Your Stay with Us
Before you arrive
Ensure you bring the following items:
- Relevant documents, including your medical card and details of any private health insurance.
- The name, address and contact number of your next of kin.
- All current medications, including herbal and over-the-counter medicines, so we have a complete picture of your medication history.
- Nightwear, a dressing gown and appropriate non-slip footwear or slippers.
- Any mobility aids you might need, such as a walking stick, crutches, a frame or a wheelchair.
Elective admissions
- Your consultant or GP has arranged your admission, so we will be expecting you. When you arrive, please go directly to the reception desk. From there, you will be guided to admissions and then directed to the appropriate department or ward for your treatment.
- We will provide you with an individual patient identification wristband, which you must wear at all times during your stay in the hospital.
- If you are unable to attend on the scheduled day, please inform us as early as possible by calling the admissions office at (01) 221 4643/4445/4266.
- In the unlikely event of a delay to your elective admission, we will contact you as early as possible to reschedule.
Before certain treatments and procedures, such as surgery, anesthesia and the use of blood products, we require your consent. Your consultant will explain the procedure in detail, including the risks and benefits, as part of the consent process. We encourage you to actively participate in your care plan and to ask any questions you may have, including the expected length of stay and your anticipated discharge date.
Discharge
We will begin planning your discharge with you and your family from the time you are admitted.
Your medical team will discuss and agree on a predicted discharge date with you, which will be reviewed throughout your stay. They will also go over your treatment plan and arrange any necessary follow-up care.
Before you leave, we will ensure your GP receives your discharge letter and provide you with any prescriptions you need. If you require a medical certificate, please inform the staff as soon as possible so it can be prepared for your discharge day.
Please arrange for a family member, friend or relative to pick you up before 11:00 on your discharge day. Please note that you will be transferred to the discharge lounge at 07:00 to help free up beds for incoming patients.
Make sure you have the following before you leave:
- House keys and appropriate clothes for leaving the hospital, including shoes, a coat and outdoor clothing.
- Your prescription for medication.
- All your personal belongings.
Patient safety
During your stay, you may feel unsteady on your feet due to a medical or surgical condition or treatment. To reduce the risk of falls, please use the call bell provided in your room if you need assistance. Additionally, ask friends or family to bring any supportive shoes, glasses or walking aids you may need.
To ensure your safety throughout your stay, please:
- Wear your patient identification wristband at all times.
- Inform us if you have any food or medication allergies.
- Notify a nurse if you are leaving the ward, even for a short period.
- Avoid bringing large sums of money, jewellery or expensive electronic items, as we cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged property.
- Do not use aerosols within the hospital.
Protected meal times
Nutrition is an important part of your treatment and you should expect to eat your meals without interruption. Meal times are as follows:
- Breakfast: 08.00
- Mid-morning snack: 10.00
- Lunch: 12.00 – 13.30
- Teatime: 16.45
- Evening snack: 19.00 – 20.45
At St. Vincent’s University Hospital, our menus are carefully designed to offer a varied and balanced diet. We accommodate patients with food allergies and specific dietary requirements. If you have particular dietary needs, please inform our nursing or catering staff.
We implement a rigorous *Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) programme to prioritise food safety, quality and nutritional value. We encourage all our patients to consume only food provided by our Catering Department during their hospital stay. This ensures adherence to strict monitoring and safety guidelines, reducing health risks for both the patient and others.
Our team of dietitians collaborates closely with the healthcare team to deliver nutritional care to patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. In a hospital setting, malnutrition can hinder healing and recovery, potentially prolonging hospital stays. Learn more about malnutrition, its prevention and who is at risk by exploring our frequently asked questions.