Monash Health emergency departments prioritise patients according to their medical need. Therefore, patients with a life threatening or emergency conditions may be seen before other more stable patients. It is also important to note that patients arriving via an ambulance do not automatically gain priority, and may in fact be asked to wait in the waiting room.
On arrival, the Triage Nurse will record details of your health concern and past history as well as your medications and allergies, including drug allergies. Depending on your condition you may be taken immediately into a cubicle or asked to take a seat in the waiting area. Your personal details will be recorded by a clerical staff member at reception.
Once in a cubicle, you will be seen by a nurse and a doctor. They will examine you and may order further tests. Should you have any concerns, in particular if your condition changes, please let either the triage nurse or the nurse caring for you know immediately. People can be either discharged after observation and care or admitted to hospital.
The Emergency Department is a very busy place and may be hazardous for children. We request that children remain seated with family at all times.
All mobile phones must be switched off once inside the hospital, as they may cause interference with equipment. Please ask reception or a nurse for advice.
We understand that patients need the love and support of their family and friends. However, visitors need to be kept to a maximum of two at a time, due to space limitations within the department and out of respect for other patients. At times, visitors may be asked to wait outside the department.
We ask that patients do not eat or drink before seeing a doctor, as certain tests require a fasting time.
Only immediate family may enquire about a patient’s condition. We ask that families nominate one person to be the contact point and keep calls to a minimum.
At Dandenong and Clayton there is an after hours GP clinic. If the person’s condition does not require specialist emergency care we may refer the patient to the Clinic to be seen by one of Monash Health’s accredited general practitioners.
Not all services are provided at every Monash Health hospital. The Emergency Department care will be the same but, depending on your ongoing needs, patients may be transferred to the hospital that has the specialty required for continued treatment.
If your situation is not an emergency, other treatment options can be considered. Visiting your local doctor or after hours medical centre will often result in shorter wait times and you’re likely to be treated by the same doctor each time. Alternatively, there are a range of helpful online and over the phone services for medical support.
Nurse on Call is a Victorian phone service providing immediate, expert advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Victorian Poisons Information Centre can advise you on what first aid is required in a poisoning incident. They can advise whether it is necessary to call an ambulance or visit an emergency department. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lifeline is a suicide prevention and support service providing 24 hour, 7 days a week personal crisis support. Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline.