General information
Find out more about birth and parenting
Some ways to find out more information about birth and parenting are:
- Book-in and attend Antenatal Classes.
- Ask questions at your antenatal visits.
- Browse book shops and libraries for childbirth/parenting books that interest you.
Parenting websites:
www.raisingchildren.net.au
Your rights
Rights and responsibilities - what you should know as a patient
Your rights are:
- To receive free public hospital services as a public patient;
- To receive treatment on the basis of your health needs, regardless of your financial or health insurance status;
- To have access to public hospital services regardless of where you live in Australia;
- To be treated with respect, compassion and consideration of privacy which takes into account your background, needs and wishes;
- To participate fully in the decisions about your care including admission, discharge and arrangements for continuing care;
- To be given a clear explanation of the proposed treatment including risk and alternatives, before you decide whether you will agree to the treatment;
- To seek a second medical opinion;
- To give your informed consent (except in exceptional circumstances) before a procedure is carried out, including consent to participation in under- graduate health professional teaching or medical research;
- To withdraw your consent or refuse further treatment;
- To have access to information contained in your medical record;
- To expect that information about your hospital care will be confdential unless the law allows otherwise;
- To receive interpreter services if you are experiencing diffculty communicating with staff; and
- To commend health workers, to complain about your health care and/ or to be advised of the procedure for expressing concern about your care.
Your responsibilities
There are a number of things that you can do to help health workers provide better care for you. You should:
- Provide information that enables health care professionals to give you appropriate care and advice;
- Treat seriously any decision made in partnership with a health professional regarding your treatment;
- Comply with your prescribed treatment or tell your health care professional of your intention not to do so; and
- Conduct yourself in an appropriate way so as not to interfere with the well- being or rights of other patients or staff.
Patient medical records
You have the right to ask to see information about you retained by the THS, in accordance with the Right to Information Act 2009. A fee may be incurred if you require copies. Confidentiality of your records is required under the Privacy Act 1988. Confidential information including treatment details will not be released without your consent.
Open Disclosure
All THS hospitals respect this right, and are committed to improving the safety and quality of care we deliver. That’s why we have a policy of open disclosure for when things go wrong with the care we provide. Open disclosure assists patients when they are unintentionally harmed by their health care.
For further information visit the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website
Security
Any behaviour which disrupts the ability of our staff to fulfil their duty of care to patients will not be tolerated. It is also our right to be safe at work.
Should you, or your visitors, display such behaviour you/they may be asked to leave.
Consumer Liaison Feedback
If you are worried about anything to do with your hospital experience please feel free to let us know. By providing us with your valuable feedback we have the opportunity to continually improve the service we provide.
Inpatient Experience Survey
The THS also provides the opportunity for feedback through an inpatient experience survey available at your hospital.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and be safe
STOP FAMILY VIOLENCE It is a crime and help is available! Police Emergency for urgent help or reporting 000
Court Support & Liaison Service
For victims of family violence to access and understand the legal system Freecall 1300 663 773
Family Violence Response & Referral Line: Freecall 1800 633 937
Crisis Counselling: Freecall 1800 608 122
Court Support & Liaison Service For victims of family violence to access & understand the legal system: Freecall 1300 663 773
Emergency Shelters 24 hour Services - Women & Children
Launceston
Magnolia Place Womens Shelter: (03) 6344 5322
Karinya Young Womens shelter: (03) 6331 0774
Yemaya Womens Support Service: (03) 6334 0305
Young Mums & Bubs Support (03) 63 34 8403
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Launceston - Laurel House Sexual Assault Support Service
(03) 6334 2740
State-wide 1800 697 877
North West
Warawee Women’s Shelter (women and women with children): (03) 6425 1382
Oakleigh House (men, women and families) (03) 6431 5791
Youth, Family and Community Connections - Burnie Youth Accommodation Services (male and female 13-20 years) (03) 6431 9230
Youth, Family and Community Connections - Youth Crisis Accommodation Service (male and female 13-20 years): (03) 6424 7375
Wyndarra Centre Inc.: (03) 6452 1981
West Coast Crisis Accommodation and Referral Service: (03) 6471 4748 or 0409 197 031
All calls are treated in the strictest of confidence; if preferable you do not have to provide your name.
You can also speak with one of our Social Workers whilst accessing care at any stage.
Acknowledgements
Medical and Maternity staff at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Policy and Procedure Manuals at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Launceston General Hospital and North West Integrated Maternity Services (THS and NWPH)
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Thank you to our Tasmanian families who have shared their beautiful photos with us.
Thank you to our wonderful parents for allowing the THS to share part of their journey to parenthood.
Feedback
To provide feedback about your hospital visit, contact the hospital using the information below or complete the Department of Health's online feedback form
Hospital | Email / Form | Telephone |
---|---|---|
Launceston General Hospital | lghfeedback@ths.tas.gov.au LGH Consumer Feedback Form | 1800 008 001 |
Royal Hobart Hospital | complaints@ths.tas.gov.au | (03) 1800 811 911 |
North West Regional Hospital and Mersey Community Hospital | qualitynw@ths.tas.gov.au | 1800 062 322 |
A final word
We at THS Maternity Services wish your family all the best for a healthy future. If you have any questions, or suggestions for improving the services we provide, including this website, please discuss with your Midwife.
You are invited to also complete a feedback form, which can be provided for you in your area.