Patient Information
Wherever there are people, there is an opportunity for kindness.
Our beautiful region attracts some of the best medical specialists in their fields.
And, with our state of the art surgical and patient facilities, you can be assured of the highest standards of care.
From the well-appointed, hotel-style private rooms to the friendly, professional care, to the delicious food we serve, we do our utmost to provide a service that is supportive, friendly and comforting.
Churchill Hospital is the only private hospital in the Marlborough region – giving you the opportunity to stay close to family and friends without the need to travel.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Your Journey with us
Before your admission
In the days leading up to your admission there are a few things to think about and do.
Completing your Health Questionnaire
The Health Questionnaire Form provides us with important details about your medical history. This helps us to assess if you might require a pre-admission assessment from an anaesthetist.
Please ensure you have completed the Health Questionnaire Form you received from your surgeon and returned this to our hospital. You are also welcome to download the form, and return this to us electronically.
Cold, Flu, Infection, Asthma, Skin Lacerations prior to your admission
If you are feeling unwell, it may be necessary to postpone your operation for your safety. If you develop a cold, infection or flu, or suffer an asthma attack prior to your admission to hospital please call our nursing team as soon as possible for further advice.
Confirm your arrival time
Sometimes you will receive a letter or phone call confirming your arrival time. If not, we ask our patients to call us the day prior to surgery to confirm their arrival time.
If you need to know a specific time earlier (perhaps to arrange transport or you are travelling from further away) please call to speak to one of our receptionists.
Pre-Admission with an Anaesthetist
During a pre-admission appointment, your Anaesthetist will discuss your medical history and the type of anaesthesia recommended for you. A nurse will also discuss your surgery with you and answer any questions you may have. If your Anaesthetist would like to see you prior to your day of surgery, we will contact you to confirm a time.
Medications
Discuss with your specialist any regular medications you are taking and bring all your usual medications in the original containers to hospital with you, including herbal and dietary supplements. A detailed list from your general practitioner will help our doctors chart the correct medications for you.
Continue to take your regular medications as prescribed on the day of surgery, unless your specialist or nurse has told you otherwise.
If you are taking Anticoagulants (e.g. Warfarin, Plavix, Persantin) your surgeon, anaesthetist or nurse should have given you specific instructions. If you have been advised to stop taking your anticoagulant medication and fail to do so, your surgery may be postponed.
Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs
Please avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs (other than your prescribed drugs) during the 24 hours prior to your admission.
The night before and on the day of your surgery
- Do not shave near where you will be having surgery. Shaving can irritate your skin and this may lead to infection.
- Wear warm clothes to the hospital. Keeping warm before surgery lowers your chance of getting an infection.
- Follow any special showering instructions (using medical soap) you were given. Otherwise please be sure to have a shower and wash your hair.
- Remove all make-up, nail polish, body piercings and jewellery. If applicable, you should leave your medic alert bracelet/pendant on.
Eating and drinking before surgery
When having surgery, your stomach must be empty and therefore it is very important to follow the fasting (no eating or drinking) guidelines in your admission letter.
Here are some general guidelines, but you will receive specific instructions from the hospital in your admission letter.
For morning admissions – Do not eat anything after midnight the night before. You may drink WATER up to two hours before your admission, then nothing.
For admissions from midday – You may have a light breakfast of 1 piece of toast and tea or coffee before 7.30am. You may drink WATER up to two hours before your admission, then nothing.
No chewing gum or sweets are allowed while you are fasting.
These instructions are for your safety and well-being – please follow them closely. If your surgeon or anaesthetist gives you other instructions, you must comply with them. Your operation may have to be postponed if you do not follow these guidelines.
Organise transport to and from hospital
If your operation involves general anaesthetic or sedation please arrange for someone to drive you to hospital.
If you do not have someone to call on, the following services may be of assistance:
St John’s Health Shuttle (03) 578 0797
Driving Miss Daisy (03) 579 3162
Make sure you have organised transport home on the day of your discharge as well.
Preparing for going home after surgery
The best time to plan what help you may need at home after your surgery is before you go to hospital.
Please arrange the necessary home supports as discussed with your surgeon or nurse. If you have any questions about your care at home, please call to discuss these with one of our nurses. If your surgery is covered by ACC, please discuss any home help or transport assistance with your ACC case manager prior to your hospital stay.
What to bring to hospital
- All your usual medications (including herbal and dietary supplements) in their original containers
- Glasses and physical aids (walking sticks, hearing aids, etc)
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- It is a good idea for children to bring their favourite toy or blanket
- Patients staying overnight should also bring:
- Suitable nightwear and dressing gown
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- And a refillable water bottle (if you have one)
Children
We encourage children to bring their favourite toy to hospital. A visit to look around the hospital the week before their surgery is also encouraged, so that they will be familiar with our hospital when they are admitted. As a parent or caregiver you may stay overnight with a child if you wish. Please contact our reception team prior to admission to arrange this.
During Your Stay
On Arrival
When you arrive you will be greeted at reception and shown to our waiting area or your private room.
A nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature and will also discuss any relevant medical information with you such as allergies, medications and medical history.
You will be asked to change into a theatre gown and you may be given ‘pre-medication’ tablets before going to the operating theatre. ‘Pre-medication’ is a tablet or tablets to relax you if you are nervous, or to help with your pain relief after the operation.
After surgery, the recovery-room staff will take care of you until you are ready to return to Churchill.
