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CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL
Patient Information A - Z
Are you being admitted to Christchurch Hospital or visiting a patient and you do not know what facilities are available to you - to cover those every day things that we take for granted such as car parking, banking facilities and getting your hair cut. The following A - Z patient information includes details about these and much more.
Anyone who is admitted to Christchurch Hospital for treatment to injuries that are the result of an accident in New Zealand, can be considered for cover under the Accident Insurance Act 1998. ACC can only provide assistance for non-work injuries, unless the accident involves a self-employed person who has chosen to be covered by ACC for their work and non-work injury insurance.
In general terms you can claim for a personal injury caused by accident, medical mistake or error, sexual assault and abuse, some work-related conditions. A personal injury is a physical injury, a mental injury caused by a physical injury, or mental or nervous shock after sexual assault or abuse.
to make a
claim you and the doctor treating you must fill in a
claim for or ACC45 form. This form is sent to ACC
for registration. Once your claim has been
accepted, ACC may be able to assist you with weekly
compensation, home help, child care, personal care, and
other types of help you may need to support you during
your recovery. You must apply separately for this
assistance by completing an ACC application form.
Please do not hesitate to ask your nurse, who can access
these forms or contact the Hospital ACC Case Manager for
you.
| ACC Case Manager: | Barbara Irwin |
| Extension: | 88124 |
If you wish to have any documents attested during your hospital stay, the Nurse in Charge will contact the Revenue Manager, who will come and assist you with this.
All located in the Main Concourse, Parkside East.
Bank of New Zealand:
| Telephone: | 353 2030 (no internal extension number). |
| Hours: | 10.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday |
All services are available.
WestpacTrust:
24
hour Cashflow service.
Change
Machine:
This is available
next to the Cashflow Machine.
If you are required to have a blood specimen taken prior to, or on the day of admission, then you can have this sample taken at one of the following sites.
Canterbury Health Laboratories:
| cnr Hagley Avenue and Tuam Street | |
| (opposite Christchurch Hospital) | |
| 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday |
Outpatients' Department:
| Ground Floor Parkside West, Christchurch Hospital | |
| 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday |
Christchurch Women's' Hospital:
| Ground Floor, Outpatients, Riccarton Avenue | |
| Monday – Thursday 8.30am – 4.30pm and Fridays 8.30am – 2.30pm |
Burwood Hospital:
| Mairehau Road | |
| 9.00am to 3.00pm |
"The Great Escape"
While this cafeteria is provided for use by staff, patients and visitors are also welcome. Normal cafeteria fare is served at morning teas and lunch times while a hot meal is available in the evenings.
The "Great
Escape" is open seven days a week. Cafeteris
Hours:
| Monday to Friday, Saturday to Sunday & Public Holidays: | 9.30 am to 7.30 pm |
"Coffee Shop"
Located in the
Main Concourse, Parkside East.
Telephone: 365 1034
The Coffee Shop is
located in the main concourse and is available to
everyone. This provides home-made food, drinks,
milkshakes, sweets, ice cream and fresh coffee or tea.
| Hours: | 7.30
am
to 5.00 pm Monday - Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays |
We hope you enjoy our meals while you are in hospital.
Carparking
Christchurch City Council manage P120 Pay &
Display parking on the main hospital site, and free P90 parking at the Eye
Department on St Asaph St and Canterbury Health Labs on Hagley Avenue.
Please note
because of an incline in the tunnel, it is not suitable for wheelchairs
(except motorised wheelchairs) or persons with walking difficulties.1. Parking at the main site
Monday to Friday:
7.00am to 8.30pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays
9.00am to 8.30pm
2. The Christchurch Hospital Car
Parking Building
In the Parking Building (opposite the
Hospital on the corner of Tuam and Antigua Streets) there are 350 parks,
including 6 mobility parks. The building provides covered access into the
hospital by way of a tunnel connecting this building to the Main Hospital
site. Access to this tunnel is by way of the lift in the parking building.
| Monday to Friday: | 7.00am to 8.45pm |
| Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays | 9.00am to 8.45pm |
Note: Opening hours are subject to change.
For information on current parking charges
Please call Support Services on 03 337 7870 Monday to Wednesday 8am
to 4pm and Thursday 8am to 1.30pm.
Concession Parking
Long stay
and High User concessions may be available for in-patient relatives.
Enquiries for these may be made on the wards. Such concessions will apply
only to the Parking Building.
Click
here for a full-size map showing
Christchurch Hospital site and parking facilities.
