The Transit Lounge

What is the Transit Lounge?

The Transit Lounge is an area where patients:

• Can comfortably wait before attending their specialist clinic appointment
• Can wait before being discharged from the hospital
• From Emergency and Specialist Clinics (Outpatients) who have been admitted by a medical team can wait for a ward bed to become available. These patients can have therapies started by our dedicated team of skilled nurses and support staff.

Who we are

The Transit Lounge is staffed by a dedicated team of skilled nurses and support staff that includes:

• Registered nurse
• Enrolled nurse
• Clinical assistant

What we do

We accommodate patients ready for discharge but who are awaiting final wound dressings, allied health reviews, delivery of test results, or supply, education and administration of medications.

Clinical reviews are conducted in the Transit Lounge and intravenous medication can be administered up until 4pm.

Patients being discharged from the RMH commonly come to the Transit Lounge to wait for:

• Discharge medications to be dispensed
• Last doses of IV medications to be given
• Family or other transport means to arrive

What you will find in the Transit Lounge

The open plan area is fully equipped with:

• 7 trolleys with individual TV viewing, oxygen and suction
• 9 recliners with TV viewing
• Wheelchair spaces
• Seating for patients and relatives
• Isolation room
• Consultation room
• Tea and coffee facilities
• 3 accessible toilets
• Bariatric toilet and shower
• Lunch available for patients from wards with lengthy waits for departure

Medications

The Transit Lounge has a dedicated pharmacist who will liaise with your ward pharmacist and dispense any medication you may need after your hospital stay.

Our pharmacist will also give you comprehensive information about any new medications you may have to take, and answer any questions you may have.

During busier periods, it can take up to one hour to receive your discharge medications.

Pickup and drop-off parking

Call the Transit Lounge to find out the easiest way to collect patients.

Assistance getting to and from the hospital

For information on getting to the RMH Parkville, see:

• Public transport around the RMH Parkville
• Parking near the RMH Parkville

Non-Emergency Patient Transport

Non-Emergency Patient Transport (NEPT) is provided to patients who need clinical monitoring, care or supervision during transport, but do not require an emergency ambulance.

These patients will:

• require the use of specialised medical equipment contained within the vehicle
• require the clinical skill levels and qualifications of the staff in the vehicle
• have an illness or a disability that makes it impractical to use any other form of transport - for example, severe immobility or disorientation

Booking NEPT

NEPT must booked by an authorised health professional. Patients cannot book NEPT.

Authorised health professionals must contact the Transit Lounge at least one week before the patient's appointment so we can assess your application to use the NEPT service.

Going home

Medical transport will be arranged for patients with clinical needs, or taxi services can be organised at the patient’s expense.

It’s essential for your family members or caregivers to plan for your return home before your discharge. We recommend doing this on admission to ensure a smooth transition from our care back to your home.

Please collaborate with your family or caregivers to make the necessary arrangements so you can be discharged on the scheduled date and time.