Getting to The Alfred

Parking may be something you’ve never considered before but the move to an adult hospital comes with the expectation that you may need to travel there by yourself. 

Driving

http://www.alfredhealth.org.au/patients-families-friends/before-you-arrive/parking-at-the-alfred

The Alfred is also very accessible via public transport. Below is a list of some public transport options to and from the hospital.

Trains

Prahran Railway Station is only a short walk along Greville Street from The Alfred.

Buses

Bus routes from the city 216, 219 and 220 will take passengers to The Alfred.

Trams

Trams from Swanston Street City. All trams except 8 and 1 travel along St Kilda Road and can take you to The Alfred (located on the corner of St Kilda Road and Commercial Road). Tram 72 does travel along Commercial Road and there is a tram stop at the Main Entrance.

What will be expected of you at the Ronald Sawers Haemophilia Treatment Centre 

The Ronald Sawers Alfred Haemophilia care team will expect a few things from you once you’re transferred from The RCH. In an adult health service you’ll be expected to manage nearly all aspects of your health care. Below is a list of what your new Haemophilia care team will expect of you as a patient:

• Record your own product use and bleeding episodes
• Show up on time for your clinical appointments
• Give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a clinical appointment
• Have a good knowledge of your relevant medical history including your clotting factor brand, dose, routine and any other medications you’re on
• Respond to any upcoming delivery notifications 
• Contact the Haemophilia Treatment Centre immediately for any urgent issues
• Manage your own medications (e.g. clotting factor) and other treatments 

Don’t worry if you think there’s no way you can manage everything listed above by your first appointment, just be as prepared as possible and don’t expect to get everything right at your first visit. Like anything, it’s about practice so give yourself time to adjust to the new system and ask your Haemophilia care team if you need any help.

How your clotting factor deliveries will work

The clotting factor delivery system is very similar to the system that you’re used to. At The RCH, you or your parents received a text message letting you know that you’re due for another delivery. At The Ronald Sawers Alfred Haemophilia Treatment Centre, you will be contacted for all delivery questions. A few days prior to your scheduled delivery, you’ll receive a text message asking you how much product you require, including vial sizes and quantity. It’s important you reply to this message and make sure you order enough clotting factor to last until your next delivery (including some extra product to account for any bleeding episodes).

Make sure there is somebody to receive and sign for your delivery on the nominated date and time or you won’t receive your product. You’ll be given a personalised calendar that has your delivery dates highlighted so you know in advance and can put these dates in your diary. If you require more clotting factor before your next delivery is scheduled or you miss a delivery, make sure you contact your health care team as soon as possible so an urgent delivery can be organised.

How the Ronald Sawers Alfred Haemophilia clinic runs

The Ronald Sawers Haemophilia clinic at The Alfred hospital operates very similarly to the one you’re used to at The RCH. The clinic is always run at the same location. Unlike many other adult clinics, at the Haemophilia clinic you will see the same doctor for the majority of the time. Through the clinic you have access to a physiotherapist, social workers and nurses who are permanent staff at the centre. The service can also refer you to a wide range of specialist services including orthopaedic, rheumatology, hepatology, infectious diseases, pain management, psychiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and genetic counselling.

What happens at your first appointment

Your first appointment at The Ronald Sawers Alfred Haemophilia Centre will run a little differently to what you may be used to. The Centre runs transition days where you can attend your first appointment on the same day as other young adults starting at The Alfred. At your first appointment, you will meet all the members of your health care team, including the physiotherapist, social workers, nurses and your doctor. This can take some time as each team member will sit down and discuss with you how things work at The Alfred and ask you questions about your medical history. It’s a great opportunity to introduce yourself, find out more about The Alfred and get to know your new health care team within a personal setting. Allow plenty of time for your first appointment so you don’t feel rushed and try to avoid making plans straight after your appointment because it may longer than you expect depending on the number of patients attending. A good first appointment will leave you feeling confident and ready to take full control of your Haemophilia management. Your subsequent appointments will return to a shorter and more familiar format.

Your parent(s) are encouraged and very welcome to attend your first appointment with you as the staff may wish to get to know them as well. Thereafter, your privacy is protected and it’s only with your consent, can your parents be informed about changes to your care and health management.

Ronald Sawers Alfred Haemophilia Centre contact details

Location

Level 1, South Block
(William Buckland Radiotherapy Centre building)
55 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004

Hours of service

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Closed public holidays and weekends

Telephone numbers

Main Centre 03) 9076 2179
Nursing Staff 03) 9076 2178
Social Work 03) 9076 2000, ask for pager 6101 or 6102

Quick tips 

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or contact your new Haemophilia health care team as they are very helpful.
• Allow plenty of time for your first appointment and familiarise yourself with The Alfred and the clinic’s new systems.
• Remember that you’re at an adult hospital and most other patients will be a lot older than you may be used to.
• At The Alfred, be prepared to be treated like an adult.
• Enjoy your independence and don’t be afraid if you make the occasional mistake because your health care team are there to support you.