Coming to hospital

You should inform medical and nursing staff of any allergies you may have to antibiotics, medications or types of food as soon as possible, even before you are admitted to hospital.

If you have an allergy, we will give you coloured wrist and ankle bands to wear. We will also record alerts in your medical record.

What matters to you, matters to us. For more information about how we will work with you to keep you safe while you’re in hospital go to Your safety is our priority.

Need to change or cancel your appointment? You can use our online form or call us.

If you are coming to hospital for a day procedure or an overnight (or longer) stay, you should wear comfortable clothes, such as pants or a tracksuit that is easy to put on and take off. Shoes should be comfortable, closed with firm gripping soles.

Open-back slippers and thongs are not suitable, potentially dangerous for you and are strongly discouraged.

Certain types of appointments or procedures might need you to wear particular clothing or footwear. Staff will advise you about this when you make your appointment.

You can download our handbook for people travelling from country Victoria or interstate.

Do you need to stay at a hotel, motel or apartment while a loved one is in hospital or you are receiving treatment?

Interpreters can help you by phone or in person.

We know it's important that your local doctor or GP is kept informed about your condition.

When you are in hospital, each day you or your carers can choose what you will eat from an electronic menu.

When you come to hospital, bring your medicines with you, including non-prescription or complementary therapy medicines.

Construction of the Metro Tunnel may cause some delays for you coming to or leaving the hospital.

Over time, demand for our specialists clinics has increased, so we have a process for managing appointments.

The Australian Government has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with the governments of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, The Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Slovenia, Malta* and Italy*.

Don't bring germs in - don't take germs home.

When you come to the RMH, you can choose to be treated as a private or public patient.

The RMH aims to provide the best possible health services and care.

The Transit Lounge welcomes ward patients awaiting discharge or day procedure and outpatient appointments.

We are committed to caring for you, so we cannot be responsible for your valuables.

We are on a journey to enhance the experience of our LGBTIQA+ patients, consumers and visitors.

Not sure what to bring with you? We can help you.

Advance Care Planning is about making plans for your future now in case you are not able to make decisions for yourself later on.

Unfortunately, up to 95% of healthcare workers have experienced verbal or physical assault. At The Royal Melbourne Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care to our patients and consumers, but to do this, we need to ensure the safety of the people who provide that care.

Patients may not drink alcohol or use drugs on hospital premises unless prescribed by medical staff.

There is an ATM at the RMH City Campus.

Each bedside console has a call button.

In some circumstances, a patient’s behaviour may become challenging or difficult due to the symptoms of their condition.

You have the right to determine what is done to your body.

Some patients may go home on day leave, or carers can come into the ward to practice the activities needed to care for the patient at home.

Don't forget to bring your dentures, glasses, hearing or walking aids when you come to hospital.

We use an electronic medical record (EMR) to improve the way we deliver patient care. Our EMR is shared by the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Family and friends can call Patient Enquiries and ask to speak to ward staff to find out about your condition.

Our staff are fully trained in fire and emergency procedures.

We have free guest wireless internet (Wi-Fi) access - search for the "MH-Guest" network.

Quick and easy access to your hospital information

What will the hospital room be like?

We ask patients to wear identification bands so you can be easily identified and we can ensure you receive the right treatment and care.

Your family and friends know you better than we do.

We aim to involve patients in decisions about their care.

Our Justice of the Peace service is currently not available.

Inner Melbourne Community Legal provides free legal advice for patients.

If you lose a personal item while you are here, report the loss to staff as soon as possible.

For your safety, we need a detailed knowledge of all the medicines you are taking (including those purchased from health food shops, supermarkets or over the counter in pharmacies).

While you are in hospital, our staff will regularly check your ability to sit, stand and walk.

Sometimes things can go wrong in hospital.

The Mooroop Wa-Lam-Buk Garden at the RMH City campus is a relaxing and welcoming outdoor garden for our patients, staff and visitors to escape the hospital environment.

Patient bedside whiteboards are located near each bed. They are used by patients, families and our staff to ask and share information during a patient's hospital stay.

If you are in hospital for a longer stay, your risk of getting a blood clot in your leg or your lung is much higher than usual.

You can fall over in hospital due to the unfamiliar environment, when you are feeling unwell or when you are on certain medications.

Pressure injuries (bed sores) are areas of damage to the skin or underlying tissue, caused by lying in one place for too long or your skin rubbing against another surface.

Maintaining your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information is important to us.

We welcome your feedback as it helps us improve our services.

Family or friends sometimes take photos or videos of patients during their hospital stay, however there are some important factors you should consider before taking any photos or videos in hospital.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital is a tertiary teaching hospital with a long and proud commitment to providing quality educational experiences for our future health care providers.

Pay phones are located in the lift foyers on most levels of the hospital and in most wards.

You can bring battery-operated radios and music players to use while you are here.

We aim to keep your residential care facility informed about you.

There are some restrictions on visiting the Royal Melbourne Hospital due to COVID-19.

Our dedicated volunteers complement the treatment of healthcare professionals by providing warmth and friendship to patients, and their family and friends.

You can do your own washing at Royal Park.

Who do you want us to contact?

Your safety is our priority. We want to work with you to keep you safe while you’re in hospital.

During your stay in hospital, you will be cared for by a team of health professionals and support staff.

We have a retail pharmacy (chemist) in our retail precinct.

You can help us to improve the care we provide by becoming part of the RMH Consumer Register.

Our Hospital in the Home (HITH) service provides hospital level care for patients in their home environment.

Do you need a medical certificate?

During your care, your doctor gives information to you and you can request information from them as you need it.

When you leave, take your medicines as prescribed, to make sure you recover well.

We can help you work out how to modify your home so you can get around more easily.

We work with you and your family to set goals for what you want to achieve from your stay in hospital.

Sometimes people need to attend a specialist clinic for a check-up, specialist treatment or ongoing care at the hospital.

We welcome your feedback as it helps us improve our services.

Do you need longer term care at home or in a residential care facility?

Do you need longer term care at home or in a residential care facility?

Providing care and restorative services to older people.

The death of someone close to you can be very distressing. Add to that the responsibility for making funeral arrangements and putting the person’s affairs in order and the experience can feel quite overwhelming.