Private Hospital Care

The facts, the misconceptions and the questions to ask

Most of us come into the world in a maternity hospital, and with good genes and more good habits than bad, we may be lucky enough to avoid going into a public hospital for ‘repair or routine maintenance’. Near life’s end, however, hospital care for even our most basic needs may be unavoidable.

Nowadays, public hospitals no longer include long-stay geriatric units, so most high dependency hospital care is delivered by private hospitals. Private hospital care may be the only option left for respite or ‘end of life’ care once a patient has been discharged from a public hospital or a hospice.

One of the main differences between private and public hospital care is that private hospitals generally have in-house nurses with doctors on-call, compared with the 24/7 teams of doctors and nurses which staff public hospitals.

Private hospital patients are almost always immobile and/or suffering from dementia, and families often have the expectation that in-house physiotherapy and other medical treatments will restore their loved one back to general good health.

However, one private hospital owner explains that “families often don’t understand that someone coming into a private hospital is not likely to get a lot better simply because their needs are too high.”

“They may improve a little, or even enough to be moved to less dependent rest home care, but most often their high needs that brought them here in the first place means that this may be their final ‘home’.

“Our priority is to do everything we can to keep what function patients have for as long as possible.

”Very occasionally a patient may improve enough to go home with support.  Nowadays, public hospitals no longer include long-stay geriatric units, so most high dependency hospital care is delivered by private hospitals. Private hospital care may be the only option left for respite or ‘end of life’ care once a patient has been discharged from a public hospital or a hospice.

One of the main differences between private and public hospital care is that private hospitals generally have in-house nurses with doctors on-call, compared with the 24/7 teams of doctors and nurses which staff public hospitals.

Private hospital patients are almost always immobile and/or suffering from dementia, and families often have the expectation that in-house physiotherapy and other medical treatments will restore their loved one back to general good health.

However, one private hospital owner explains that “families often don’t understand that someone coming into a private hospital is not likely to get a lot better simply because their needs are too high.”

“They may improve a little, or even enough to be moved to less dependent rest home care, but most often their high needs that brought them here in the first place means that this may be their final ‘home’.

“Our priority is to do everything we can to keep what function patients have for as long as possible.

”Very occasionally a patient may improve enough to go home with support.

“For some people the only thing we can do for them is to meet their care needs and allow them to finish their lives in dignity and peace surrounded by their loved ones. Everyone would like to believe that they can pass away in their own home, and sometimes we can even get them back home in time too.”

Finding the best hospital for your needs

Visit several private hospitals if time is on your side. Ask questions, compare answers and assess what is best for you and your family member.

Staffing

What is the ratio of nurses to patients? How accessible is the contract doctor during the day and after-hours? Check that you can retain your own GP and, if he or she is willing, can you afford to pay for after-hours visits?

Facilities

Does the hospital provide appropriate equipment? Are wheelchairs and walkers allocated for those with special needs? Can you bring your own walker or wheelchair? Remember that every licensed private hospital will be required to have handrails. Every private hospital should have hoists in keeping with policies to safeguard staff and patients against strain. Are there overnight facilities for family in a crisis?

Social and spiritual

Will I have to pay for group entertainment and outings, or is this included? Can I bring my cat, my dog or my caged bird to live with me? Is there a chaplain assigned? Can my own church Minister visit me as needed? Is an interpreter available?

The feel good factor

What other services are available? For example, is there a podiatrist? How often does a hairdresser call? Is there music therapy? Arts and crafts activities? A library service? Is there music therapy or regular entertainment?