Finding your way around a hospital

Whether you are going to hospital for surgery, tests, or to visit someone, finding your way around a hospital can be challenging. The different department names and services may use unfamiliar words and descriptions. Getting to know your hospital’s layout and the names of common hospital departments can help make your trip to the hospital easier.

Before your hospital stay

• Visit the hospital’s website for a map and department locations
• Call the hospital for directions
• Use a pre-admission pack if provided
• Attend a pre-admission assessment if required
• Use the opportunity to learn the hospital layout and department names
• The Department of Health has a list of all Victorian public hospitals with links to their websites
• The MyHospitals website provides information on all Australian public hospitals

Hospital maps

• Check the hospital’s website for an online map
• Some hospitals provide orientation videos
• Ask staff at the information or reception desk for directions or a brochure with a map

Navigating your way around hospital

• Some hospitals use colour-coded navigation systems on the floor
• Look for signs in prominent places

Non-medical services in larger hospitals

• Café
• Florist
• Newsagency
• Vending machines
• ATMs
• Chapel and prayer rooms or ‘sacred spaces’
• Information desk
• Mail box
• Public telephones
• Pharmacy
• Public toilets

Who to ask for directions

• Staff at the reception or information desk
• Volunteers
• Ward administration or nurse’s station (for patient locations)
• Your nurse or other medical staff (if admitted)
• Hospital porters (for patient transport within hospital)

Where to get help

• Hospital staff
• Your hospital’s website