Based in Harley House 3rd floor, this is a great city location and easy to get to…read more However I've been to this pathology twice now in the last year. Both time there were issues which delayed the process considerably. First time it was staff member not turning up. This time I thought I'd get here early but alas the lift was locked till just after 8am. I wasn't game to try the stairs in case they locked can behind me. It's a great location, pathologists are friendly here but I'd recommend having an alternative location in mind.

Pretty much the only thing I've ever received an A+ for is my blood, and it's only right to share…read moreour gifts with the world, so that's why I drop in here every now and then to give a little. All you have to do is call the Red Cross blood donation hotline (13 14 95) and make an appointment. On the day of your donation you'll need to drink bucket loads of water (stay away from coffee, tea and booze because they're diuretics) and eat well. When you arrive at the centre, the receptionist will ask you to fill in a long form where you'll have to disclose some quite personal information about your lifestyle, but as long as you don't shoot up junkie drugs whilst having unprotected sex in an orgy situation, you should pass the test. Next you get taken to a little room with one of the nurses and they do a finger-prick blood test just to make sure your blood is suitable, and then there's a brief run through of the form you filled in. From there, it's on to the bloody donation. The phlebotomist puts you in what looks like a dentist's chair where you then lean back and let them stick a needle in one of your arms and try to relax. Occasionally they might ask you to squeeze on a rubber ball to encourage blood flow. Everyone is very, very nice to you because they appreciate the good thing that you're doing, and you get very well taken care of. Someone is always on hand in case you start to feel nervous or unwell, and the process of blood giving can be very fast (less than 15 minutes) if you've drunk a lot of water in the preceding hours. Afterwards you get to stuff your face with free tea, juice and biscuits in the little canteen area before the staff ask you for the umpteenth time if you feel ok and then you get to leave and take the rest of the day really easy and enjoy the feeling that you've made a life-saving contribution.

Donate blood this Christmas period, it will probably be the best gift some people receive this…read moreyear. And to help you facilitate this spirit of gift giving, book an appointment with the Red Cross donor centre on Bourke St. Pre-donation day they will send you plenty of information via email to ensure you are fully prepared for your visit (eg. drink plenty of water beforehand). They will also sms you your appointment time and their address so there really is no excuse to 'forget'. Once you get there, take the elevator to the 1st floor and report into the reception, who will give you a form to fill in. It's very comprehensive and you will have to divulge a lot of personal details (sexual history will not be spared!), which will then be discussed during a one-on-one assessment with a nurse. There are many reasons why you may not end up qualifying to become a donor, but don't take it personally - they are also looking out for your best interests and if there is the slightest risk that your own health may be compromised by giving blood, they will simply not allow it. Give yourself a pat on the back for at least trying! For those of you who travel a lot, or have lived outside Australia for an extended period, it is important that you advise where you've been and for how long, as this can also influence your eligibility. While time consuming, I personally think the Red Cross' rigourous assessment displays their commitment to safety and I would tell anybody who was scared about the process to not worry at all. If you've been given the green light, you get to lie down on the most comfortable recliner ever made by man, and watch info-mercials for the next 15 mins. Though not common, my nurse kept me company the whole time (I think my blood was not flowing quick enough so she had to monitor its progress). She was such a lovely individual, and helped to make my first donor experience a positive one. Once it's over, the refreshment area awaits, and this might be the most fun part, for some. It was staffed by a volunteer while I was there, who seemed genuinely concerned for my well being, and made me a milkshake. I passed up the opportunity to try Australia's best cookie this time around, but for sure I will donate again. I have encouraged friends to come along with me, and so should you!

My deceased elderly father was in a GEM ward only for a few days at the Royal Melbourne Hospital…read more His admission was initiated by the Resident in Reach geriatric clinical nurses and doctors. I was most impressed by the high level of medical knowledge and excellent care. My father and I were treated with so much kindness, empathy and respect. The nurses were so attentive to my father's needs. Unlike my father's clinical care at a hospital in the Western suburbs, the GEM team at the Royal Melbourne know exactly what they are doing and were in constant communication with me. They listened to me , took my opinions on board and validated my concerns. The discharge process was seamless and the hospital clinical pharmacist was efficient and brilliant. I am so grateful and thankful for how they looked after my father.

Professional staff, respectful, helpful. The Royal…read moreMelbourne is located in the Melbourne hospital precinct and the Univeristy of Melbourne. RMH offers a 24 emergency department and is also a front line responder hospital to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a separate COVID ward.