Our medical and nursing staff must know if you are taking medications, both prescribed or purchased by yourself. Bring them to the ward with you. We also need to know if you’ve suffered allergies or bad reactions from previous medication. Find out more about how you can take an active role in medication safety while you're in hospital.

New medications started during your stay:

• Will be supplied by the hospital for the time you are here
• If needed, an ongoing supply will be prescribed at discharge.

For existing medications:

• If your dosage changes, but medication remains same, your own medications may be relabelled with new instructions.
• If a medication that you usually take is discontinued during your stay and, with your consent, the medication will be properly disposed of.

Will my own medications be used during my stay?

In some cases, it may be best to use your own medications. These include:

• Where your regular medication is not related to the reason for your admission
• Where the hospital does not stock or supply these medications.

We advise you to speak with you doctor, pharmacist or nurse about your medications.  You could ask:

• What is the medication supposed to do?
• How do I take the medication?
• How long do I keep taking it?
• Are there foods, drinks and other medications that I should avoid?
• What if I miss a dose?
• Are there any side effects and what should I do if they occur?
• What is the storage requirement for this medication?

Prescribed medicines information

You will be given  information about medications prescribed for you or any changes that have been made.

A pharmacist may also provide you with written information, such as:

• A medications list of all your medications, and why and when you are taking them
• Consumer Medication Information (CMI) sheet provided by the manufacturer to help you understand your medication and how to take them.

Some medications can only be obtained through a hospital pharmacy. We recommend you check with a pharmacist before leaving the hospital. We will let you know if you can have it dispensed by your community pharmacy. This is often preferable as it ensures that your usual pharmacist knows about any new or changed medications.

Cost of medications

Medication supplied at discharge, or as an outpatient, will be charged for in most circumstances. You will be provided an invoice with your supply, which is payable directly to Gold Coast Health Pharmacies.
Special arrangements are in place for some patient groups. To find out if you are eligible, please speak to the pharmacist.

Medicare eligible

If you are a Medicare eligible patient, the medications supplied during your admission do not incur a fee.
For medications supplied at discharge, or as an outpatient, you will be charged an amount that is the same as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment for each item.

Non-Medicare patients 

Non-Medicare patients (ineligible patients) will be charged the full price for all medications dispensed through the pharmacy. Health insurance may help to cover some of these costs.

Reciprocal healthcare agreement and international students

Special entitlements and costs apply to visitors from countries that have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia. These agreements may vary and you should ask a pharmacist about what costs will be applied in your own circumstances.

Similarly, special arrangements apply to international students, depending on which country they are from. Please enquire with the pharmacy.