Grafton and Maclean Hospitals recently identified that they needed to update their patient information books. These contain information about:
- the hospital and the services it provides
- patient care information
- general information
- health insurance
- rights and responsibilities as a patient
- how patients can be involved in their health care.
Step 1
The Quality and Risk Management Committee organised for these books to undergo review. They were first sent to staff to update any details about services or programs offered at both sites. This included Executive, Nurse Unit Managers, the Health Liaison Coordinator, the Community and Allied Health Manager, the Infection Prevention and Control Clinical Nurse Specialist, Reception staff (Community and Allied Health, Mental Health Service, Drug and Alcohol Clinic), Patient Bookings and Aboriginal Liaison Officers.
Step 2
The Health Literacy Officer then reviewed the language and structure of the books to fit with health literacy recommendations.
Contact the Health Literacy Officer if you would like help reviewing resources.
Alternatively, use the resources in the Written Communication section to update or make your own resources that meet health literacy standards.
Step 3
Next, consumer feedback was gathered.
- Grafton and Maclean Hospitals’ patients and their carers, family and friends were asked for feedback, using this form.
- Grafton Base Hospital held a community forum which was open for anyone to attend. This forum featured a presentation by the General Manger about both Grafton Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital services and upcoming plans. The Health Literacy Officer then presented ‘Tips for taking charge of your health’ and a My Health Record information session. Consumer representatives and the Community Engagement Officer then talked about how the community could be involved with the health service. The Quality and Risk Management Committee consumer representative then presented the patient information books and asked for feedback, via group discussion at the forum, or through a feedback form.
Step 4
The feedback was tabled and any changes that were made were recorded. The books were then sent to the printery.
The Quality and Risk Manager said this process greatly improved the patient information books from the original versions and was worth the effort.
These books are available in hard copy at the patient bedside. They will also be available to download from the Northern NSW Health Public Website and by scanning a barcode available on the hard-copy books or on information posters throughout the hospitals.
Northern NSW Health Literacy Project acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands across our region and pays respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise these lands were never ceded and acknowledge the continuation of culture and connection to land, sky and sea. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and honour the rich diversity of the world’s oldest living cultures.