FAQ

Q: Is it possible to visit the hospital and see the rooms and facilities?
A: Yes, a previsit to the hospital can be very reassuring. We are happy to
show you around the facilities and introduce you to staff who can answer any
questions you may have on your care. Just contact our Client Relations
Manager on tel. 2849 0355 or email communications@matilda.org

Q: Can you give me an idea about the doctors' fees?
A: The responsibility for your care lies with the doctor of your choice
and as, in Hong Kong, doctors work independently of private hospitals we are
unable to quote their fees for service. For maternity care your obstetrician
works in a team with a paediatrician and anaesthetist, surgeons also work
with an anaesthetist and the doctors clinic should be able to assist you with
details of their fees.

Q: Does the hospital allocate me a doctor?
A: As specialists are not employed directly by the hospital we do not allocate doctors. Doctors register with hospitals in order to use the facilities and we can provide details of these doctors to help you make an informed choice.

Q: What if my doctor can not make it to the delivery?
A: The responsibility for your care remains with your specialist. In the case of an emergency if your chosen doctor is unable to attend on his instructions we will contact his covering doctor or the resident doctor on call for the hospital.

Q: Why can the hospital not offer treatment without formal identification?
A: It is a legal requirement for patients to produce a valid ID card or passport (or birth certificate for children) on admission to hospital and we can not proceed with planned care without this documentation.

Q: Does the hospital accept my insurance cover?
A: We have agreements with most insurance companies. As coverage varies
widely please contact them before admission to clarify. If pre-authorised you
will not be required to pay a deposit on admission. For information please go to
insurance section or contact our Insurance Co-ordinator on tel 2849 0375 or email insurance@matilda.org

Q: Can I drive to the hospital?
A: It is possible to drive to the hospital and parking is free however please
check with your doctor as you may not be permitted to drive after certain
medical procedures or surgery. A map and directions are available at road map to the hospital.

Q: If I am being admitted for surgery how early should I come in?
A: Surgical patients are required to be admitted to the hospital 1 1/2 hours
before the procedure time to allow for the paper work to be completed and a
medical history taken, unless specified otherwise by the surgeon.

Q: Can I wear my contact lenses?
A: If you are coming in for surgery it is advisable to wear glasses.

Q: Can I stay with my relative?
A: Under normal circumstances only patients staying in a private room can
have a lodger.

Q: What happens in a typhoon?
A: In bad weather some services are suspended however essential services
will remain in operation. Routine operations will be rescheduled, education classes are cancelled and the Health Assessment unit will close. For details
please contact the hospital on tel.2849 0111.

Q: What is normal labour?  
A: Normal labour is the process whereby the baby (presenting head first) and placenta are delivered spontaneously (without the aid of forceps or vacuum) through the birth canal. Normal labour starts between 37 and 42 weeks and is aided by contractions and progressive dilatation of the cervix (neck of the womb). Labour is divided into three stages, the first stage is from the start of labour, which is when contractions become regular in length, strength and frequency. For a first baby this would be usually when contractions are coming 1in every 5 minutes lasting a minute. For a second and subsequent birth the frequency would be less about 1 in every 10 minutes, as subsequent births tend be a lot quicker. You are always advised to seek advise from a midwife or your doctor if you think you need to come into hospital. The first stage of labour ends when the cervix is 10 cm dilated, sometimes referred too as being fully dilated. It is at this point that the second stage begins, and lasts until the baby is born. Once the baby is born, the third stage begins and ends with the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth)   

Q: How long does labour last?  
A: The first stage of labour normally lasts on average about 12-14 hours for your first baby, usually being much quicker for subsequent births. The active second stage (the pushing phase) on average for a first baby lasts for 1-2 hours (again quicker for subsequent births) and the third stage lasts on average for about 10 minutes.

Q:  How do I know normal labour has started?  
A: It is normal during the latter stages of pregnancy to have painless irregular contractions. At the start of labour these become more regular and painful and gradually build up. Sometimes contractions can start and can go off again. If it's your first baby don't worry about timing them if they are more than 10 minutes apart, try and get as much rest as possible during this period. If they are going to continue they will wake you up.  

A ‘show' sometimes precedes the onset of labour this is the plug of mucus which sits in the opening of the cervix and as the cervix starts to change this is released. This can occur sometimes up to a week before you go into labour. It is a plug of thick clear mucus with streaks of blood. It is sticky, so as not to be confused with the waters breaking or bleeding. Sometimes the waters break before contractions start, if this happens you should call the hospital immediately and let a midwife know

Q: When do I need to call the hospital?  
A: Normally what happens if you think you are in labour or your waters have gone you should ring the hospital and a midwife will advise you what to do. Once you are admitted you will be assessed by the midwife who will then inform your doctor. If it is your first baby and you live within half an hour of the hospital then you should call the hospital when the contractions are every 5 minutes lasting a minute. If you live on one of the outlying islands or more than ¾ of an hour away then you should call earlier. If it is your second baby or more you will have a better idea of whether or not labour has started but bear in mind that these labours do tend to be much quicker and you have a tendency to labour more silently. You should therefore contact the hospital when contractions become regular 1 every 10 minutes. Don't necessarily wait until they become very uncomfortable. If you live a long way from the hospital you need to make contact much sooner.

If your waters break then you should always contact the hospital immediately even if you are not sure. If you notice any fresh red bleeding which isn't sticky and mucousy then you should also call the hospital. If you think the baby isn't moving as well as it has been previously then please contact us so that we can monitor the baby and reassure you all is well

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