Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Obstetrician to book in?
Yes. There is a list of accredited Obstetricians on our website. Click here for listing.
When are the maternity tours?
Our Maternity Unit tours are conducted on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month. One of our midwives will meet you at the Matson Ward Reception located on Level 1. Tours are held at 11.30am and 12.30pm, no bookings are required.
If you are unable to attend a Sunday tour please contact our Maternity Reception during business hours on (02) 9717 0223 to organise a private tour of our maternity facilities.
What are the visiting times?
- Visiting Hours are 2.00pm to 4.00pm and 7.00pm to 8.00pm daily
- Strictly no visiting during the rest period 12.00pm to 2.00pm
- Partners are welcome anytime
- Please advise your family and friends that No Visiting is allowed whilst you are in Delivery Suite, following your birth when you are ready for visitors let them know you or your support person will contact them when it is time to come to the hospital
- We ask that visitors leave promptly at 8pm, this is to ensure other patients are not disturbed. Children visiting the hospital must be supervised at all times.
- Any visitors who are unwell, or suffering from coughs, colds, gastro type illness or known infectious diseases, should not come into the Maternity Ward to reduce the risk of spread of infection to mothers and babies.
Do I need to book in for maternity education classes?
Yes. Please contact our Maternity Booking Coordinator by calling (02) 9717 0226 or via email to maternity.krp@ramsayhealth.com.au.
Can I make an appointment to see a Midwife before my baby is born?
Yes, we encourage making an appointment with one of our Midwives. Please call our Maternity Booking Coordinator on (02) 9717 0226 or via email maternity.krp@ramsayhealth.com.au.
Will there be any additional fees?
During your stay at Kareena Private you will be charged by the hospital for Birthing Suite, and /or Theatre, accommodation, pharmacy and partner meals. Kareena Private has negotiated agreements with all major health funds to ensure hospital charges are paid by the relevant fund. An excess or co-payment may form part of your contract with your health fund. If you are not privately insured, you will have paid the estimated cost of hospitalisation prior to admission.
Should you have any queries relating to accounts, please contact the hospital on (02) 9717 0223.
Your Obstetrician, Paediatricians and Anaesthetic fees are calculated on the Australian Medical Association guidelines and are negotiated between you and your Doctor directly.
Fees & Charges
Kareena Private Hospital has negotiated agreements with all major health funds to ensure hospital charges are paid by the relevant fund. An excess or co-payment may form part of your contract with your health fund.
If you have been a member of your Health Fund for less than 12 months your fund may not accept liability for the costs of this admission eg. if your condition or any symptoms of your condition existed prior to your joining. If there is a question regarding pre-existing symptoms your health fund has the option to obtain details in this regard from your GP or specialist.
An excess payment applies to the first hospital visit in a calendar year and a co-payment applies each time you are admitted to the hospital. These are amounts that you have agreed to pay towards your hospital treatment expenses in return for lower membership fees. Excess payments must be fully paid before any benefit under your chosen level of health cover will be paid. Please contact your health fund in order to confirm the level of your private health insurance cover.
If you are not privately insured, you will be asked to pay the estimated cost of hospitalisation prior to admission. It is therefore necessary to contact our Maternity Admissions Officer for an estimate of fees and charges prior to your admission date. Payment may be made by cash, money order or credit card. Should you have any queries relating to accounts, please contact the hospital on 02 9717 0000.
The hospital charges for delivery suite, theatre, accommodation, physiotherapy and pharmaceuticals. Depending on your policy, your health insurer should cover all or a portion of these charges. Charges which your private health insurer may not cover include visitor/partner meals and telephone calls.
Other non-hospital related fees
The Paediatrician and Obstetrician’s fees are calculated on the Australian Medical Association guidelines.
Should you require an epidural analgesia, a spinal or general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist’s fees will be calculated in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Society of Anaesthetists.
These fees are substantially higher than the rebate recommended by the Medicare Benefits schedule. Factors such as degree of difficulty, time of day, duration of service, travel time and urgency are taken into account. Fees will vary between practitioners but in most cases will be at a level recognised by accepted community standards.
Exact details regarding fees are available from the hospital or your obstetrician will be happy to assist you in providing you with cost estimates. Payment can be made by cash, personal cheque (up to $1000), bank cheque, credit card (except Diners and American Express) or eftpos (please check your daily withdrawal limits)
What is an antenatal card?
Your antenatal card will be given to you by your Obstetrician at your first appointment. Please carry it with you at all times. It is important that you present this on any admission to the birthing suite.
Is internet access available?
Wireless internet access is available throughout maternity. Please ask our ward receptionist for details on how to connect your device.
Where do I park?
Admittance to Kareena Private Hospital can be gained by using the main entrance, accessed via Kareena Road. Please see the map below. There are parking facilities available at the back of the hospital. For more information please click here.
When should I come to hospital?
Please contact the Delivery Suite if you have any concerns or worries on (02) 9717 0118. Our telephone is answered by midwives 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We are also in 24 hour contact with your Obstetrician. It is very important to contact the Delivery Suite if any of the following occurs;
- Your waters break or you notice continuous leaking of fluid from the vagina
- If you have vaginal bleeding
- Onset of contractions before 37 weeks
- Onset of regular contractions after 37 weeks that remain persistent or change in frequency or intensity
- If you are concerned about the movement of your baby
- If you feel unwell
- If you have any concerns regarding your pregnancy or onset of labour
- If you feel concerned or anxious
How do I contact delivery suite?
Prior to coming to the hospital please ensure that you telephone the Midwives in the delivery suite to notify them of your imminent arrival, phone (02) 9717 0118.
Please do not give the Delivery Suite telephone number to your friends or family as it is for patients and Doctors only.
Admittance to Kareena Private Hospital can be gained by using the main entrance of the hospital. To ensure the safety of all patients and staff the hospital doors are locked overnight, after 10pm please use the intercom to the right of the main entrance - press it and assistance will be available.
What should I pack for my stay in the maternity ward?
- Breast pads and 2 x breastfeeding bras
- Maternity sanitary pads x 3 packets
- 1 week supply of underwear / disposable underwear
- Nightwear with open front if you are breastfeeding
- Dressing Gown
- Comfortable clothes for daytime
- Toiletries e.g. deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, dry shampoo, fragrance free body wash, face wash and fragrance free moisturiser
- Reading material
- IPad or laptop loaded with your favourite movies or TV series’ for you and your partner to watch and charger
- Slippers or comfortable shoes
- Hairdryer
- Nail scissors or nail file (to cut / file your nails short in preparation for breastfeeding)
What should I bring into the birthing suite?
- Antenatal card
- Large T-shirt/ sarong
- Dressing gown if desired
- Slippers
- Socks
- Chap stick, lanoline for lips
- Toiletries e.g. deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dry shampoo, fragrance free body wash, face wash and fragrance free moisturiser
- Brush, clip and/or hair tie for hair
- Relaxation music loaded to iPod/ CD (iPod speakers are provided)
- IPad or laptop loaded with your favourite movies or TV series’ for you and your partner to watch and charger
- Lollies to suck during labour e.g. barley sugar, jelly beans or lolly pops
- Camera and charger
- Extra’s to assist during labour e.g. massage oil, tennis ball or massage tool, water spray bottle
- Pen and note pad
- Snacks for partner
- Swimmers and change of clothes for partner
- Your own pillow
- Gel heat pack (wheat packs not permitted)
- Birth plan (optional)
What do I do when I arrive at Kareena Private Hospital?
Prior to coming to the hospital, please ensure that you telephone the Delivery Suite staff on (02) 9717 0118 to notify them of your imminent arrival.
Admittance to Kareena Private Hospital can be gained by using the main entrance, accessed via Kareena Road. After 10pm please use the intercom to the right of the main entrance - press it and assistance will be available.
When you arrive on-site please go to the lifts located closest to the reception desk, you will then take the lift to the Matson Ward, located on level 1 where our staff will be waiting on your arrival.
How much do the Deluxe Parenting Suites cost?
The Deluxe package is based on an additional nightly rate of $165 inc GST.
Can I claim the cost of the Deluxe Parenting Suite from my health fund?
Your health fund will generally cover* the costs of accommodation for a mother and newborn in a standard room in the hospital (this does not include the Deluxe Parenting Suites), as well as the provision of standard meals by the hospital for the mother. Some insurance products may include a “family in-hospital benefit” (or similar benefit) which allows amounts to be claimed for partner accommodation and meals. Please speak to your health insurer to clarify any amounts related to the above packages which may be claimed.
* Levels of cover and applicable co-payments vary between insurers and health insurance products. Please discuss your specific insurance cover with your health fund.
Can I Pre-Book a Deluxe Parenting Suite?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to pre-book. Please ask your midwife on admission if you would like to stay in a Deluxe Parenting Suite.
Can a Deluxe Parenting Suite be guaranteed during my stay?
Unfortunately, due to a limited number of Deluxe Parenting Suites, we are unable to guarantee that a suite will be available.
What should I do with my valuables?
It is encouraged that you to leave anything of value, such as jewellery at home. Kareena Private Hospital is unable to accept responsibility for the loss of valuables or money.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones can interfere with electronic medical equipment. For the comfort of other patients we ask that mobile phones not be used in corridors or reception areas.
Can we bring filming equipment into the birth suite and operating theatre?
See information on film equipment in birth suite and the operating theatre