Your medical history, treatment and information that you provide to the staff of the hospital are treated as confidential unless the law requires otherwise in specific circumstances. Confidential information or treatment details will not be voluntarily released without first obtaining your consent. Under the Freedom of Information /Act (FIA) you are generally entitled to information contained in your medical records. Should you request this, a fee fixed by law may be payable for this service.

You may refuse to have any test examination procedure or treatment at any time. If you do refuse, you have the right to be given details of the likely or potential outcome of your refusal, and cannot hold others responsible for the consequences. You’re wishes regarding terminal care will be respected provided these conform to the obligations imposed on the hospital by the law. You may discharge yourself from the hospital or from treatment at any time. However, by doing so, you cannot hold the hospital and its staff responsible for the outcome. If you wish to discharge yourself from the hospital against medical recommendations, you will be asked to sign a self-discharge form.

A Bequest in your Will to the Cohuna District Hospital is a positive gesture of acknowledgement for the future It is a guarantee that a nominated part of your estate will directly benefit the future health needs of the district. If you choose to make a Bequest to the Cohuna District Hospital, it is importanimportant that you contact your solicitor to enable your act of generosity to be properly incorporated into your existing Will.

If you are a hospital (public) patient, the hospital will allocate your doctor. You are entitled to be informed of the name of the doctor responsible for co-ordinating your care and treatment. If you are a private patient you may select the doctor of your choice from available members of the visiting medical staff of the hospital. Cohuna District Hospital is a public hospital; some single rooms are available for private patients.

Hospital staff want to provide you with the best hospital care. There are always changes or improvements being made to help achieve that end. If you have any concerns about your stay in the hospital:

• You are encouraged to complete the patient questionnaire frankly and without reservation.
• Discuss your concerns with the Nurse Unit Manager, your doctor or the Director of Clinical Services.
• Write to the Hospitals Chief Executive Officer setting out details of matters that concern you, and offer helpful criticism or suggestions.
• If you are satisfied with the care you receive in the Cohuna Hospital you may wish to write a letter of appreciation to the Chief Executive Officer.

The Nursing staff wear blue shirts, the Support Services staff wear green shirts and the Administration staff wear red. All staff are required to wear an identification badge.

If an interpreter is needed the hospital staff are available to assist. If this is not suitable or possible the hospital can arrange for a telephone interpreter service. If you wish to speak in confidence with family members or a friend, a room will be made available.

The Cohuna District Hospital has an Emergency Management Plan to cover any Emergency Situation.Our staff are trained to handle all emergencies. If you hear warning bells sounding, please follow staff directions. If the building is to be evacuated, staff will take you out through the nearest safe exit. Staff will direct you to an official designated assembly point.

All Complaints are to be put in writing and addressed as follows:
Chief Executive Officer
Cohuna District Hospital
PO Box 317
COHUNA VIC 3568
All complainants will receive a written response within 5 working days.

Whether an inpatient or an outpatient, you have the right to appropriate care:

• As promptly as possible
• In a courteous and sympathetic atmosphere
• With dignity and in privacy.
• With respect for your beliefs
• With understanding of different ethnic, cultural and religious practices.

• Acute hospital 16 beds. Nursing home 16 beds
• District Nursing service: Monday – Friday
• Domiciliary Midwife service: Monday – Friday
• Meals on Wheels: Monday-Friday
• Social Support Centre: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
• Antenatal classes
• Physiotherapy