Coming to Hospital

If you have an appointment for surgery, or an arranged admission, go straight to the Unit (Ward) indicated in your appointment information. Upon arrival you will be introduced to staff.

We will place an identification bracelet on your wrist. This will help us double check your identity before undertaking any tests or treatments. Please wear it at all times while you are with us.

It includes your own personal identification number which is used by hospitals and other health services throughout New Zealand.

Correct patient identification - you can help!

Valuables and Personal Belongings in Hospital

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board does not accept responsibility in the event of loss or theft of any personal property retained by you.

 

Items you will need in Hospital

Where possible, please label clearly: 

• Nightwear and dressing gown

• Casual clothing / track suit

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Soap and shampoo

• Tissues

• Brush and comb

• Shaving gear

• Slippers

• Phone card

• Container or cases for glasses, hearing aids and dentures

• Walking stick or frame\Books

• Writing materials

Having a Baby? Click here to see the checklist of items to bring for mum and baby.

Personal Information Transparency Statement

This transparency statement explains how the Bay of District Health Board (BOPDHB) collects, stores, uses and shares, personal information gathered, either directly or indirectly, about members of the public for the purposes of providing health care and for detecting or investigating potential threats to the physical security of people or assets. Click here to read more ...

 

Tips For Safer Health Care

• Be actively involved in your healthcare
  Take part in every decision so you get the best possible care for your needs.

• Speak up if you have any questions or concerns
  Ask questions, and expect answers you can understand. Ask a family member, carer or interpreter to be there if you want.

• Learn more about your condition or treatments
  Collect as much reliable information as you can. Ask your health professional:
• • What should I look out for?
  • What else can you tell me about my condition, tests and treatment?
  • How will the tests or treatments help me, and what is involved?
  • What are the risks, and what is likely to happen if I don't have this treatment?

• Get the results of any test or procedure
  Ask who to call, when the results are expected to be ready and ask what they mean for your care.

• Ask about your options
  Ask how quickly you need the treatment, surgery or procedure - and if you can have it done as a day patient.

• Make sure you understand what will happen
  Ask what your treatment, surgery or procedure will involve, if there are any risks and what your options are. Tell your healthcare professional if you have allergies, or if you have ever had a bad reaction to any medicines.

• Before you leave hospital, check what you need to do at home
  Make sure you understand your continuing treatment, medicines and follow-up care.

Medicines

If you are taking any medications (pills, medicines or herbal remedies) please bring them with you and hand them to the nursing staff who will record what you are taking. For those patients who are taking rongoa Maori, please advise your nurse or a member of the Maori Health team as some rongoa may affect prescribed medication.

If there are details or any treatment you need or allergies that you have please tell us.

The doctor will need to review your medication and any changes will be discussed with you. We recommend you dispose of any pills/medicines that have been stopped. Your nurse can help you with this.

Student teaching

Tauranga and Whakatane Hospitals are closely associated with the Auckland School of Medicine, University of Auckland and there are always students undergoing training in the hospital. Nurses, midwives physiotherapists and other health professionals also receive their clinical training. Bay of Plenty District Health Board supports student training and is a Clinical Campus of the University of Auckland.

You have the right to refuse permission for these students to be involved in your care or 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. If students are involved in your care the students will be introduced and identifiable with name badges.