Long stay patients

A long stay patient is a person who

• has been in hospital (public or private) for more than 35 days without leaving for more than 7 days
• doesn't have a valid Acute Care Certificate
• no longer needs hospital level care but are unable to leave hospital for reasons such as
  • waiting for a place at a residential aged care facility
  • normal care or support arrangements are not available
  • waiting for other supported accommodation options.

The 35-day period

• starts on the date of admission to a public or private hospital
• continues if the patient leaves and then returns to hospital in 7 days
• includes stays at different hospitals, including Hospital in the Home (HITH), but excluding public psychiatric hospitals
• excludes leave days (scheduled days that you are not in hospital).

Fees

We won't charge you if you need acute care and need to be in an acute hospital setting. We'll check your acute care needs every day and issue an Acute Care Certificate if you need one. If you don't have an Acute Care Certificate and need to stay in hospital for more than 35 days, you may need to pay fees.

Fees apply from the 36th day and contribute towards the cost of your care. The fees are in line with Commonwealth legislation and are subject to increases in March and September each year. You can view the current fees in the Queensland Health Fees and Charges Register. We may waive fees, either in part or in full, if satisfied that the fee would cause financial hardship.

If you want to know more about our long stay charges ask your nurse, social worker, doctor or a Patient Liaison Officer.