What do I need to know if staying at The Alfred?

Rooms

The Alfred does not offer private rooms. Some areas do have single rooms but patients are admitted to these rooms based on their clinical need.

Assistance bell

Each bed has a call bell. When you press the button, you alert the nursing staff that you need help. You will be shown how to use it when you are admitted to hospital.

Telephone, television and radio

Individual patient telephone, television and radio services are available beside each bed. These services are provided on a user-pays basis by a company external to the hospital. Please ask staff for a brochure outlining these services and charges. Please keep the volume of radio and television to a minimum and where possible use earphones to avoid disturbing others.

Newspapers, magazines and books

Newspapers and magazines can be purchased at shops within the hospital. Books, magazines and DVDs are available for loan from our volunteer library trolley and newspapers are available for purchase from the volunteer shop trolley.

Mail

Mail is distributed to all wards each weekday. Any mail received after discharge will be forwarded to your postal address.

Laundry

We do not have the facilities to offer a laundry service for patients’ personal clothing. You are advised to send your clothing home for washing.

Lost property

If you lose a personal item during your stay, speak to your nurse manager as soon as possible.  If you leave any personal property behind when you leave hospital, please contact the service where you were staying and speak to the nurse manager.   

Visiting hours

At The Alfred we have flexible visiting hours. Please discuss with staff on your ward.

Am I well enough to visit?

Please ask your visitors not to come to see you in hospital if they have an infection such as a cold, flu or upset stomach. We recommend that visitors who could have gastroenteritis do not come into the hospital until 48 hours after their last symptom, as they could still be infectious. If you come to hospital and are feeling unwell with a cold, flu, upset stomach or another illness that could be passed on to others, please call the department you are due to attend first so they can take the appropriate precautions. We are here to help. If you have any questions about preventing infection contact us on (03) 9076 3139.