Patients & visitors
Everything you need before, during and after a hospital stay.
Your stay
Preparing for a hospital stay
If you are coming in for planned surgery or treatment, you will get a letter with your admission time and any instructions about eating, drinking or medicines. Report to the admissions desk in the Building A atrium.
What to bring
- Photo ID and insurance card
- All current medicines in their boxes
- Glasses, hearing aids, dentures
- Nightwear, slippers, toiletries
- Phone charger with a long cable
Please leave at home
- Jewellery and large sums of cash
- Electrical items other than chargers
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Strong perfume (some wards are fragrance-free)
Visiting
Visiting hours
Visitors with a cough, fever or stomach bug should stay home until 48 hours after symptoms end.
| Area | Hours | Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| General wards | 11:00–20:00 | 2 per bed |
| Intensive care | 13:00–19:00 | 2 per bed, by arrangement with nurses |
| Maternity | Birth partner 24/7; others 14:00–19:00 | Birth partner + 2 |
| Neonatal unit (NICU) | Parents 24/7 | Parents + 1 named adult |
| Children's ward | Parents 24/7; others 10:00–19:00 | 2 per bed, siblings welcome |
| Mental health inpatient | 15:00–20:00 | 2, booked with the ward |
Food and drink
The Riverside Café (Building A) is open 7:00–21:00. Vending machines on every floor are open 24 hours.
Wi-Fi
Free on network NRH-Guest. No password needed; accept the terms page.
Faith and quiet room
Multi-faith room on level 1 of Building B, open 24 hours. Chaplains on call via the switchboard.
Billing & insurance
Paying for your care
We work with most major insurers and public health programmes. Check your cover before a planned visit, and bring your card each time.
If you are worried about cost, ask for our financial assistance team. Discounts and free care are available based on household income.
Billing office: (555) 014-2310, Mon–Fri 8:30–17:00
Accepted insurance (examples)
- Medicare and Medicaid
- BlueShield Valley plans
- Northstar Health
- United Care PPO and HMO
- State employee health plan
- Self-pay with price estimate
Medical records
Getting a copy of your records
You have the right to see and get a copy of your health record. Most requests are completed within 15 working days, and electronic copies are free.
How to request
- Fill in the records request form at the Building A help desk, or call (555) 014-2330.
- Bring photo ID, or ID for the patient if you are their legal representative.
- Choose to collect in person or receive by secure email.
Patient rights
Your rights and responsibilities
- To be treated with dignity and respect, without discrimination.
- To clear information about your condition and treatment options.
- To agree to or refuse any treatment.
- To privacy and confidentiality of your information.
- To a free interpreter and accessible information.
- To raise a concern without it affecting your care. Contact Patient Relations on (555) 014-2350.
FAQ
Common questions
Where do I park?
Use the multi-storey car park on Northfield Avenue. The first 30 minutes are free, then $2 per hour up to $12 per day. Weekly passes for relatives of long-stay patients cost $20.
Can I call a patient on the ward?
Yes. Call the switchboard on (555) 014-2200 and ask for the ward. To protect privacy, nurses give detailed updates only to the patient's named contact.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
Most specialists accept self-referral for a first visit, but some (marked "Referral only" in Find a Doctor) need a letter from your family doctor. Your insurer may also require one.
How do I get my test results?
Results are shared with the doctor who ordered the test, usually within 2–5 working days. Most results also appear in the patient portal once your doctor has reviewed them.
Is there accommodation for families?
Northfield House, next to Building D, has 24 rooms for families of children and long-stay patients. Ask the ward social worker for a referral.