Prior to Surgery
Your nurse will accompany you to the pre-operating area in the theatre suite. You will have an opportunity to speak with your anaesthetist and surgeon before being taken through to the operating room.
After Surgery
Once back in your room or our day stay facility, our nurses will monitor your recovery from anaesthetic or sedation. You will also be offered something to eat and drink when it is appropriate to do so.
Visitors
Some visitor restrictions are in place while COVID-19 is in our community. Please read of COVID-19 Protections here.
We do ask that you show courtesy to other patients and nursing staff by limiting noise and the number of visitors present at any one time.
Contact Person
Your nurse will phone your contact person to let them know you are out of surgery and how you are doing. If your surgery was a day procedure, your contact person will also be advised when you will be ready to go home.
Discharge and Recovery
Your specialist, in consultation with you and our nursing team will decide when you are ready to be discharged from our care and back to the care of your GP or Specialist.
You will receive a discharge form which will outline the details of your operation and the requirements for your post-operative care. A copy will also be forwarded to your GP.
Overnight patients
If you have stayed overnight you will generally be able to leave by 10.00am on the day you are discharged. Your nurse will give you plenty of notice.
Care at home
If you had day surgery and have been discharged, you should arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure. We recommend that you rest and follow the instructions of your specialist and/or hospital staff.
In the first 24 hours following a general anaesthetic you should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery. You are also advised not to make any important decisions, sign any legal documents or drink alcohol.
Follow-up
In many cases your specialist will arrange a follow-up appointment within 1 – 6 weeks to review your progress or discuss results. If you have any problems before that appointment please contact your GP or specialist immediately.
Please ring your specialist or general practitioner if you require medical advice after your discharge.
Recovery Information
Your rights as a patient
We value your rights as a patient and we do our best to ensure all our patients are satisfied with the care and treatment they receive.
We uphold the Code of Health and Disability Consumer Rights when providing treatment to all our patients.
You can find more information on your rights by visiting the Health & Disability Commissions website or clicking here to view a video. Code of Health and Disability Consumer Rights videos | Health Navigator NZ
Our Services
Chaplains
We work with the Wairau Hospital’s inter-denominational chaplain. Please advise your nurse if you would like to access the Chaplain during your visit. You are also welcome to arrange a visit by a chaplain from your own faith.
Cultural Needs
Please let us know if you have any spiritual or cultural needs. Should the services of an interpreter be required, please let us know well in advance of your surgery to ensure that this is arranged. Unless your surgery is covered by ACC there is a cost for this service.
High Dependency Unit (HDU)
Because of our unique relationship with Wairau Hospital, we have access to HDU beds should our patients require this higher level of care following surgery.
Imaging
Our inpatient x-ray services are provided by Marlborough Medical Imaging. Operating from our premises, the team at Marlborough Medical Imaging also provide ultrasound and MRI appointments upon referral from a medical professional.
Maori Health Support
We work with Wairau Hospital’s Maori Health Team. Please advise your nurse if you would like a visit from a member of the team during your stay with us.
Meals
We partner with a local caterer to provide ur delicious and nutritious inpatient meals. Should you have special dietary needs please notify us prior to your visit (on your health questionnaire) so we can be sure to provide an appropriate meal choice for you. A selection of snacks and drinks are also available at any time.
Mobility Equipment
Many of your mobility equipment needs will be provided prior to discharge. This includes crutches, shower stools and raised toilet seats). Additional mobility equipment should be organised prior to surgery. Please discuss this with your surgeon or one of our nurses prior to your day of surgery.
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
Inpatient physiotherapy and occupational therapy services are provided through an agreement with the Wairau Hospital’s allied health team.
For some types of surgery (such as joint replacements) you will receive a form to complete prior to your surgery so an occupational therapist can assess your home equipment needs.
Quit Smoking
Our nursing team will be happy to discuss options and can put you in touch with a quit smoking counselor.
Payment of your account
ACC Patients
Churchill holds an elective surgical services contract with ACC. So, if you do require an operation as a result of an accident or injury, your surgeon will apply to ACC to approve the costs of surgery.
You will need written confirmation from ACC that the costs of your surgery have been approved prior to being booked at Churchill. If you don’t, the cost of the surgery may be your personal responsibility.
Health Insurance
If you are covered by health insurance please obtain a prior approval for your surgery from your insurance company. Your specialist will be able to provide you with an estimate.
Churchill Hospital is a member of the Southern Cross Affiliated Provider network. If you are a Southern Cross member, your specialist will let you know whether your procedure is covered under this contract. If it is, Churchill will take care of the pre-approval process for you.
If your insurer does not meet the full cost, you will be responsible for meeting the balance of payment due.
Private Payment
You will receive separate accounts from:
- Your surgeon
- Your anaesthetist
- Churchill Hospital
Payment by internet banking is preferred. Churchill also accepts EFTPOS, Visa and MasterCard.
Terms and Conditions of Payment
The following are our terms and conditions of payment:
- Churchill Hospital payment terms are one month following date of invoice.
- Any balance remaining unpaid one month after the date of invoice may be referred to a debt collection service.
- Any debt collection, legal or other costs incurred in the collection of outstanding amounts will be payable by you, the debtor.
- Any variation to these terms will be at the discretion of Churchill Hospital management.
If there is a delay with your insurance claim, or another reason that you are not able to pay your account within one month of the date of invoice, please ensure you contact us before the due date.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding your hospital account please discuss these with our accounts staff. Office hours for account payment are 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
