What to expect in the Emergency Department

We know that when there is a family emergency, finding your way to an Emergency Department (ED) and knowing what to expect when you arrive can be stressful! Let’s go behind-the-scenes at St John of God Murdoch Hospital to help you know what your ED visit will entail.

Colonoscopies: are they really that bad?

Colonoscopy. It’s the dreaded procedure that most over 50’s should be having on a regular basis but it can be uncomfortable to talk about and even worse to schedule into your diary. It’s important to remember that the team at Murdoch’s endoscopy suite undertake many colonoscopies every day and are here to make you feel …

Room Service meals arrive at Murdoch

Room Service is now a normal part of being an inpatient at St John of God Murdoch. Each patient can now order from a wide menu over the phone anytime between 6.30am and 8pm. Best of all, all meals, snacks and drinks are included in your hospital fee! Food and beverage is an integral part …

Advance Care Planning: Make your wishes known

What would happen if you had an accident or you suddenly became ill? Would your family know what kind of treatment you would want or how you would like to be cared for? Palliative Care Specialist Dr Alison White explains why advance care planning is important.

Looking after your orthopaedic health

In the St John of God Murdoch Hospital Emergency Department, our nurses and doctors commonly treat patients suffering with orthopaedic trauma.

Is dying painful? The truth about pain in the final stages of life

Many people fear that the process of dying is very painful, however new Australian research shows that our loved ones are not likely to suffer with severe pain at the end of life. A recent study of almost 19,000 Australian patients in the terminal phase of their illness, showed that more than 50% of patients …

Ear Infections in Children: When To Seek Help

Middle ear infections (otitis media) are a very common reason for parents taking their children to the GP.   Paediatric Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon Dr George Sim from Kids-ENT says it’s quite common for children to have one or two ear infections a year that are not severe. “Children are more susceptible to …

Have a say in your care

Did you know you can get involved in your care and the care of your loved ones in hospital? St John of God Murdoch Hospital is committed to providing a health service that is responsive to your needs. We believe that collaborating with you will help us provide care that is effective and appropriate. We have established a group, the Murdoch …

Welcome to Inside Health

Inside this issue you will find information about bowel cancer, a leading cause of death in developing countries, including Australia. You will read how you can reduce your risk, as well as what to expect if you are diagnosed with bowel cancer. You will hear from one of our orthopaedic surgeons about hip replacements and the importance of rehabilitation for recovery, as well …

Endoscopy

The Endoscopy Unit at St John of God Murdoch Hospital performs, on average, 240 procedures per week. Manager of the unit, Susan Scully, says the worst part of having a colonoscopy is done by the time you arrive at hospital. “Most people find the process of taking the bowel preparation fluid before their procedure unpleasant,” says Ms …