Here's what to expect during your time in our hospitals. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Read on for more information on parking, what to bring to hospital, and information for visitors.

1. Welcome to

2. We’re here to help...
If you’re not sure about anything during your
stay, make sure to ask us. We will check on you
regularly, use this time to ask any questions
you may have and let us know of any allergies,
special food or dietary requirements.

3. What to bring to
hospital
Appointment letter, medicare
and concession cards
Usual medications
Phone and charger
Hearing aids, glasses,
dentures and mobility aids
Comfortable clothing and
non-slip shoes or slippers

4. At some of our facilities, car parking
fees can apply. Make sure to check our
website for car parking information and
keep an eye out for parking signage
around the hospital.
www.health.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns

5. We encourage you to have people visit you
during your time with us. Make sure to check
with your nursing team for visiting hours.

6. Our hospitals are smoke-free and you
aren’t permitted to smoke within five
metres of the boundary.
Fines could apply if you light up.

7. You should notice on your bedside
The Australian Charter of Healthcare
Rights. It will let you know your rights
in accessing safe and high-quality
care at our hospital. If you’re not sure
about anything in the brochure, make
sure to ask one of our nursing team.

8. There is also a brochure beside your bed
about ‘Ryan’s Rule. If you, a member of
your family, or carer are worried that your
condition is getting worse, make sure to
talk to your nurse or doctor. If you’re still
worried, you can ask to talk to the nurse in
charge. Ryan’s Rule can be used if you’re
still concerned and would like someone
else to look at the care you are being
provided. Our nursing team can help
you through this process.
Queensland Health
Ryan’s story
Ryan Saunders, pictured above, was
nearly three years old when he tragically
died in hospital. His death was found
to be in all likelihood preventable. Staff
did not know Ryan as well as his mum
and dad knew him. When Ryan’s parents
were worried he was getting worse they
didn’t feel their concerns were acted on
in time.
Ryan’s Rule has been developed to
provide patients of any age, families and
carers with another way to get help.
Are you concerned that your or your loved
one’s health condition is getting worse and
you feel you are not being heard?
We acknowledge that you know your loved one
better than anyone. You may feel your health
concern is not being acted upon.
If you have these concerns about your or
your loved one’s health condition, you are
encouraged to seek assistance by following the
steps inside this brochure.
Ryan’s Rule is not for General Complaints
For more information, speak with your nurse.
Developed by the Patient Safety & Quality
Improvement Service with clinicians and
consumers.
This patient information brochure assists to
meet a number of the National Safety and
Quality Health Service Standards including:
© State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2017
Version 4.0 | Review Date: March 2019
Used under Shutterstock Licence:
Close up of hands
Elderly man in bed
Woman on phone
Partnering with Consumers
Consumers and/or carers provided
feedback on this publication.
Recognising and Responding to Clinical
Deterioration in Acute Health Care
Enabling patients, families and carers to
initiate an escalation of care response.
This brochure has been adapted with permission under a
Creative Commons Attribution from the ‘Call and Respond Early
(CARE) for patient safety’ (Publication No 12/0040), produced
by the © Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, September 2013
www.health.act.gov.au | www.act.gov.au
Ryan’s RuleQueensland Health
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Are you concerned that your or your lovedone’s health condition is getting worse andyou feel you are not being heard?
We acknowledge that you know your loved one
better than anyone. You may feel your healthconcern is not being acted upon.
If you have these concerns about your oryour loved one’s health condition, you areencouraged to seek assistance by following thesteps inside this brochure.
Ryan’s Rule is not for General Complaints
For more information, speak with your nurse.Developed by the Patient Safety & QualityImprovement Service with clinicians andconsumers.
This patient information brochure assists tomeet a number of the National Safety andQuality Health Service Standards including:
© State of Queensland (Queensland Health) 2017
Version 4.0 | Review Date: March 2019Used under Shutterstock Licence:Close up of hands
Elderly man in bed
Woman on phone
Partnering with ConsumersConsumers and/or carers providedfeedback on this publication.
Recognising and Responding to ClinicalDeterioration in Acute Health CareEnabling patients, families and carers toinitiate an escalation of care response.This brochure has been adapted with permission under a
Creative Commons Attribution from the ‘Call and Respond Early
(CARE) for patient safety’ (Publication No 12/0040), produced
by the © Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, September 2013
www.health.act.gov.au | www.act.gov.au
Ryan’s Rule

9. There are a lot of services
you can access during your
stay with us.
We can help you with free access
to Indigenous Health Workers,
interpreters, or a member of our
pastoral care team.

10. During your stay with us you will be
treated with respect by our team at all
times. In return, we expect you will do
the same to us.
Aggressive or violent behaviour is not
acceptable under any circumstances.

11. During your stay, you will be asked
to confirm who you are, your date of
birth and any allergies you may have
when we give you medication, before a
treatment and during handover.
If you have any questions about your
care, handover is a good time to ask
and find out more. Although if you feel
worse or you are uncomfortable, make
sure to let us know as soon as possible.

12. Hand hygiene is very important while you’re
in hospital to help prevent infections. Always
wash your hands before eating, after blowing
your nose, or going to the toilet. Make sure
to encourage your visitors to also wash their
hands and use the hand sanitiser gel.

13. We want you to be as safe as possible during your stay.
Make sure to take care when you’re standing or moving
about and ask for help if needed to avoid falling over.

14. Your nursing team will give you advice on how to
avoid blood clots and pressure injuries or bed sores.
You may be given a pair of special stockings to wear.
So you don’t get bed sores, change your
position often and tell your nurse if you
have any pain, redness or broken skin.

15. Your treating team will work out with you
when you’re ready to leave hospital.
In some cases this may be to go to another
hospital or facility for more care, or straight
home. The team will talk to you about what
you need to do as a follow-up to your time in
hospital. Make sure you understand what you
need to do when you leave the hospital and
ask questions if you need more information.

16. We want to hear
from you about your
stay with us.
Ask one of the
nursing team to get
you a feedback form
and show you where
to post it in a
feedback box.

17. healthier
together.
If there is anything we can do to help make
your hospital stay more comfortable and
safe, please let us know. We want to see you
get well soon and we’re committed to our
vision of caring for our communities:
#healthiertogether
www.health.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns