Information for Bidwill Trust Hospital patients
Patient Information
Your Health Information
Your Health Information
Bidwill Trust Hospital is committed to safeguarding the privacy of your personal information. All staff are bound by the Privacy Act 2020 and comply with the Health Information Privacy Code that govern how we collect, use, disclose and store your personal and sensitive (health) information.
(For further information go to privacy.org.nz/your-rights/your-privacy-rights )
Your health information is collected to enable us to provide you with the best possible care and treatment during your stay with us. Usually, this information is collected directly from you and takes place when you complete your admission form, when we undertake your preadmission assessment and during the admission process.
We may collect personal information about you from sources other than you. This may include:
Your Primary Care provider (for example your GP or Practice Nurse)
- Your surgeon and anaesthetist
- HealthOne
- Diagnostic providers such as pathology and radiology services
- Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora
- The funder of your surgery (for example ACC or your health insurer)
- Other health service providers involved in your care
In the case of an emergency, we may also need to collect information from third parties such as a relative, power of attorney, employer or another health provider in the event it is unreasonable or impracticable to collect it from you.
The purpose of collecting this information is to assess suitability for surgery, plan your procedure, clinical decision making, coordinate pre‑admission, and ensure continuity of care. We may share relevant information with your referrer, peri‑operative team, anaesthetist, and post‑operative care providers.
The information can also be used for the administration of the funding for your care at Bidwill Trust Hospital. We collect information from funders and disclose necessary information to them for eligibility assessment, prior approvals, and claims management where required or authorised by law or your policy.
At times it is necessary for us to share this information with other health professionals involved in your care and for administrative purposes with agencies such as insurance companies and ACC.
By law we are required to retain your health information for 10 years. You have the right to access this information at any time and this request can be made through our Privacy Officer.
We will:
- Collect and store information including health imaging that is necessary to provide safe, effective treatment.
- Use the information we collect only for its intended purpose (i.e., ongoing care, treatment, administration. teaching, audit or research which assists us to improve the services we provide)
- Take all reasonable steps to keep your hardcopy and electronic information secure where only authorised staff can access the information and may be referred to for clinical purposes and for audit teaching and/or rese
- Pass on to government agencies only that information to which they are legally entitled.
- Allow you to check the accuracy of your information and correct any information as directed by you.
Please note that this organisation is contributing to, and accessing healthcare information from HealthOne
HealthOne is a South Island based secure electronic record that allows registered healthcare providers directly involved in your healthcare, to quickly access information such as your test results, allergies, medications, GP summaries and hospital information. HealthOne strictly adheres to the principles of the Privacy Act 2020 as well as the Rules set out in the Health Information Privacy Code 2020. Access is only possible via an approved highly secure healthcare information network which is regularly audited and tested. Privacy auditing is used to check that only those directly involved in your care are accessing your information. To find out more about HealthOne please visit https://healthone.org.nz/. Please note that you are entitled to restrict the sharing of your healthcare records by contacting 0508 837 872 or emailing HealthOne.privacy@pegasus.health.nz
Contacting Us
If you have any questions about the privacy of your information or if you have a complaint, you should contact us on 03 6871230 and ask for the General Manager. Alternatively, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
Intravenous Cannula
What is an IV Cannula?
A cannula is a small flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the skin into one of your veins. A small piece of tubing called an extension set is attached to reduce the movement and handling of the cannula. Longer lines or syringes are connected to the extension set to give fluid and· medication.
Why is a cannula used?
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It allows your nurses and doctors to give you medications, fluids, and blood products directly to your blood stream.
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Some treatments are only designed for or are more effective when they are given directly into the blood.
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Your medical condition may prevent you from taking tablets
How is the cannula used?
All staff perform hand hygiene before accessing any hub or line. Prior to access, the hub is vigorously scrubbed for 15 seconds with a disinfectant wipe and allowed to dry for 30 seconds. Drying is an important part of the disinfection process to prevent infection.
What are the risks and complications?
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The cannula and site should be inspected at least once every 8 hours and more frequently if fluids are infusing.
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Sometimes the area around the cannula can become painful, red, or swollen. If this happens, let your nurse know immediately.
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Infection: Any object, including a cannula that punctures the skin, has a risk of letting infection into the body. Clean and careful handling of the cannula as well as a secure dressing, will reduce the risk.
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Bruising: Difficult or unsuccessful insertions can result in bruising, which will settle.
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Tissuing: This is when the fluid or medication leaks out of the vein and into the area surrounding the vein. This could hurt, and swelling will occur. Please let your nurse know immediately. The cannula must be removed and replaced if necessary. Symptoms will settle over a couple of days - if not, speak to your nurse.
How do I look after the cannula?
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Report any redness, pain or swelling to your nurse immediately.
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Try and keep your cannula and dressing clean and dry. See your nurse before showering.
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If your cannula dressing is lifting or becoming loose, please notify your nurse to have the dressing replaced.
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Try not to touch your cannula or hub.
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Do not pull the cannula or any infusion that may be attached to it.
