You know yourself, or the person you care about, the best.
We encourage patients, carers and family members to let us know when ‘something isn’t right’.
Please tell us if you are worried about your condition, or the condition of a family member or friend.
Here’s how to ask for help:
- Talk to your nurse or doctor about your concern.
- If you are still worried after this discussion, ask for a ‘clinical review’. This should take place within 30 minutes and is usually attended to by the person in charge of the ward.
- If you are still worried, make a REACH call.
What is REACH?
REACH is another way for patients and carers to ask for help while in hospital.
What happens when I make a REACH call?
Making a REACH call will mean your condition (or that of the patient you called about) is re-assessed within 15 minutes by an experienced clinical person.
They will assess your situation, provide advice or escalate your concerns, and keep you informed.
This assessment may take place over the phone or in person.
Making a complaint
** Please note that the REACH process is for escalating clinical deterioration - it is not a complaints process.**
To make a complaint or provide feedback, please visit Compliments and Complaints or ask staff for a Compliments and Complaints brochure.
How do I make a REACH call?
You can make a REACH call by:
1. Making a phone call from your mobile phone (not all hospitals provide this option)
OR
2. Telling your nurse, doctor or nurse unit manager that you would like to make a REACH call. They will provide you with a number and access to a phone.
AND
3. When making the call, please state that you are making a REACH call, your name or the name of the patient, and the ward and bed number if known.
Use the following numbers and brochures to help you make a REACH call:
Bulli Hospital
Coledale Hospital
David Berry Hospital
Milton-Ulladulla Hospital
From a ward phone: 9179
Resources: Adult poster/ brochure
Port Kembla Hospital
Shellharbour Hospital
Shoalhaven Hospital
From a mobile: 4423 9738
From a ward phone: 60 9738
Resources:
Wollongong Hospital
From a mobile: 4222 5000
From a ward phone: 222
Reosurces: