Concerns about your care

Our hospital staff are trained to provide the very best care. This includes recognising when a patient’s condition is deteriorating while in hospital.

However, there may be times when you notice a change in your condition, or that of a loved one before we do. If something does not feel or look right, please let us know as soon as possible.

When should I speak up?

Talk to our staff about a sudden and unexpected change in your own condition or that of a loved one. Changes to look out for include:

• pain
• a racing heart
• difficulty breathing
• feeling faint
• feeling hot or cold
• feeling unusually drowsy and/or confused
• feeling worried and/or anxious.

What will staff do?

Our staff will listen to your concerns and assess you or your loved one’s condition.

If needed, they may speak with a more senior nurse or doctor to address your concerns.

If you ever need help urgently, use the call bell.

This gets ward staff to the room immediately.

The following information is provided to guide you through the steps so you will know how to get help when you are worried about a patient’s condition worsening, not doing as well as expected, or not improving despite treatment.

Step 1 – Raise your concerns with a staff member

Tell your nurse or doctor “I’m worried about….”

They will listen to your concerns and perform an assessment, and consider if further tests or treatment are required. In many cases they may be able to help you resolve your concerns. Our nurses and doctors are trained to recognise deterioration and have access to support when needed.

Step 2 – If you are still worried, tell staff again

A senior doctor or nurse will be asked to review you or your loved one’s condition within 30 minutes.

Step 3 – If you are still worried, keep talking with us

Senior staff will speak with your senior doctor to address your concerns.  

At any time you can ask for a Medical Emergency Response call or dial 1800 111 333 to escalate your concerns.

Patient concerns about care information leaflets – multiple languages

Download our information leaflets that outline what to do if you are concerned about sudden changes in a patient’s medical condition. If you have concerns about other aspects of care, please talk to your senior nurse or doctor. 

• If you are worried we’re listening flyer – Simplified Chinese – 12.23
• If you are worried we’re listening flyer – Greek – 09.22
• If you are worried we’re listening flyer – Italian – 12.23
• If you are worried we’re listening flyer – Vietnamese – 12.23
• If you are worried we’re listening flyer – Arabic – 09.22
• If you are worried we’re listening flyer – Dari – 09.22

You can also seek independent advice by contacting the Consumer Experience team:

Telephone: (08) 7074 1377
Email: HealthCALHNConsumerExperience@sa.gov.au

or you can find the team at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Level 3, 3A477 (adjacent the main entrance).