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Take care when you are changing clothing. Ask your nurse for help.
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Never disconnect the infusion line yourself as this can put you at risk of infection and blood loss.
How long does the cannula last?
This depends on several things such as the site and size of the vein into which the cannula has been placed or what type of fluid or medication is being given (some are more irritating than others). Cannulae are only replaced when clinically indicated e.g. dislodged, painful, leaking or occluded. Your nurse will discuss this with you.
REMOVAL
It does not hurt when the cannula is removed. After removal the place where the cannula has been, can feel slightly bruised. This can last up to a week and is normal. If you have any concerns regarding the cannula site after removal, please let the nurse know.
YOUR CANNULA MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE YOU GO HOME
Please advise your nurse if this has not happened. At home, please check the area for 48-96 hours. If you have any concerns, please notify Bidwill Hospital for advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your cannula or the information provided please speak to a member of staff.
Your Rights as a Patient
Bidwill Trust Hospital abides by a Code of Patient Rights, ensuring proper standards are adhered to with respect and fair treatment by listening and recognising your need for dignity, independence, information, support and decision making. We welcome all feedback and complaints.
Your Rights as a Patient
Respect You should always be treated with respect. This includes respect for your culture, values and beliefs, as well as your right to personal privacy.
Fair Treatment No-one should discriminate against you, pressure you into something you do not want or take advantage of you in any way.
Dignity and Independence Services should be provided in a way that respects your dignity and independence.
Proper Standards You have the right to be treated with care and skill, and to receive services that reflect your needs. All those involved in your care should work together for you.
Communication You have the right to be listened to, understood and receive information in whatever way you need. When it is necessary and practicable an interpreter should be available.
Information You have the right to have your condition explained and be told what your choices are. This includes how long you may have to wait, an estimate of any costs and likely benefits and side effects. You can ask any questions to help you be fully informed.
It’s Your Decision It’s up to you to decide. You can say no or change your mind at any time.
Support You have the right to have someone with you to give you support in most circumstances.
Teaching and Research All these rights also apply when taking part in teaching and research.
Complaints It is OK to complain – your complaints help improve services, and It will not have an adverse effect on the way you are treated.
Learn more here: hdc.org.nz/the-code-of-rights
Your Admission to Hospital
Thank you for choosing to stay at Bidwill Trust Hospital. The management and staff look forward to welcoming you and hope your stay is pleasant and comfortable. On arrival at Reception you will be accompanied to your room or day surgery lounge and admission procedures will be carried out by the Nurse on duty. Depending on the time of your scheduled operation, there will be a waiting period.
Fasting Before Surgery
If your operation is in the morning, do not eat anything after midnight, but you may have water to drink until 6:30 am. For afternoon operations, have a light breakfast of toast or cereal (not a cooked breakfast) before 7.30 am. You may drink water up until 11:30 am. Babies can be breast-fed up to four hours before surgery and bottle-fed babies up to six hours before surgery. They may continue to have water up until one hour before surgery.
Completing Your Admission Questionnaire
Contact the hospital if you have any problems completing the form. You may be contacted by a Registered Nurse prior to your admission requesting further information/clarification of your health history. We recommend that you read your information booklet to assist you in completing your questionnaire.
Medications
PLEASE BRING ALL YOUR CURRENT DRUGS AND MEDICINES WITH YOU in their original containers.
If your medications are dispensed from your pharmacy in BLISTER PACKS please organise to have a week’s supply dispensed in individual containers.
Complementary and Alternative Medicines (herbal/natural and vitamins supplements) must be stopped two weeks prior to your surgery.
Take your usual medication on the morning of surgery with a sip of water, unless you have been instructed otherwise. If you have diabetes and on insulin and/or oral diabetes medication such as hypoglycaemics or gliflozins you will be contacted with further preoperative instructions.
You also will be given special instructions regarding:
- Diuretics (water pills).
- Anticoagulant therapies (Blood thinners) e.g., dabigatran, warfarin, aspirin.
- Blood pressure medication.
If you are unsure about taking any of your medications prior to your surgery please contact Bidwill Hospital and ask to speak to a Registered Nurse for further advice.
What To Bring
We recommend you bring glasses, contact lenses and hearing aids and any other aids required for your post op recovery especially crutches.
You will need comfortable/casual loose-fitting clothes. If you are staying overnight, you will also require a dressing gown, night wear, toiletries.
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping are associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications including respiratory, and delayed wound and bone healing. It is in your best interests to stop smoking/vaping 6 weeks prior to your surgery or as soon as you become aware that your surgery is planned. This period presents a unique opportunity for us to assist you to permanently stop smoking/vaping. You will be contacted by nursing staff and offered smoking and vaping cessation advice and options.
Bidwill Trust Hospital is a smoke/vape free facility and this goes with our philosophy for the promotion of good health.
Smoking or vaping is not permitted within the hospital or its grounds.
Quit Cards are available at your GP/Surgeons Room/Bidwill Trust Hospital if you need assistance with the cessation of smoking or vaping.
