Pharmacy Department

What to expect when you bring your prescription to the hospital Pharmacy?

Our pharmacy dispenses prescriptions written by our hospital clinic doctors. When you visit, our team will:

• confirm your personal details (name, date of birth)
• check for any allergies
• ask about any other medications you are currently taking
• verify your Medicare card
• check your concession or pension card (if applicable)
• direct you to the cashier for payment before dispensing your medication

Prescription Charges

The cost of your medicines depends on whether you have a Medicare card and/or a concession or pension card. These charges are updated every year.

After making your payment, you will return to the pharmacy to collect your medications. Please note that we may not always be able to provide repeats on your prescription. The pharmacist will explain this when dispensing your medicine.

Patient Information and Support 

Our pharmacists are committed to ensuring you receive the right medication for you. We provide:

• guidance on how to use eye drops, ointments, and other medications
• written information about your prescribed medicines
• personalised advice—Ask for more information if you have any questions

What to expect from the pharmacist during your hospital stay

Our pharmacists work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff to ensure your medications are used safely and effectively while you are in hospital. A pharmacist will visit you on the ward to:

• review your medication history and document the medicines you take at home
• ensure your medication list is accurate and tailored to your needs
• supply any medicines required during your hospital stay
• provide information about any new or adjusted medications
• monitor for allergies or side effects
• communicate any medication changes to your family doctor and community pharmacy, if needed

Medication Use in Hospital

The hospital will supply your medicines during your stay. Do not use any of your own medicines while you are in hospital.  The nurse will safely store your own medications and return them to you on discharge.

If a medication looks different from what you usually take, speak to your nurse before taking it.

Do not forget to ask for your medicines before you go home.

Preparing to go home

Before going home, the pharmacist will:

• explain how to take your medications correctly
• answer any questions you may have
• provide written information about new medications, if required
• contact your local pharmacy or doctor regarding your treatment, if necessary
• generally, only new medications started in hospital are supplied upon discharge. Only a maximum of a 7-day supply will be provided. You will need to see your family doctor for continued supply.

It is essential that you are aware of any new medications that have been started, any medications that have been stopped, or any changes made to your treatment.

What medicines should I bring to hospital?

Please bring all the medicines you are currently taking. Including:

• prescription medicines
• vver-the-counter medications
• herbal and complementary medicines
• inhalers/creams/eyedrops 

Will I be charged for medications?

Inpatients: No charge for medicines used in the hospital if you have a Medicare card or are from a country with a healthcare agreement with Australia.

Outpatients: If you present a prescription from our hospital clinic, you will need to pay for your medicines. Our pharmacy staff will inform you of the cost.

What do I need to bring with me?

• Medicare card
• Concession or pension card (if you have one)
• all medications you are currently taking, in their original packaging