Chaplains, Hospital Chapel and Chapel Services
The Hospital Chapel is located on the Ground Floor, Parkside East, near Emergency and the Emergency Observation Area, and is open 24 hours a day. The Chapel offers an inclusive religious and cultural space for rest and contemplation, worship and counselling. Patients, their family's and friends and staff are welcome there at any time.
Hospital Chaplains provide 24 hour cover and are always available to patients, relatives or staff. They may be contacted by asking any member of the nursing staff, or visiting their offices in the corridor at the back of the Chapel.
An ecumenical service for patients, staff, relatives and friends is held in the Chapel every Sunday:
| First Sunday of the month: | 10.00am |
| All other Sundays: | 11.00am |
| Mass is celebrated every Sunday: | |
| First Sunday of the month: | 11.00am |
| All other Sundays: | 3.30pm |
Holy communion can be brought to patients in the wards by arrangement. Please arrange this with your Chaplains or with nursing staff.
Clothing (see also Valuables & Money)
Only a minimum of clothing should be brought into Hospital, and can only be stored in the bedside locker and the small wardrobe. All items kept in your locker are your own respnsibility. No laundry service is available.
The Canterbury District Health Board does NOT accept any responsibility for the loss of any personal item. Provision is available in all wards for the safe keeping of valuables, or they may be deposited in the temporary hospital safe. We recommend you use this facility. Do not hesitate to ask your nurse.
If, after discharge, you believe items of clothing may have been left in the Hospital, you can contact the security service via the Hospital telephone operators. There is a Lost Property Office. To assit in identifying yoru belongings we will need a good description of each article, the dates you were in hospital, and the ward or department you were in at the time.
Complaints Process (see also Consumers' Right)
If you are concerned about aspects of the service we provide or the care you are receiving or have received, you may lodge a complaint.
The Canterbury District Health Board has a comprehensive process for responding to concerns expressed by consumers or their families. The process followed is:
Expressions of concern are usually managed by the Customer Services Office. If you require further information call this Office on (03) 364 0843.
Alternatively, to log a complaint just complete the on-line Consumer Complaint Form.
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (1996) applies to all health services and disability support services in New Zealand.
The purpose of the Code is to promote and protect the rights of consumers, and to facilitate the fair and efficient resolution of complaints relating to any infringement of those rights.
The health professionals and other providers, providing your cares are required to adhere to the rights under this Code. These Rights relate to:
Pamphlets advising on these Consumers' Rights in more detail are available in all wards and departments in the Main Hospital Foyer and from the Customer Services Office.
The Customer Services Office will help you with any concerns you may have about your care and treatment.
| Telephone:364 0843 | or Extension 80843 |
The Customer Services Manager will help you find out more about your care and treatment, act as "go between" with clinical staff if necessary, and if you wish, act as your first contact should you want to make a formal complaint.
Parcels and other deliveries for patients will be delivered if left at the Orderlies' Lodge at the Main Entrance of the Hospital.
Available from the Gift Shop in the Main Concourse of the Hospital Foyer.
Electrical Appliances (Radios, Televisions and Cell phones)
At the discretion of the Nurse in Charge, patients may bring equipment into hospital for personal use, such as televisions, radios and hairdryers. These items must be safe for use. This safety is the responsibility of the patient and equipment may only be used by the owner and not lent to other patients. If radios or televisions are used, they must not disturb other patients, and must be used with earphones or an ear plug. Staff have the right to remove any items that are obviously unsafe, eg frayed cords, exposed wires.
Hospital management also reserves the right to limit use of equipment on safety grounds. Furthermore, the Canterbury District Health Board accepts no responsibility for damage, however it may be caused.
Cell phones may only be used outside the ward environment, with the clearance of the Nurse in Charge.
These phones can interfere with medical equipment.
Food Services (contracted to Spotless Services)
Approximately 600 patient meals are prepared three times a day, as well as morning and afternoon teas. In addition, the Food Services Department prepares meals for 700 staff and visitors each day in the hospital staff cafeteria.
Visitors are welcome to the "Great Escape" Cafeteria, accessed from the Main Ground Floor Corridor of Parkside West. The cafeteria is on the 1st Floor of the Food Services building. In addition, some wards now provide basic kitchen facilities available for the use of patients' visitors.
While you are a patient in Christchurch Hospital, the Food Service staff will endeavour to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
The following general information will be helpful:
Meal Hours
Each ward has its own meal time, but you can expect to
receive:
| Breakfast between: | 7.25 am to 8.15 am |
| Lunch between: | 12.10 pm to 1.15 pm |
| Dinner between: | 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm |
At morning and afternoon tea and supper, a choice of tea, coffee or milo is served.
Your Meal
Each day after lunch you will receive a copy of the next day's menu. From this you can choose the food you would like to eat. Your menu will be collected by a Ward Aide who will answer any questions.
We would like you to make your selections as soon as possible after lunch by placing a tick in the box beside your choice. It is important to make sure you have ticked everything you require, otherwise it will not arrive on your tray. If you require larger or smaller servings, please indicate by putting L or S in the box instead of a tick.
If we do not receive a completed menu from you, for example on admission to hospital or you have not filled out your menu, then you will be sent a standard meal.
Special Modified Diet
If a Doctor has prescribed for you a special modified diet, a Clinical Dietician from Nutrition Services can discuss any questions you might have regarding your diet and will teach you how to manage when you get home.
We hope you enjoy your meals while you are in hospital.
From time to time, patients, outside organisations and individuals either offer donations or gifts for the benefit of patients, staff, or the Canterbury District Health Board in general. All such offers are greatly appreciated.
Donations may be given for a specific purpose, or if with no specific instructions for their use, they will be sued to support equipment for patient care.
Patients will appreciate that some gifts or donations may not be suitable - donated equipment for example, may commit the Hospital to undue additional expenditure. Offers, which may present problems, are referred to the Hospital's administration for further consideration.
Located in the Main Concourse of the Hospital Foyer.
The gift shop service brings a cross-section of goods to the wards daily, Monday to Friday.
Hours:
| 9.00 am to 4.00 pm | - Monday to Friday |
| 11.30 am to 3.30 pm | - Saturday and Sunday |
Postal Services are also available through the Gift Shop in the Main Concourse of the Hospital Foyer. Items such as writing paper, cards, stamps, aerogrammes and posting envelopes and boxes are all available.
Hours:
| 9.00 am to 4.00 pm | - Monday to Friday |
New Zealand Post boxes are also located in the Main Concourse of the Hospital Foyer (opposite the WestpacTrust Cashflow machine).
Located in the Main
Concourse, Parkside East.
Telephone: 365 0548
Hours:
| 8.30 am to 6.00 pm | - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday |
| 8.30 am to 8.00 pm | - Thursday |
| 9.00 am to 2.00 pm | - Saturday |
The "New U" Hair Design Salon provides full hairdressing services. Visits to wards are by appointment. Arrangements may be made with your Nurse.
(Non-New
Zealand Residents)
Payments can be made at:
Christchurch Hospital
Accounts Officer
(Back Corridor, Main Foyer, Christchurch Hospital)
Hours:
| 8.30 am to 5.00 pm |
The Canterbury District Health Board is fortunate to have a large group of Hospital Volunteers who assist to make your stay as pleasant as possible, volunteers are available to assist with a variety of tasks including reading, writing and posting letters, shopping, telephone calls, taking patients for walks and generally seeing to additional needs of patients. The Volunteers also manage the gift shop and postal service in the Main Concourse and bring the mobile trolley to the wards. All proceeds go toward the purchasing of patient comfort items.
There is an active Infection Control Service at the Canterbury District Health Board. The aim of the Infection Control Service is to limit the introduction and spread of infection within the Canterbury District Health Board.
The Infection Control Service liaises with clinical staff and is also available for patient enquiries via the Nurse in Charge.
An interpreter Service is available to any patients or their families on a 24 hours basis at Christchurch Hospital. The following people can arrange assistance for you:
After hours:
(See also Blood Tests)
Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) provides the laboratory services for the Canterbury District Health Board. The main laboratory building is situated on the corner of Tuam Street and Hagley Avenue. There is patient parking available from Hagley Avenue.
There is also a tunnel which connects the main Christchurch Hospital with the CHL Building.
Mantoux Test
A skin test for tuberculosis is performed in the Microbiology Department on the First Floor of the CHL Building.
Microbiology Tests for Skin Infections
Taking of specimens for skin infections is available on the First Floor of the CHL Building
The Canterbury District Health Board provides labratory and other test services for patients treated by staff and those cared for in other hospitals and health services. All of thse comuterised test results are available to the various health professionals who are involved in your care. This allows them to get your results quickly and confidentially.
A free library service is run by the Hospital Library Visitor's Association, who bring books to the wards early afternoon each Tuesday. A large, up-to-date selection of recreational reading, including Large Print Books, is available. Books selected are to be held until the Librarian calls again, or handed to the Nurse in Charge when you go home. Please do not lend them to other patients or staff.
We now have a Lost Property Office managed by the Security Service. If, after attending the Emergency Department, or after your discharge from the ward, you believe items of clothing may have been left in the Hospital, you can contact the Security Service via the Hospital telephone operators' (364 0640). To assist in identifying your belongings we will need a good description of each article, the dates you were in hospital, and the ward or department you were in at that time.
