What to expect on your first admission to hospital
Inpatient Care
You have direct input to your health care and will be able to discuss medication times and arrange day leave to suit your schedule. Your CF team will talk to you about your first admission as the time approaches. There’s no such thing as a silly question! Ask your CF team if there is anything you are not sure about.
You will be admitted to a bed on Ward 32 (respiratory) or another ward depending on bed availability and infection control.
Whilst you are an inpatient, you will generally receive regular intravenous (IV) antibiotics, twice daily physiotherapy and be seen by the dietitian and social worker. In some situations, people are admitted for reasons other than chest infections and this may involve different treatments. We encourage you to participate in your usual activities as much as possible whilst you are admitted as long as it doesn’t affect your care.
For example, if you need to go to work, classes or want to go to a social commitment, you can talk with the treating team about the timing of your treatments/medications (antibiotics/physio/rounds). We will do our best to help you with your requests if your medical condition permits. Please note that overnight stays out of hospital are not permitted whilst you are an inpatient.
On the adult ward there may be access to portable refrigerators for your room – if so, we encourage you to stock up with the foods you like to add to the hospital menu.
How do I get admitted to hospital?
Talk about a hospital admission with your CF doctor or CF Nurse Coordinator. A date will be agreed on and then a request will be given to the Elective Bookings Coordinator or your name will be placed on the emergency bed list.
Please call the Bed Manager through the Hospital Switch on 9594 6666 at 9am on the day of your admission to see if a bed is available for you. If there is no bed available on the day that it was requested, you will need to call that number every morning to see if a bed has become available. Please note, we do our best to have you admitted on the requested day, but this does not always happen. Please contact the CF Nurse Coordinator if you are becoming worried at any stage.
If you feel very unwell or need treatment straight away, you may need to go to the hospital Emergency Department (ED). Please ask the doctor you see in the ED to contact either the CF Nurse Coordinator or Respiratory Registrar on call after hours so that we can coordinate your care. We will do our best to admit you to a ward as soon as possible.
What to bring for your hospital stay
- Your Medicare card, health care card and wallet.
- It is necessary to bring all your medications into hospital with you, particularly CFTR modulator therapies (Orkambi®, Kalydeco®, Symdeko®, Trikafta®), pancreatic enzymes (Creon®, Panzytrat®) and vitamins. Your pharmacists will then review your regular medications and ensure these are continue or adjusted as required during your admission.
- Physiotherapy equipment (e.g. PEP, Flutter, Acapella etc. and your nebuliser).
- A large, clean plastic container that you can use to clean your physiotherapy equipment.
- Running shoes and exercise clothes for physiotherapy sessions and comfortable clothes to wear during the day as well as pyjamas and toiletries.
- Nutrition needs such as PEG tubes and attachments.
- Health insurance information (if applicable).
- Extra snacks and food that you enjoy.
- You may want to bring books, music, study or work materials or other items from home.
- You may like to bring your own pillow, blanket or doona from home.
Parking at Monash Medical Centre
Parking at Monash Medical Centre can be purchased on a daily or weekly ticket. Weekly tickets are cheaper if you know you are going to have a longer stay. CF Together may reimburse some of your costs if you are a member. If you hold a disability support pension card, you are eligible for parking discounts from the cashier on the ground floor entrance, Monday to Friday. Learn more about parking at Monash Medical Centre.
Infection control
While an inpatient you will be allocated a single room. This is to protect you from the risk of cross infection. While attending tests or other parts of the hospital you should wear a mask for your own safety. Staff will wear long sleeved gowns and gloves when entering your room.
Your team in hospital
Your team when you are in hospital will include:
- Nursing staff
- Respiratory registrar
- Respiratory consultant (CF doctor)
- Allied health team (physiotherapist, dietitian, social worker and nurse coordinator).
- Clinical ward pharmacist
It’s best to talk through any issues with the nursing staff or the registrar. If you would like to talk with a CF doctor or CF allied health team member regarding your treatment, please ask the nursing staff to arrange a time to meet.
The registrar will review you daily, chart your medications and answer any medical questions you may have. Your CF doctor will complete a ward round weekly on a Tuesday afternoon, but rest assured that the registrar will discuss any medical or other issues with your CF doctor. The allied health team will review you within the first couple of days.
Nursing/CF Nurse Coordinators
Nursing staff will give you an orientation to the ward when you arrive. A booking will be made to have a line inserted for your IV antibiotics. You will meet a range of different nursing staff during your stay. The CF nurse coordinators can be contacted (03) 9594 2915 if you need to discuss any aspect of your care.
Pharmacist
Your pharmacist will review your medications and work with the CF doctors to ensure you receive the appropriate medication during your admission and on discharge from hospital.
Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapists will make a time to see you twice a day on weekdays and once a day on the weekend, to assist with airway clearance and exercise along with providing assessment and treatment for any issues with incontinence or musculoskeletal aches and pains. Please ensure you bring all airway clearance equipment with you, along with runners and active wear. It is also best to bring in your own nebuliser for the duration of your stay.
Social Work
Your social worker can assist if you have any practical, financial or emotional concerns you would like to talk about.
Dietetics
Your dietitian will visit you and help you with instructions of how to fill out the menus and also a list of “extras” that you can order. “Extras” include items such as flavoured milks, chips and pizza. Your dietitian may also discuss with you the options for oral nutritional supplements whilst you are in hospital.
During your hospital stay you can expect a wide range of food and drink choices – we aim to cover all your dietary needs whilst you are in hospital. Breakfast arrives around 7:30 am, lunch around 12:30pm and dinner around 5:30pm. We also have a tea trolley that will come around to your room at around 10:30am and 2:30pm daily.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychologists support children and adults with Cystic Fibrosis and their families to navigate psychological challenges associated with living with a chronic health condition. They provide assessment, formulation and treatment, with a focus on collaborative and recovery orientated care.
The Monash CF team is in the process of recruiting to the CF Psychologist position.