Starship website.()