The Privacy Act and in particular the Health Information Privacy Code, contains very strict guidelines in relation to your privacy and our obligations to assist you to protect your privacy, whilst you are a patient in our hospital (see PRIVACY).
If you think the media may be interested in you during your stay with us, please notify the Nurse in Charge in your ward.
It is entirely your choice how much information about you and your circumstances you wish be made known to anyone enquiring about you, including the media.
In the absence of any instruction from you to the contrary, the Canterbury District Health Board will only ever make known that you are either "seriously ill", "comfortable", or "stable" or perhaps another general description agreed with by your medical caregivers.
A morning newspaper may be purchased either upon delivery to the Wards between 7.30am and 8.30am, or from the honesty box at the "Coffee Shop".
This service is independent of the Canterbury District Health Board. It is a free service and provides:
The service can be contacted by phoning (03) 377 7501 (leave a message on the answer phone if the office is unattended).
The Health Information Privacy Code sets out the rules, which allow you to have access to your personal medical record. The Patient Information Office located in the main foyer, will help you with this.
Telephone: 364 0640 Extension 81069 or 80473.
Available from Parkside Pharmacy are all usual pharmacy services, a prescription service, a photographic printing service, advice from a pharmacist and a wide range of skincare, makeup, toiletries, perfumery products and other gift lines.
Patients, visitors and staff are all welcome
Telephone: 374 9516
Hours:
| 8.00 am to 6.00 pm | - Monday to Friday |
|
10.00 am to 4.00 pm |
- Saturday only |
Personal Information and Your Privacy
The Hospital maintains a record of your illness(es) and treatments and is required to keep this information confidential. There are clearly stated rules for the release of any information in the Health Information Privacy Code (1994) (HIP Code) and other legislation. The HIP Code allows general comment on a patient's condition through the patient enquiries service unless you wish otherwise. Please inform Ward staff if you do not want a general comment made to those who enquire.
The HIP Code sets out rules relating to collection, use and availability of your personal health information.
As part of our commitment to protecting your privacy, we have produced a pamphlet "Your Rights" which explains our responsibilities in relation to your personal health information. These are available from the Arranged Admitting Office, in the hospital entrances and from the ward. PLEASE READ ONE. This pamphlet also explains how you can apply to see your health information held by the Canterbury District Health Board.
While in Hospital, doctors, nurses and other therapists will discuss your illness and treatment with you and, and with your consent, your family. The HIP Code sets out the rules which allow you to have access to your personal medical record. If any part of your notes is withheld, you will be advised why and how you may appeal the decision. If you are in Hospital, ask your doctor or nurse to arrange for you to see your medical record. If you have left the Hospital, telephone or write to the Patient Information Officer (telephone 364 1069).
Parents may ask to see the notes of their children if under 16 years of age. Access is granted according to rule 11(6)(b) of the HIP Code (1994).
If you disagree with anything written about you in your records, you have the right to request the removal or correction of any information. If your request is declined, you will be told why. You may appeal by writing to the Privacy Commissioner, PO Box 466, Auckland.
We acknowledge that our facilities may not always allow full privacy for patients, and at times hear information about other patients. Should you do so, we ask that you treat that knowledge with respect and not discuss this with parties unless you have the patients expressed permission.
The Canterbury District Health Board has a number of Privacy Officers available to assist with any questions you may have. You can contact them by telephoning:
Christchurch Hospital:
| Telephone
Operator: (03) 364 0640 and ask to speak to the Privacy Officer, or through the Patient Information Office: (03) 364 0640 extension 81069 |
Burwood Hospital:
| Telephone : (03) 383 6836 extension 9989 |
Ashburton & Community Hospitals:
| Telephone : (03) 308 4149 extension 8835 |
There are daily mail deliveries to the wards Monday to Friday, except public holidays. Outward letters already stamped may be handed to the nursing staff for posting. Stamps are available for purchase from the Volunteer's Gift Shop.
It will help the prompt delivery of mail to patients if correctly addressed in the following form:
|
Name |
It greatly assists in the delivery of mail to married women if their own initials or given names are used rather than those of their husbands, as all hospital records will refer to their own given names.
If you are discharged on a weekend or public holiday and have been given a prescription with medications termed "hospital pharmacy", you will need to go to one of three pharmacies in Christchurch who have the contract to dispense these medications. They are:
Healthworks Pharmacy, 108 Memorial Ave
|
Telephone: 351 8633 |
Fax: 351 8613 |
Linwood Dispensary, 6 Cranley Street
| Telephone: 389 6513 | Fax: 389 0542 |
Hardings Pharmacy, 167 Colombo Street
| Telephone : 332 1696 | Fax: 332 1923 |
Because smoking is considered both a health and fire hazard, the Canterbury District Health Board does not permit smoking in its hospitals.
