Infection Control
Infection prevention and management at Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital involves provision of up-to-date policies, procedures and guidelines to facilitate safe work practices for all staff and consumers of our health care services. Our policies reflect the current Ministry of Health policy and other statutory documents and promote best practice.
The facility has a full time infection control clinical nurse consultant to coordinate the infection prevention and management program.
This program consists of
- A comprehensive infection control manual that provides an up-to-date resource for all staff
- Regular infection control meetings attended by a multidisciplinary team to review issues relating to infection prevention and management
- Coordination and evaluation of quality monitoring activities relating to infection
- Orientation program for all new staff
- In-service and education program for all staff
- Participation in policy review and development at a local, Area Health Service and state level
- Active involvement and participation in the review, development and lecture content of the post registration courses conducted at the hospital
-33.870718427652, 151.21054172516
Theatres and operating suites
Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital is a tertiary referral centre for ophthalmology and hand surgery. Our modern equipment and enthusiastic team allow us to provide high quality health care to a wide community.
The hospital's operating suite consists of a six theatre complex with a 12 bed Recovery Unit, Endoscopy Unit and Theatre Sterile Supply Unit.
Surgical specialties undertaken in the operating suite include ophthalmology surgery in three dedicated eye theatres, hand, general, orthopaedic, ear, nose and throat surgery and endoscopic procedures.
Elective surgery encompassing all specialties takes place Monday - Friday, with 24 hour emergency cover provided seven days a week.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
Elective surgery encompassing all specialties takes place Monday - Friday
24 hour emergency cover provided seven days a week.
-33.8684884, 151.2124807
Pharmacy Department
Our pharmacy department provides a full service to all the patients of Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital outpatient clinics and wards.
What this service does
The pharmacy is located in the Centre Block opposite the Emergency Department. We provide a full service to the patients admitted on the wards. For example, a review of medicines and making sure they are safe. We also supply medications to patients that attend the Outpatients Clinics.
Pharmacy Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
Opening hours
Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
-33.8688197, 151.2092955
What happens when you bring your prescription to the pharmacy?
The pharmacy can dispense prescriptions written in the hospital’s clinics by our doctors.
When you come to the pharmacy with you prescription we will need to:
- Confirm your details (name, date of birth)
- Check your allergies
- Ask you some more questions about other medicines you may be taking
- Check your Medicare Card
- Check your concession card / pension card (if you have one)
- Send you to the cashier to pay for your medicine
Prescription Charges
You will need to pay for the medicines we supply to you. The cost depends on if you have a Medicare and a concession or pension card. This cost changes every year.
You will be given a receipt to take to the cashier with your payment. Once you have paid you can return to the pharmacy to collect your medicines.
Please note that we are not always able to give you the repeats on your prescription. The pharmacist will explain this to you when they hand you your medicine.
Patient Information
We do our best to make sure the medicine you receive is correct and safe for you. We will also help you understand how to use eye drops and eye ointments or other medicines. We can also give you written advice on your medicines.
Please make sure you ask for more information if you need it.
What to expect from the pharmacist when you are in hospital
The pharmacist helps all patients that come to the hospital with their medicines. They work with nurses, doctors and other staff, to make sure all medicines are used safely in the hospital.
The pharmacist will come and see you on the ward. They will ask you about the medicines you take at home. They will make sure all the medicines you take at home are written down for the doctors and nurses.
The pharmacist will supply the medicines you need while in hospital. You may get new medicines when you are in hospital. The pharmacist will give you advice on any new or changed medicine.
The pharmacist will ask you about allergies and side effects to medications. They will look at the list of medicines you are having every day and make sure these are helping you.
The pharmacist may work with your family doctor and your regular pharmacy. They can inform them of any changes to your medicines.
If you have any questions on your medicines please ask to speak to the pharmacist. You can tell the nurse that you would like to speak to them.
Taking medicines when you are in the hospital
You will be given the hospital’s medicines during your stay.
Do not take any of your own medicines while you are in hospital. The nurse will store your medicines in a safe place. They will be given back to you when you go home.
Your nurse will prepare and give you your medicines when you are in hospital. If you think that the medicine the nurse is giving you looks different to what you usually take, talk to the nurse before taking it.
Do not forget to ask for your medicines before you go home.
