Going into hospital can be a stressful experience, which is why Clinix Health Group makes every effort to ensure that our patients know exactly what the process entails. At the end of the day, being prepared makes all the difference.

Below you will find a detailed explanation of what to expect, what you should and shouldn't bring with you and how to best prepare children, if they are being admitted.

Clinix is committed to making the entire process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

PRE-ADMISSION

Most of our hospitals offer a pre-admission process. This involves getting authorisation from your medical aid and capturing some of your details. This speeds up the admission process on the day the patient is admitted and ensures there are no hiccups, delays or problems. We encourage all our maternity patients to go through the pre-admission process 2 months prior to their expected delivery date.

ADMISSION

Your doctor will provide you with the details of the day and time you need to arrive at the hospital. On arrival, you must go to the Reception first. If this is your first time at the hospital, you will need to fill in an Admission Form. If you have been before, your details will be checked on the system and updated if necessary.

You will also be required to produce a copy of your medical aid card as well as your ID. When you have been admitted, you will be escorted to the ward. If a wheelchair is required, please ask at Reception and they will provide one for you.

WHAT YOU MUST BRING

The admission process cannot take place without the following items:

Your medical aid membership card and ID
The main member of the medical aid and the patient must both bring their ID or passport.

Any x-rays, blood tests or other medical documents that are relevant to the condition for which you are being admitted to hospital.

Any medication you are currently taking

Please wear comfortable clothing and remove all nail polish before being admitted to the hospital.

EMERGENCY PATIENTS ADMISSION

An Emergency goes straight to Casualty where the patient with or without medical aid or available funds is stabilized and checked in or taken to a provincial hospital.

If family members are present, they will be required to go to Reception and complete an Admission Form on behalf of the patient. If it's an emergency referral from the Doctors rooms to the ward, the Reception Clerk will take down the patient's details at casualty or escort them to the ward where their details will be taken. If possible please inform the Admission Clerk of any medication the patient is taking.

Please note that Clinix Selby Park Hospital does not have Emergency Ward or Casualty.

PATIENTS UNDER 18

Children from the age of 12 can sign for their own consent. Parents/guardians will however have to sign responsibility for the account.

Preparing your child

A hospital environment can be a scary and unsettling place for children. We strongly advise parents to explain to their children why they are going to hospital, for example a check-up or assessment, a medical procedure, operation or treatment.

You should start telling your child about their trip to the hospital a few days or a week before admission. Answer any questions your child may have about the procedure to the best of your ability, keeping the language simple and easy to explain, e.g. - instead of using a term such as "put to sleep" when talking about anaesthesia, you can talk about receiving a special sleeping medicine.

Our staff will help you in any way possible, and answer any questions you or your child may have. We will work with you to make your child's stay as pleasant and as positive as possible. Please help us do this by bringing your child's favourite toy or teddy bear with for comfort.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Cell phones, jewellery, credit cards, contact lenses or any other valuables. Only a small amount of money should be brought with you and kept at your bedside.

Although we try our best to prevent the loss of valuables, we cannot be held responsible for any losses that occur during your stay with us.

No firearms are allowed on the premises. Should you be carrying a firearm, please hand this in at the main security office for safekeeping.

BEING DISCHARGED

Patients may be required to complete certain documentation provided by the ward staff. In addition, you will get a quick questionnaire to fill out from the hospital's client liason officer. This gives you the opportunity to provide us with honest feedback on your experience and stay.

Depending on which hospital you are at, you will either receive your take home medication at the ward or will be required to pick it up from the on-site pharmacy.

The patient is expected to go to reception and sign out where, on settling your account, you will be discharged.If required, transport can be arranged.