There are direct Free phones in the main entrance foyer opposite Reception, where you or your relatives may order a taxi. There is also a taxi phone in the Riverside entrance.
Christchurch Hospital is closely associated with the Christchurch School of Medicine, and there are always students undergoing training in the Hospital. In addition, Nurses, Physiotherapists and other's receive their clinical training in Christchurch Hospital.
You have the right to refuse permission for these students to be involved in your care of have access to your medical records. However, if students are involved, you can be assured your health information will be treated according to the same strict rules of confidentiality as applies with all healthcare professionals.
Research and postgraduate studies are also undertaken by staff in all ehalth disciplines.
You may be asked to participate in a teaching session or research project while you are a patient or at any time after your treatment finishes. What this will mean for you will be fully explained and then youwill be asked to sign your understanding and agreement to participate, by the member of staff providing your care. you can choose to withdraw you agreement at any time. (Refer also Consumers' Rights).
Those carrying out research or other studies require Ethics committee approval before they may proceed with any research programmes. The researcher may also contact you if more information is required from you than is held in your notes.
If you are unsure about the procedures, you may wish to discuss your concerns with your Nurse, the Nurse in Charge, your Doctor, or the Customer Services Office.
In order to avoid any interruptions in the delivery of your care, you can assist us by following some basic guidelines for telephone calls to and from ward areas.
Public Telephones and Toll Boxes
There are public telephones and toll boxes located throughout the Hospital for the use of patients and visitors. These are card and coin operated.
Phone cards are available from the Gift Shop, and there is also a coin change machine in the Main Foyer of the Hospital.
A television hire service is available to all patients, after first obtaining approval from the Nurse in Charge. Hirers must comply with any instructions given by the Nurse in Charge regarding its use. Hospital TV Rentals operates a 24 hour booking service (telephone 0800 807 090). Payment must be made in advance. There are progressively reducing rates for longer periods. The service includes delivery, pick up, free ear pieces and full insurance against dropping, breaking, damage or theft.
If you have been referred to Christchurch Hospital from another District Health Board, that District Health Board may pay all your travel expenses to and from Christchurch. Please discuss this with the Nurse in Charge before you are discharged and the necessary arrangements will be made.
Travel and Accommodation Reimbursement
When you fit one of the following criteria you may be eligible for travel and/or accommodation assistance.
For advice you can contact:
| Revenue Assistant | (03) 364 0957 or |
| Revenue Manager | (03) 364 0034 |
You are strongly advised not to bring valuables or money beyond your immediate requirements whilst in Hospital. If you find it necessary to do so, please ask the Nurse in Charge to keep them in safe custody and issue you with a receipt. DO NOT LOSE THIS RECEIPT.
Money held in safe custody may be withdrawn as required between 9.00am to 4.30pm on business days. Payments over the amount of $30.00 are normally paid to you by a "Not Negotiable" cheque. However, by special arrangement, amounts over $30.00 can be paid in cash provided that the Bank of New Zealand's Hospital Agency is open (hours 10.00 am to 3.00 pm). If you are expecting to be discharged during the weekend or on a public holiday, please make arrangements with the Nurse in Charge on the last business day for your valuables and money to be available at the time of departure. If by chance you leave the Hospital without closing your account, please telephone the Revenue Manager on 364 0453 to arrange settlement.
The Canterbury District Health Board does NOT accept responsibility for loss of money or valuables not placed into safe custody.
Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) Recipients
When a WINZ recipient is admitted, the recipient is obligated to advise WINZ of the change in circumstances (required under the Social Security Act 1964). Usually the full amount of financial support continues to be paid for 13 weeks. Recipients who remain in hospital longer than 13 weeks and do not have dependants, have their benefit reduced (as at 1 April 2000, the amount is $27.22 per week). However, WINZ will take into consideration other financial liabilities and may pay above this amount. In such cases, the matter should be discussed with WINZ. A representative from WINZ visits the hospital weekly to assist patients. An appointment can be made through our Social Works Services located in Hagley Hostel (East side, 2nd Floor), or phone 364 0420. On discharge, the level of financial support is usually restored to its former level.
If you are not a WINZ recipient and your admission to Hospital results in a loss of earnings, an application for a benefit should be made immediately. Not all benefits can be backdated.
It is important that WINZ are aware of any change in status for recipients so that they can assist recipients to ensure they are receiving their correct entitlements.
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