Going home from hospital
Before you go home, the pharmacist will explain how to take your medicines. The pharmacist will:
• Answer any questions you may have about your medicines
• Give you advice on how they work and any side effects
• Give you written advice about the new medicine if you need it
• Sometimes they may need contact your local pharmacist and family doctor before you go home
Usually, only new medicines that were started in hospital will be supplied when you go home. Up to 5 days’ supply is given. You will need to see your family doctor to get prescriptions for more supply.
It is very important that you know what new medicines have been started, what medicines have been stopped or any changes to your treatment.
What medicines should I bring to hospital?
Bring all of your medicines with you. This includes prescription medicines and those you have bought without a prescription (includes herbal and alternative medicines).
Will I be charged for medications?
There is no charge for medicines used when you are an inpatient and have a Medicare card. There is no charge if you are from a country with a health care agreement with Australia.
If you present to the pharmacy with a prescription from the outpatient clinic you will be charged for the medicine. The pharmacy staff will let you know what those charges are.
What do I need to bring with me?
- Medicare card
- Concession or pension card (if you have one)
- All the medicines you are taking at home. Please bring the original boxes
Eye Surgery (1 East)
How we can help you (What we do)
1 East is the Ophthalmology (Eye) inpatient ward located in the Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital. We provide specialist nursing care that involves medical and surgical care for all ophthalmic patients who present with complex eye conditions.
Our ward is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who we care for?
We care for any patients with complex eye conditions. We have cared for a wide range of people of all ages. This includes caring for adults and children.
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital: (02) 9382 7111
Nurse Unit Manager Phone number: (02) 9382 7116
Visiting hours: 10am-8pm
-33.8681622, 151.2122224
- Dedicated nurses who have specialist knowledge and experience that assist in delivering high quality care to all our patients
- Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) and registrars (doctors in training for Ophthalmology)
- Resident Medical Officers or Junior Medical Officers are the doctors who attend to your medical admission when you come to the hospital and discuss your care
- Social Workers are part of the team who provide counselling and practical support services to our patients, family members and carers
- Orthoptists will assist in vision assessments, investigations and testing
- The ward pharmacist helps to provide a full clinical pharmacy service to all inpatients. The pharmacy department helps supply medication needed for all inpatients and inpatients for discharge
- Clerical staff assist with your admission process, and can answer questions you may have in regards to Medicare and private health insurance
We work with Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital clinical nurse consultants and educators in ophthalmology (eyes) and hands.We also work in partnership with your local doctor, hospitals in other health districts and community nursing organisations.
What time can I be expected to be discharged home by?
The ward has a discharge time of 10.00 am.
Does the ward have Wi-Fi?
The hospital’s Wi-Fi It is not available for patients' use at this time.
Do I need someone to take me home after I am discharged?
It is recommended that you do have someone to assist you to take you home.
If I come to hospital by ambulance, will an ambulance take me home?
Once you are in the ward, talk to your nurse about how you are planning to get home. The earlier that transport home is organised, whether by car or train or bus, the safer and quicker your discharge home will be.
As a private patient will I get a single room?
Single rooms are typically given to those who need to be isolated, children or patients who are unwell. If it is possible, private patients will be allocated a single room, but may need to move into a shared room if another patient requires a single room.
Do I need to bring my medications to hospital?
Yes, please bring all your medication with you. Medications include all eye drops you are currently using.
Can I have a community nurse to assist with eye drops at home?
Discuss this with your nurse on arrival to the ward. A large number of Local Health Services Community Nurse Programs do not provide instillation of eye drops as part of the nurses’ service. Ask the ward nurses to teach you how to instil your drops or check your technique of drop instillation.
Ward 1 East is located on the eastern side of the Clinical Services Building, level 1.
Here are instructions to help you find the ward:
- Enter via the main hospital foyer
- Take the lift to level 1 and turn left as you exit the lift
- Turn left again and walk straight down the hallway
- Ask the staff at the nurses' station for assistance
Transport Information line
For information about connections, destinations and timetables for government buses, trains and ferries in and around Sydney, telephone 13 15 00. Check the NSW Transport Trip planner website http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/tripplanner/index.html
- Train: Martin Place station is directly opposite the hospital and St James station is at the end of Macquarie Street.
- Bus: Bus No. 200 stops directly opposite the hospital in Macquarie Street.
- Ferries: Circular Quay ferry terminal is 10 minutes walk from the hospital.
Ward 1 East is located on level 1 in the Clinical Services Building. This is a 29 bed unit specifically designed to manage and provide care for patients with complex eye conditions.
