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Calvary Health Care ACT

Our Care Team

Hospitals employ many people who are involved in the delivery of your care. At times it can be confusing knowing who is who, and who is doing what! While the list below will not cover all the people involved in the delivery of your care, hopefully it will help you recognise your care team and what it is they do.

Remember that all staff, either paid or volunteer, involved in your care are screened according to industry standards and are issued with a unique hospital identification badge which should be available for viewing on request

Nursing/Area Based

Clinical Nurse Manager
The Clinical Nurse Manager is the senior nurse managing the delivery of care in a defined area of the hospital. They direct the nursing, clerical and other ward staff in the delivery of care to the patients within that area. Uniform; Red top and navy blue skirt/shorts or slacks.

Ward Nurse
Ward nurses provide your day to day nursing care. They are generally assigned to a particular area of the hospital in which they have a specialised interest and develop speciality skills in how to care for various conditions. Nurses are assigned a group of patients to be responsible for throughout their shift. At the beginning of each shift your nurse will introduce him/herself and attend to your needs. Uniform; Light navy shirt and navy skirt/shorts or slacks.

Enrolled Nurse
An enrolled nurse is an assistant to your ward nurse who is able to deliver certain aspects of your care under appropriate supervision. Uniform; Light navy shirt with blue piping and navy skirt/shorts or slacks.

Ward Support Officers
Wards Support Officers assist in the delivery of your care by providing helpful assistance to nursing staff for any transportation, lifting, general ward duties or errands that are required. Ward Support Officers also provide important security assistance should those services be required. Uniform; Light blue shirt and navy shorts or slacks.

Ward Clerks
Ward clerks attend to the clerical needs of an area such as supporting patient notes, filing, organising discharge requirements and generally supporting the clinical nurse manager. Uniform; Navy and white striped shirt and navy skirt/shorts or slacks.

Cleaning Staff
Staff are contracted to ensure your room and ward areas are kept clean. Please contact your ward staff if you have any concerns regarding your room or if you require cleaning services outside of routine service hours. Uniform; Black and red shirt, slacks.

Medical

Visiting Medical Officer (VMO), Consultant, Staff Specialist
During your stay your medical care will be directed by a senior doctor who has overall responsibility and who have obtained a basic level of expertise in their chosen specialty field.. The name of your senior doctor should be written above your bed and will visit you during ward rounds. No uniform.

Registrar
The registrar is a senior hospital staff doctor who is training or has a special interest in a particular area of medicine. The registrar is responsible for your day to day medical care and ensuring the directives of your consultant are carried out. Should you or your family/carer have any questions regarding your medical care or treatment plan please ask your registrar. No uniform.

Junior Medical Officer
The junior medical officer or JMO is a junior hospital staff doctor who is receiving general training following completion of a primary medical degree. Their role is to support the registrar in the organisation and delivery of your care. No uniform.

Support Staff

Dieticians
Good nutrition is essential for healing and recovery. Dieticians assess the nutritional needs of patients and ensure they are met.

Healthcare Interpreter Service
The hospital is able to access free, confidential and professional interpreter services for patients who have difficulty understanding or communicating medical or other information in English. If you or your family would like to use this service please let ward staff know who can arrange an appointment to suit all persons who will need to be present. This may require the interpreter to be available via a telephone link only, with all other parties present.

Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists can help you regain your independence by providing practical support and assistance with everyday needs such as showering, dressing and cooking. This may require education on alternative ways of performing day to day tasks or advice on the type of equipment or home modifications that may assist you and or your carer to manage more safely and independently at home.

Pharmacists
Medication is an important part of most people's treatment. If you are unsure of what medication you should be taking, how to take it, how it works, or if you have problems remembering what to take, your ward pharmacist will be able to advise you. Please ask your ward staff to arrange a consultation.

Physiotherapists
Patients are generally referred to physiotherapy by the medical team for assessment and treatment. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions and patients range from babies to the aged population. If treatment is necessary after you are discharged from hospital referral for continuation of this treatment either by hospital physiotherapists or an external provider should be arranged prior to discharge.

Psychologists
The hospital's clinical psychologists provide confidential counselling for patients requiring support.

Radiographers/Sonographers
Radiographers & sonographers provide a wide range of imaging services. They use general radiography, computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound to obtain images to assist in the diagnosis and support the treatment of inpatients and outpatients.

Social Workers
A hospital visit can be stressful and may raise practical and emotional concerns. Social workers can provide counselling and support services, assistance with discharge planning, give advice about welfare services and refer you to a range of community support agencies such as housing and Meals on Wheels.

Speech Pathologists
Communication or swallowing difficulties can occur as part of certain medical conditions. Speech Pathologists can help you regain independence in communicating with friends and family. They can also assist with difficulties in swallowing. Treatment is offered on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

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