Accommodation
Nursing staff are responsible for selecting your room. Every effort is made to meet patients’ requests for a single room with ensuite. How ever this is not always possible and sometimes it is unavoidable that patients are placed in a double room with a shared ensuite.
We ask that you plan for your discharge by 10am once your discharge has been confirmed by the surgeon. Please discuss with the nursing staff if this is not possible.
Valuables And Money
No responsibility can be accepted by the hospital for articles that may be lost or damaged during your stay. We strongly recommend that valuables and money are left at home.
For safety reasons we require all jewellery to be removed prior to surgery. The wearing of jewellery can pose a risk of burns to you. For this reason, if you have jewellery that cannot be removed, either physically or for cultural reasons, please discuss available options with nursing staff on admission.
Children
At the hospital the hospital there is a double room assigned for the hospitalisation and the care of children. Visiting is unrestricted for immediate family. Facilities are available at a charge for a parent to stay overnight with their child. We recommend that a parent accompany their child to theatre and stay until they are asleep. Meals can be arranged for a parent sitting with their child on the day of surgery.
On Discharge
We strongly recommend that you arrange for a responsible adult family member or friend to accompany you home and stay with you overnight after discharge. If, after your discharge from Bidwill Trust Hospital you have any concerns ring the hospital and ask to speak to a registered nurse. If the nurse is unable to answer your queries, he/she will contact the surgeon responsible for your care.
The Health Quality Safety Commission TeTāhū Hauora provide useful information about staying safe from infection after surgery which we encourage you to view.
Stay safe from infection:
TeTāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission
Hospital Closures
If you need assistance following your discharge from Bidwill and the hospital is closed there are instructions on the hospital answerphone service, please listen carefully.
Parking
Unrestricted parking is available within the front car park or at the rear of the hospital in Bidwill Street.
Paying Accounts
You will receive either two or three accounts covering your surgery. Your accounts will come from the hospital, your surgeon and your anaesthetist (if you had one in attendance). If you are covered by health insurance you will need to collate all invoices relating to your surgery and forward these to your company for payment, along with any prior approval information provided. Office hours for payment of accounts: 8.00am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Payments can be made by Internet banking, Eftpos, Cash, or Credit Card.
Patient Feedback
At Bidwill Trust Hospital, we are committed to delivering excellent service to our patients. Your feedback is a valuable way for us to understand where and how we can improve.
If you have any feedback, issues or concerns during your stay we encourage you to speak to the Clinical Ward Manager.
The Bidwill Trust Hospital Patient Experience Programme is a survey that aims to measure patients’ experiences of various aspects of care in our hospital. Approximately one to two weeks after your discharge from hospital you will receive an email or text with a link to participate in our anonymous patient experience survey. If you would like to be contacted by phone about your experience of feedback, please add your contact details at the end of the survey. This survey may take around 5 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time to complete this.
You can contact our team responsible for collecting Patient Experiences if you have any questions or concerns about the questionnaires, confidentiality or how your personal details will be held and used. Email: support@cemplicity.com
Complaints
The hospital staff trust you have been comfortable during your stay, that your treatment and care has been to your satisfaction, and that you have a speedy recovery. If you have any concerns or suggestions please write to:
The Manager, Tina Rogers or Chairman, Sam Hervey
C/- Bidwill Trust Hospital
53 Elizabeth Street
Timaru
Alternatively you can contact the Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Services. This is a nationwide free and independent service.
Phone: 0800 555 050
Website: advocacy.org.nz
Quality Policy
The Quality Policy of The Board of Trustees and Bidwill Trust Hospital staff is to provide exceptional personalized patient care, in a modern environment, delivered with skill and compassion that are guided by our strategic values of ‘CARE’
Community - Hapori,
Accountability - Whaiwhakaara,
Respect - Whakaute and
Excellence - Hiraka.
To ensure that we:
1. Provide services that:
- are responsive to individual needs, affirm and respect the dignity, uniqueness and rights of every person, recognizing cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, values, and sexual orientation;
- honour the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi of Partnership, Participation and Protection with a focus on equity of access;
- aspire to provide the highest quality care and service delivered in a timely, responsible and effective manner promoting well-being and optimal health outcomes for all patients;
- are guided by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights;
- promote health within the community.
2. Employ competent and compassionate people who participate in ongoing educational development to ensure a Quality Service.
3. Maximize the use of all available resources to achieve a cost effective and efficient service, without compromising patient care, with a focus on Continuous Quality Improvement.
4. Provide a restful atmosphere in which to recover and recuperate in an environment that is well maintained, pleasant and safe for all users.
5. Maintain Quality Assurance with certification to ISO 9001:2015 Standards.
6. Maintain Health & Disability Certification meeting Ngā paerewa Health and Disability Services Standards NZS 8134:2021.
7. Maintaining a workplace that adheres to the health and safety practices outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and a focus on the health and wellbeing of our staff.
8. Maintaining Food service certification through MPI in line with the Food Act 2014.