Our ward accepts admissions via Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital Emergency Department, transfers from outside facilities, or through referrals from private ophthalmic consultant’s rooms. Patients are also admitted to the ward for elective surgery.
On-site parking is available through METRO parking. The entrance is off hospital road.
Concessional parking rates are also available if appropriate, for additional information about parking please contact either the Nurse Unit Manager or nursing staff on the ward. There is also metered parking along hospital road, but it may be costly.
For short periods of time of 5-15 minutes, there is a pick up and drop off zone where escorts are allowed to park in the turning circle on hospital grounds while collecting patients.
1 East staff provides care for a complete range of ophthalmic medical and surgical procedures. There are sub-specialities covering every aspect of ophthalmic treatment, for example, cornea, retinal procedures, glaucoma and ocular plastic surgery.
For some ophthalmic patients, their care may be managed by two separate teams. Quality care will be delivered to patients on this ward, as all teams come together to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home.
| Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital | 9382 7111 |
| 1 East Ward | 9382 7126 |
| Nurse Unit Manager | 9382 7116 |
Our visiting hours are from 10am to 8pm every day including weekends. Flexible visiting hours can be arranged in consultation with nursing staff.
We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present on your journey in Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital.
You have the right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we provide.
Professional interpreters are available and are free of charge if you require assistance in understanding the procedure.
While a family member or relative may be with you, all treatment including the consent, should be through a professional interpreter.
If you require an interpreter to contact us; please call the Translating Interpreter service on 131450.
Orthoptics Department
Who are we?
Orthoptists work as part of an eye care team at the Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital.
The Orthoptist:
- tests and diagnoses eye movement problems
- treats eye movement problems without having to have surgery
What we do
Orthoptists provide a service for both adults and children. They have experience in eye movement disorders and assessing vision.
The orthoptist can:
- diagnose eye movement conditions;
- provide treatment that does not involve surgery;
- help with rehabiliation of some eye conditions.
Orthoptists work with eye doctors to aid in the diagnosis and management of eye diseases and visual problems.
Orthoptists provide a service for patients in the following areas:
- vision and eye movement testing of babies and children
- check the development of vision
- treats reduced vision (amblyopia) in children caused by eye movement problems
- diagnosis, treatment and management of eye movement and vision problems
- visual field testing
- diagnostic testing for eye disease including glaucoma, cataract and retinal diseases
Who we care for
Orthoptists care for patients of all ages, from a few weeks old to the elderly.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
Opening hours 8am-4.30pm Monday - Friday
Location: Eastern end of the Clinical Services Building, Ground floor
-33.8681622, 151.2122224
How can an orthoptist help me?
The treatment the orthoptist will offer includes: eye patches, eye exercises, prisms or glasses. They will also help you understand your eye condition. They will teach you ways on how to work around your vision, or eye difficulties.
What do I need to bring to my Visual Field appointment?
- bring your most current reading and distance glasses
- a list of any medication that you are taking
- if you have problems understanding English, we can organise an interpreter for you
What is amblyopia?
Amblyopia is a reduction in the vision of one or both eyes due to an interruption to the normal visual development that may occur in the during a child’s visual development. It is important to treat amblyopia, before age seven to gain the best improvement.
What is strabismus/squint?
Strabismus (squint, turn or lazy eye) refers to the problems in the movement of the eyes causing your eyes to look in different directions. A squint may prevent the eyes from working together as a pair (binocular vision) and in some cases can affect eye sight in children.
Can you help me with my double vision?
Diplopia (double vision) can occur for many different reasons, including damage to the nerves that supply the eye muscles and problems with the eye muscles themselves, trauma to the eye muscles just to name a few. Often temporary prisms are fitted to the glasses to relieve diplopia (prism therapy). The orthoptist monitors the prism therapy as diplopia often changes and can improve in some cases.
How do I clean my prism?
Prisms need to be removed from glasses to be cleaned. To clean use warm soapy water then rise the prism with water. Whilst still damp place the smooth side of the prism of the inside of the glasses lens, press the prism down and push out the air bubbles. Allow prism to air dry / dry with kitchen towel. To prevent scratching the prism do not use harsh abrasives or lens cleaner.
What do I do if my double vision has become worse or changed?
If your double vision changes i.e. separation of double image increases, or direction of double vision changes then please contact us or attend the emergency department.
Day Procedure Unit
How we can help you (what we do)
The Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Day Procedure Unit provides admissions for elective and emergency surgery for eyes, hands, endoscopy, and gastroscopy patients within the Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD).
