Our team includes:

Pharmacists who have expert knowledge about medicines including potential side effects, dosing and interactions between different drugs.

Pharmacy technicians who dispense medicines and make sure your medicines get to you when you need them. They also provide support to the Pharmacists.

Our store and administrative staff who manage our stock of medicines and ensure medications are available on the wards.

In addition to members of your healthcare team, we work in partnership with your general practitioner (GP), Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services and local pharmacies.

It is important to keep a list of ALL the medicines that you take (including prescriptions medicines, vitamins, creams, eye drops, inhalers, patches, injections) and bring this list with you when you come to hospital. It is important to always keep this list up to date.

If you don't have a list, bring all your medicines in a bag, including any herbal or over the counter medicines.

If you do bring your medicines with you, your nurse may take them from you and store them safely. Make sure they are returned to you when you leave hospital. If you have a relative or carer they could also take the medicines home for you.

If you are admitted into hospital you will be asked what medicines you take (do not be concerned if you are asked more than once during your stay, we need to check we have the correct information). This helps us to make sure you receive the correct medicine while you are in hospital and helps us identify any potential medicine related problems. Please let us know if any of your medicines have changed recently.

If you are allergic or sensitive to some medicines please let your doctor, pharmacist or one of the nurses know so we can document this in your medical record and make sure you are not given any of these medicines.

The nurses will give you your medicines while you are in hospital. Do not take your own medicines while you are in hospital unless your nurse or pharmacist tells you to.

While you are in hospital you may be given some new medicines to take and asked to stop taking some of the medicines you normally take. Your hospital doctors should always include you in these decisions and provide you with information about your treatment options.

When you leave hospital the pharmacy department will only give you a small supply of any new medicines and medicines where the amount you need to take has changed. It is best to make an appointment to see your GP within 5 days of leaving hospital so that you can get prescriptions for any ongoing or new medicines if you need them.

When you leave hospital your pharmacist, nurse or doctor will explain what medicines you will need to take when you go home, how to take them, how long to take them for and how to store them safely. A medicines list may also be provided, or you can ask for one.

Information leaflets are also available on each medicine to help you understand your medicines better. You can ask your nurse or doctor to contact the pharmacist if you have any questions about your medicines or would like more information.

If you want to see a pharmacist before you leave hospital, please ask the nursing staff to arrange for the pharmacist to visit you.

Medicine names can be confusing. The active ingredient is the name of the chemical in the medicine that makes it work. The brand name is the name given by the pharmaceutical company.  There may be quite a few brands of the same medicine. The medicine you receive in hospital may look different to the one you receive at home because the hospital keeps a different brand in stock.

During your hospital stay a pharmacist or doctor may visit and go through your medicines with you. They will ask about your medicines to understand what you take and how you actually take them. They may talk to you about suggestions to help taking your medicines easier and medicines which are not working may be stopped. It is also a time to talk about your medicines and ask questions. This is called a medicines review. For more information, see this fact sheet. 

When you leave hospital it is important to let your GP, community pharmacist and other health professionals know if any changes were made to your medicines while you were in hospital. If you were given a medicines list when you left hospital take it with you when you go to your GP and community pharmacist so that they can update their records. If you no longer need to take a certain medicine then take any you still have at home to your local pharmacy to be destroyed.

If you need advice once you are at home, you can talk to your local pharmacist, or phone the hospital pharmacy.

Healthdirect - 1800 022 222

Healthdirect is a health information service in Australia. It offers online health information and advice.

MotherSafe - 9382 6539 (Sydney Metropolitan Area)  1800 647 848 (Non-Metropolitan Area)

Mothersafe is a free telephone service, based at the Royal Hospital for Women. It provides a counselling service for women concerned about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

NPS Medicines Line – 1300 633424

NPS Medicines Line is a telephone service providing information on medicines. When you call you will speak with an experienced registered nurse. Your question may be answered on the spot, or you may be referred to your GP or pharmacist, or another health professional.

Poisons Information Centre -131126

The Poisons Information Centre provides the latest information on poisons. You can ring 24 hours a day.

Staying Safe with Your Medicines

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Our team includes:

Pharmacists who have expert knowledge about medicines including potential side effects, dosing and interactions between different drugs.

Pharmacy technicians who dispense medicines and make sure your medicines get to you when you need them. They also provide support to the Pharmacists.

Our store and administrative staff who manage our stock of medicines and ensure medications are available on the wards.

In addition to members of your healthcare team, we work in partnership with your general practitioner (GP), Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services and local pharmacies.

It is important to keep a list of ALL the medicines that you take (including prescriptions medicines, vitamins, creams, eye drops, inhalers, patches, injections) and bring this list with you when you come to hospital. It is important to always keep this list up to date.

If you don't have a list, bring all your medicines in a bag, including any herbal or over the counter medicines.

If you do bring your medicines with you, your nurse may take them from you and store them safely. Make sure they are returned to you when you leave hospital. If you have a relative or carer they could also take the medicines home for you.

If you are admitted into hospital you will be asked what medicines you take (do not be concerned if you are asked more than once during your stay, we need to check we have the correct information). This helps us to make sure you receive the correct medicine while you are in hospital and helps us identify any potential medicine related problems. Please let us know if any of your medicines have changed recently.

If you are allergic or sensitive to some medicines please let your doctor, pharmacist or one of the nurses know so we can document this in your medical record and make sure you are not given any of these medicines.

The nurses will give you your medicines while you are in hospital. Do not take your own medicines while you are in hospital unless your nurse or pharmacist tells you to.

While you are in hospital you may be given some new medicines to take and asked to stop taking some of the medicines you normally take. Your hospital doctors should always include you in these decisions and provide you with information about your treatment options.

When you leave hospital the pharmacy department will only give you a small supply of any new medicines and medicines where the amount you need to take has changed. It is best to make an appointment to see your GP within 5 days of leaving hospital so that you can get prescriptions for any ongoing or new medicines if you need them.

When you leave hospital your pharmacist, nurse or doctor will explain what medicines you will need to take when you go home, how to take them, how long to take them for and how to store them safely. A medicines list may also be provided, or you can ask for one.

Information leaflets are also available on each medicine to help you understand your medicines better. You can ask your nurse or doctor to contact the pharmacist if you have any questions about your medicines or would like more information.

If you want to see a pharmacist before you leave hospital, please ask the nursing staff to arrange for the pharmacist to visit you.

Medicine names can be confusing. The active ingredient is the name of the chemical in the medicine that makes it work. The brand name is the name given by the pharmaceutical company.  There may be quite a few brands of the same medicine. The medicine you receive in hospital may look different to the one you receive at home because the hospital keeps a different brand in stock.

During your hospital stay a pharmacist or doctor may visit and go through your medicines with you. They will ask about your medicines to understand what you take and how you actually take them. They may talk to you about suggestions to help taking your medicines easier and medicines which are not working may be stopped. It is also a time to talk about your medicines and ask questions. This is called a medicines review. For more information, see this fact sheet. 

When you leave hospital it is important to let your GP, community pharmacist and other health professionals know if any changes were made to your medicines while you were in hospital. If you were given a medicines list when you left hospital take it with you when you go to your GP and community pharmacist so that they can update their records. If you no longer need to take a certain medicine then take any you still have at home to your local pharmacy to be destroyed.

If you need advice once you are at home, you can talk to your local pharmacist, or phone the hospital pharmacy.

Healthdirect - 1800 022 222

Healthdirect is a health information service in Australia. It offers online health information and advice.

MotherSafe - 9382 6539 (Sydney Metropolitan Area)  1800 647 848 (Non-Metropolitan Area)

Mothersafe is a free telephone service, based at the Royal Hospital for Women. It provides a counselling service for women concerned about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

NPS Medicines Line – 1300 633424

NPS Medicines Line is a telephone service providing information on medicines. When you call you will speak with an experienced registered nurse. Your question may be answered on the spot, or you may be referred to your GP or pharmacist, or another health professional.

Poisons Information Centre -131126

The Poisons Information Centre provides the latest information on poisons. You can ring 24 hours a day.

Staying Safe with Your Medicines

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Our team includes:

• Medical Director and Registrar (Doctor in training): The Doctor will monitor your health and treatment plan until you are better or referred to another service.
• Registered Nurses: Our nurses will visit you regularly to give you your medicine and other treatments. 
• Physiotherapists: The physiotherapists will explain what exercises you need to do after you have had surgery.
• Occupational Therapists:  The Occupational Therapist will provide equipment and advice on how to stay safe at home after you have had surgery.
• Administrative staff: Our administration staff answer the phone and can help with any questions you may have.

We work closely with your local general practitioner (GP) the staff at Prince of Wales Hospital and other doctors who may refer you to our service.

Our nurses will visit every day depending on your treatment plan. They will also visit you on weekends and public holidays. The nurses will provide all the medical equipment that is needed. They will talk to your GP and our doctor about your progress and discuss with them any concerns they may have. Our doctor will visit to check your progress and will decide when you no longer need to use our services.

Who is eligible to use our services?

• People over the age of 16 years who have an infection and need antibiotics to be directly injected into a vein. 
• People over the age of 60 years who need rehabilitation support after surgery.
• You must live in the suburbs that are covered by our service. To find out if you are eligible please contact our office.

How to make an appointment for a visit

If you have an infection your GP will ring our doctor to discuss your treatment needs. If it is decided that you need antibiotics to be injected directly into a vein you will receive a call from the nurse to organise the visit. 

If you need rehabilitation at home you or your GP can contact us to discuss your needs.

What time are the visits?

We usually visit between 7.00am and 2.00pm. If our nurses need to visit outside these times we will let you know.

What happens if I have an appointment and will not be available for the visit?

If you are not available for an appointment please talk with your nurse or contact our office a few days beforehand so we can make alternative arrangements.

If you need antibiotics, our doctor will organise these.  You will need to organise your regular medicines with your GP.

Our nursing service is available 24 hours a day. You will be given a phone number to contact us if you feel unwell.  If you are very unwell please go to the Emergency Department.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Prince of Wales Hospital is a teaching hospital and you may be asked for your permission for a student to be present during the visits. You have the right to say no.  If you do so, this will not influence the treatment or services available to you.

Our team includes:

• Medical Director and Registrar (Doctor in training): The Doctor will monitor your health and treatment plan until you are better or referred to another service.
• Registered Nurses: Our nurses will visit you regularly to give you your medicine and other treatments. 
• Physiotherapists: The physiotherapists will explain what exercises you need to do after you have had surgery.
• Occupational Therapists:  The Occupational Therapist will provide equipment and advice on how to stay safe at home after you have had surgery.
• Administrative staff: Our administration staff answer the phone and can help with any questions you may have.

We work closely with your local general practitioner (GP) the staff at Prince of Wales Hospital and other doctors who may refer you to our service.

Our nurses will visit every day depending on your treatment plan. They will also visit you on weekends and public holidays. The nurses will provide all the medical equipment that is needed. They will talk to your GP and our doctor about your progress and discuss with them any concerns they may have. Our doctor will visit to check your progress and will decide when you no longer need to use our services.

Who is eligible to use our services?

• People over the age of 16 years who have an infection and need antibiotics to be directly injected into a vein. 
• People over the age of 60 years who need rehabilitation support after surgery.
• You must live in the suburbs that are covered by our service. To find out if you are eligible please contact our office.

How to make an appointment for a visit

If you have an infection your GP will ring our doctor to discuss your treatment needs. If it is decided that you need antibiotics to be injected directly into a vein you will receive a call from the nurse to organise the visit. 

If you need rehabilitation at home you or your GP can contact us to discuss your needs.

What time are the visits?

We usually visit between 7.00am and 2.00pm. If our nurses need to visit outside these times we will let you know.

What happens if I have an appointment and will not be available for the visit?

If you are not available for an appointment please talk with your nurse or contact our office a few days beforehand so we can make alternative arrangements.

If you need antibiotics, our doctor will organise these.  You will need to organise your regular medicines with your GP.

Our nursing service is available 24 hours a day. You will be given a phone number to contact us if you feel unwell.  If you are very unwell please go to the Emergency Department.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Prince of Wales Hospital is a teaching hospital and you may be asked for your permission for a student to be present during the visits. You have the right to say no.  If you do so, this will not influence the treatment or services available to you.

Our team includes:

• Medical Director and Registrar (Doctor in training): The Doctor will monitor your health and treatment plan until you are better or referred to another service.
• Registered Nurses: Our nurses will visit you regularly to give you your medicine and other treatments. 
• Physiotherapists: The physiotherapists will explain what exercises you need to do after you have had surgery.
• Occupational Therapists:  The Occupational Therapist will provide equipment and advice on how to stay safe at home after you have had surgery.
• Administrative staff: Our administration staff answer the phone and can help with any questions you may have.

We work closely with your local general practitioner (GP) the staff at Prince of Wales Hospital and other doctors who may refer you to our service.

Our nurses will visit every day depending on your treatment plan. They will also visit you on weekends and public holidays. The nurses will provide all the medical equipment that is needed. They will talk to your GP and our doctor about your progress and discuss with them any concerns they may have. Our doctor will visit to check your progress and will decide when you no longer need to use our services.

Who is eligible to use our services?

• People over the age of 16 years who have an infection and need antibiotics to be directly injected into a vein. 
• People over the age of 60 years who need rehabilitation support after surgery.
• You must live in the suburbs that are covered by our service. To find out if you are eligible please contact our office.

How to make an appointment for a visit

If you have an infection your GP will ring our doctor to discuss your treatment needs. If it is decided that you need antibiotics to be injected directly into a vein you will receive a call from the nurse to organise the visit. 

If you need rehabilitation at home you or your GP can contact us to discuss your needs.

What time are the visits?

We usually visit between 7.00am and 2.00pm. If our nurses need to visit outside these times we will let you know.

What happens if I have an appointment and will not be available for the visit?

If you are not available for an appointment please talk with your nurse or contact our office a few days beforehand so we can make alternative arrangements.

If you need antibiotics, our doctor will organise these.  You will need to organise your regular medicines with your GP.

Our nursing service is available 24 hours a day. You will be given a phone number to contact us if you feel unwell.  If you are very unwell please go to the Emergency Department.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Prince of Wales Hospital is a teaching hospital and you may be asked for your permission for a student to be present during the visits. You have the right to say no.  If you do so, this will not influence the treatment or services available to you.

We care for people who have a long-term lung or heart condition including people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, other lung conditions and heart failure. We also care for people who have lung surgery.

We are specialist physiotherapists who provide you with a comprehensive assessment and personalised plan to improve your breathing, fatigue, physical abilities and quality of life.

We work with a team of medical specialists, nurses and other health professionals, including a psychologist and speech pathologist, to help you better manage your lung and heart condition.

We provide a comprehensive initial assessment with a physiotherapist at the hospital followed by an 8-week supervised exercise training program.  This can occur either in a gymnasium or in a hydrotherapy pool, at home with a physiotherapist, or at home using computer technology. We also provide ongoing exercise groups which you can attend after completing the initial 8-week program, and a social and support group.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program? 

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor. You can refer yourself to our program.  A letter explaining your medical history, relevant test results and what medicines you are taking is always helpful.

How do I make an appointment?

If you would like to refer yourself to our program or need to change or cancel an appointment please call 9382 2851. This program is in high demand so there may be a 3-4 month waiting period before you can attend. We will tell you the approximate waiting time when you first contact our staff. 

Can I choose the day and time I attend the hospital for my appointment/s?

Your first appointment time is flexible. However, the exercise programs run on weekdays at set times. 

How often do I need to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program?

If you join the program, you will be expected to participate in exercise training and education sessions twice a week for 8 weeks.

What should I bring

Please wear flat, enclosed shoes and loose comfortable clothing suitable for exercise.

Please bring a list of your current medicines and reading glasses (should you need them) to your first appointment.

Please bring a water bottle.

You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you.

What if I can’t exercise because of my other health conditions?

Our physiotherapists are specialists in prescribing exercise to suit each individual person, and we can modify your exercise program to take into account any other health issues you may have.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment or exercise sessions. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Lung Foundation Australia 

We care for people who have a long-term lung or heart condition including people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, other lung conditions and heart failure. We also care for people who have lung surgery.

We are specialist physiotherapists who provide you with a comprehensive assessment and personalised plan to improve your breathing, fatigue, physical abilities and quality of life.

We work with a team of medical specialists, nurses and other health professionals, including a psychologist and speech pathologist, to help you better manage your lung and heart condition.

We provide a comprehensive initial assessment with a physiotherapist at the hospital followed by an 8-week supervised exercise training program.  This can occur either in a gymnasium or in a hydrotherapy pool, at home with a physiotherapist, or at home using computer technology. We also provide ongoing exercise groups which you can attend after completing the initial 8-week program, and a social and support group.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program? 

No, you do not need a referral from your doctor. You can refer yourself to our program.  A letter explaining your medical history, relevant test results and what medicines you are taking is always helpful.

How do I make an appointment?

If you would like to refer yourself to our program or need to change or cancel an appointment please call 9382 2851. This program is in high demand so there may be a 3-4 month waiting period before you can attend. We will tell you the approximate waiting time when you first contact our staff. 

Can I choose the day and time I attend the hospital for my appointment/s?

Your first appointment time is flexible. However, the exercise programs run on weekdays at set times. 

How often do I need to attend the pulmonary and heart failure rehabilitation program?

If you join the program, you will be expected to participate in exercise training and education sessions twice a week for 8 weeks.

What should I bring

Please wear flat, enclosed shoes and loose comfortable clothing suitable for exercise.

Please bring a list of your current medicines and reading glasses (should you need them) to your first appointment.

Please bring a water bottle.

You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you.

What if I can’t exercise because of my other health conditions?

Our physiotherapists are specialists in prescribing exercise to suit each individual person, and we can modify your exercise program to take into account any other health issues you may have.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment or exercise sessions. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Lung Foundation Australia