Coming in for surgery

Preparation for your surgery

Prepare for your surgery by following the instructions provided to avoid your surgery being cancelled.  This includes when to fast, medications to stop and anything you have been told to bring on the day of surgery. We also have a range of online resources to provide you with additional information.

Admission

On arrival, visit the Admissions Desk located on ground floor of the Main Building. After you have completed your paperwork and clarified your personal details are correct, you will be directed to the Day Procedure Unit located on level 2 of the Main Building.

Day Procedure Unit

When you arrive at the Day Procedure Unit you will prepare for surgery and change into a surgical gown. The nurse will check your personal details, put an identification bracelet on you, take your blood pressure and temperature and go through a list of questions. We understand this is an anxious time for you, however your support person may not enter the preparation area.

Going home on the day of surgery

If you are going home on the same day as your surgery, you will be taken back to the recovery area where you are monitored, provided with a light snack and your support person is contacted. You’ll receive your discharge and follow up information to ensure you have an easy transition back home. In the following days, a nurse will contact you to ask about your recovery and answer any questions you may have.

Staying longer (ward)

If you are staying longer you will be transferred to a ward.  Staff will help you with your post-operative needs and care for you while you recover. When you’re well enough to leave, you’ll receive your discharge and follow up information to ensure you have an easy transition back home.  Discharge is at 10am and you must have a support person collect you to take you home. Information provided may include:

• any follow-up outpatient appointments
• medicines and prescriptions
• arrangements for any community support services
• any equipment or aids you need at home.

Concerns after surgery

If you have any concerns about your health after you leave hospital, contact your general practitioner or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). If you suddenly become unwell, call the hospital ward and speak with the staff, or go to the hospital Emergency Department.

Each time you visit us

• Medicare card
• Private health insurance card (if applicable)
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
• Relevant x-rays, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Glasses, hearing and mobility aids

For a day procedure

• A responsible adult carer to stay with you to hear instructions, help you and take you home
• Advanced Healthcare Directive if you have one
• A jacket or cardigan in case you get cold

Staying overnight or longer

• A dressing gown or cardigan, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
• Slippers and shoes (low heel, closed-in, non-slip, adjustable and firm fitting around the foot)
• Your toiletries and personal items
• Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney if you have one
• Something to read or do during your stay
• Your iPad/tablet or smartphone and charger, provided you are happy to take responsibility for it
• Medical devices required for your care (e.g. CPAP machine)
• Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you