The service is Monday to Friday and is located on the first floor of Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital Clinical Services Block.
Who we care for
The Day Procedure Unit provides care for all patients who are presenting to SSEH for a surgical procedure.
What to expect
For elective surgery you will receive a letter from the booking office confirming your date of surgery with a telephone number to call SSEH nursing staff the day before surgery. The time of surgery will be confirmed with the nursing staff along with a discussion of your general health, medications and fasting requirements.
Ideally before your surgery date you will attend your local Doctor for pre-operative tests such as blood tests, ECG, chest x-ray and advice with current medications. You may be contacted by a Clinical Nurse Consultant who may direct you to a pre admission clinic.
If you are going home the same day as your surgery an escort is required to be organised by you or a family member. You will have been given an anaesthetic and are unable to travel alone. You will be given an appointment date to follow up with your doctor after your surgery. The nursing staff will provide you with comprehensive post operation instructions for your care.
Do you need an interpreter?
Professional interpreters are available and are free of charge if you require assistance in understanding the procedure. While a family member or relative may be with you, all treatment including the consent should be through a professional interpreter. If you require an interpreter to contact us; please call the Translating Interpreter service on 131450.
Research, training and education
We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present on your journey in Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital. You have the right to say no. If you do so this will not impact in any way on the services we provide.
Sydney, NSW, 2001
Day Procedure Unit (02) 93827088
Day Procedure Unit Nurse Unit Manager (02) 93827554
Perioperative Nurse Manager (02) 93827101
Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 7.30pm.
-33.8681622, 151.2122224
How long will my surgery be?
This will depend on the type of surgery you are having. As a general rule allow 2 hours from the time you are transferred to the operating suite to transfer back to the ward.
When will I stop eating and drinking?
You will be advised by nursing staff the afternoon before surgery the time to commence fasting.
What time will I go to surgery?
After consultation with the doctors the theatre list order is prepared. We have morning and afternoon surgery and depending when the surgeon is operating will be where you are placed.
How long will I have to stay after surgery?
Depending on the type of anaesthetic you have it can be as little as 30 minutes after being returned to the ward or as long as 4 hours if a general anaesthetic is given.
Do you need an interpreter?
Professional interpreters are available and are free of charge if you require assistance in understanding the procedure. While a family member or relative may be with you, all treatment including the consent should be through a professional interpreter. If you require an interpreter to contact us; please call the Translating Interpreter service on 131450.
The Day Procedure Unit (1 WEST) is located on Level one of the Clinical Services Building, Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital. Enter via the main hospital foyer, take the lift to level one and turn left as you exit the lift then turn right. Please check in with the clerical staff on arrival.
On-site parking is available through METRO parking. The entrance is off hospital road. For additional information about parking please contact either the Nurse Unit Manager or nursing staff in the Day Procedure Unit. There is also metered parking along hospital road. For short periods of time of 5-15 min, escorts are allowed to park in the turning circle on hospital grounds while collecting patients.
Info line:
For information about connections, destinations and timetables for government buses, trains and ferries in and around Sydney, telephone 13 15 00. OR check the NSW Transport Trip planner website http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/tripplanner/index.html
Train: Martin Place station is directly opposite the hospital and St James station is at the end of Macquarie Street.
Bus: Bus No. 200 stops directly opposite the hospital in Macquarie Street.
Ferries: Circular Quay ferry terminal is 10 minutes walk from the hospital.
We work in partnership with your local Doctor, hospitals in other health districts, community nursing organisations. We also work with SSEH clinical nurse consultants/educators in ophthalmology (eyes) and hands.
The service is a Day Procedure Unit that is open Monday to Friday. The unit conducts admissions prior to transfer to the operating suite. Admissions are for patients having surgery on the day and returning home the same day or for patients staying overnight that are then transferred to an inpatient ward after surgery. Admissions may be elective, emergencies, from specialists’ rooms, via the hand clinic or transferred from another health facility.
The Day Procedure unit comprises of:
- Dedicated Surgical Specialists, registrars and residents who are available to speak with you in the Day Procedure Unit prior to your surgery to address any concerns you may have.
- Nurse unit manager who is responsible for the management of the unit and available Monday to Friday business hours.
- Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses dedicated to quality patient care that will prepare you for your surgery and answer any questions regarding your operation.
- Administration staff will assist you with the admission process and answers any questions you may have about Medicare and private health insurance.
- Ancillary staff that assist with transferring of patients to and from theatre.