Patient advocate service

This web page tells you about two things:

• The availability of the Patient Advocate who is here to assist patients and their relatives with areas of difficulty, concern or complaint.
• The rights and responsibilities of patients who utilise the services provided for them by the Hawkesbury District Health Service Ltd. This section includes what you as the patient can reasonably expect in quality of care from staff. It also includes what level of co-operation the staff can reasonably expect from you.

If you have questions to ask

Many of your questions and concerns can be answered by the doctor or nurse caring for you. Please do not feel that they are too busy or that your questions are not important. If we are not aware of your concerns it is difficult for us to help you.

If problems arise

Usually your doctor, Nursing Unit Manager (NUM) or Team Leader can assist you with any difficulties that arise so tell them in the first instance. If you would like further information or assistance, please contact the Patient Advocate who will listen to your suggestion or complaint, and if necessary advise appropriate action.

The Patient Advocate

The Patient Advocate is available to all patients, their relatives and friends and can:

 Advise you of services available, both within the hospital and community.

• Raise your specific complaint or difficulty with appropriate staff members and advise you of the outcome.

If your problem is still not resolved at this stage the Patient Advocate will further advise you and refer the matter to the Hospital Administration. The Patient Advocate may be contacted on 02 4560 5665. When ringing from inside the Hospital the extension number is 5665, or pager 23012.