skip to content
Calvary Health Care Riverina

Our Care Team

Hospitals employ many people who are involved in the delivery of your care. At times it can be confusing knowing who is who, and who is doing what! While the list below will not cover all the people involved in the delivery of your care, hopefully it will help you recognise your care team and what it is they do.

Remember that all staff, either paid or volunteer, involved in your care are screened according to industry standards and are issued with a unique hospital identification badge which should be available for viewing on request

NURSING / AREA BASED

Nurse Unit Manager
The Nurse Unit Manager is the senior nurse managing the delivery of care in a defined area of the hospital. They direct the nursing, clerical and other ward staff in the delivery of care to the patients within that area.

Registered Nurse
Registered nurses provide your day to day nursing care.

They are generally assigned to a particular area of the hospital in which they have a specialised interest and develop speciality skills in how to care for various conditions. Nurses are assigned a group of patients to be responsible for throughout their shift. At the beginning of each shift your nurse will introduce him/herself and attend to your needs.

Enrolled Nurse
An enrolled nurse is an assistant to your ward nurse who is able to deliver certain aspects of your care under appropriate supervision.

Ward Clerks
Ward clerks attend to the clerical needs of an area such as supporting patient notes, filing, organising discharge requirements and generally supporting the clinical staff to enhance customer service.

Hospitality Services Staff
Hospitality Services staff are here to ensure your room and ward areas are kept clean, your meals are delivered and your dietary requirements met. Please contact your ward staff if you have any concerns regarding your room or if you require cleaning services outside of routine service hours. If you have any special dietary needs please discuss with your ward staff.

MEDICAL

Visiting Medical Officer (VMO), Consultant, Staff Specialist
During your stay your medical care will be directed by a senior doctor who has overall responsibility and who have obtained a level of expertise in their chosen specialty field. The name of your senior doctor should be written above your bed and will visit you during ward rounds.

SUPPORT STAFF

Dieticians
Good nutrition is essential for healing and recovery. Dieticians assess the nutritional needs of patients and ensure they are met. A dietician's service will be requested if required by your care team.

Healthcare Interpreter Service
The hospital is able to access free, confidential and professional interpreter services for patients who have difficulty understanding or communicating medical or other information in English. If you or your family would like to use this service please let ward staff know who can arrange an appointment to suit all persons who will need to be present. This may require the interpreter to be available via a telephone link only, with all other parties present.

Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists can help you regain your independence by providing practical support and assistance with everyday needs such as showering, dressing and cooking. This may require education on alternative ways of performing day to day tasks or advice on the type of equipment or home modifications that may assist you and or your carer to manage more safely and independently at home.

Pharmacists
Medication is an important part of most people's treatment. If you are unsure of what medication you should be taking, how to take it, how it works, or if you have problems remembering what to take, our pharmacist will be able to advise you. Please ask your ward staff to arrange a consultation.

Physiotherapists
Patients are generally referred to physiotherapy by the medical team for assessment and treatment. Physiotherapists treat a wide range of conditions and patients range from babies to the aged population. If treatment is necessary after you are discharged from hospital referral for continuation of this treatment either by your hospital physiotherapists or an external provider will be arranged prior to discharge.

Psychologists
Clinical psychologists provide confidential counselling for patients requiring support.

Radiographers / Sonographers
Radiographers & sonographers provide a wide range of imaging services. They use general radiography, computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound to obtain images to assist in the diagnosis and support the treatment of inpatients and outpatients.

Speech Pathologists
Communication or swallowing difficulties can occur as part of certain medical conditions. Speech Pathologists can help you regain independence in communicating with friends and family. They can also assist with difficulties in swallowing. Treatment is offered on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Pastoral Care
Our Pastoral Care staff are committed to supporting our patients and their families. We understand that admission to hospital can be a time when you might feel the need to talk to someone whose only concern is to listen to you and to help you work your way through your feelings.

return to menu