Coming in for surgery
Your surgery
View your hospital journey from admission through surgery and discharge.
Coming in for day surgery
Find out where to go and what to expect when you come in for day surgery at RBWH.
Having surgery and staying in hospital
If you are having surgery and staying overnight or longer find out what to expect during your stay with us.
Preparation for your procedure
RBWH My Surgical Pathway
The RBWH My Surgical Pathway guide has been developed to provide you with all the information you need to correctly prepare for your surgery and what you can expect once you go home following surgery.
RBWH My Pelvic Exenteration Surgical Pathway
The RBWH My Surgical Pelvic Exenteration Pathway guide has been developed to provide you with all the information you need to correctly prepare for your surgery and what you can expect once you go home following surgery.
Admission
On arrival, visit the Admissions desk located on ground floor of the Ned Hanlon Building near the main entrance. After you have completed your paperwork and clarified your personal details are correct, you will be directed to the Surgical Day Care Unit located on level 4 of the Ned Hanlon Building.
Clinical admission (Surgical Day Care Unit)
Located: Level 4, Ned Hanlon Building
At the Surgical Day Care Unit, you will prepare for surgery by changing into a surgical gown and underwear, and given stockings to help prevent blood clots. 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.
Operating room
When it is time for your procedure, you will be prepared for your anaesthetic and transferred into operating room.
Recovery – Post Anaesthetic Care Unit
Once your surgery is complete you will be moved into the Recovery Unit and monitored by a nurse.
After surgery
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 Surgical Day Care Unit where you are monitored, provided with a light snack and your support person is contacted. A nurse will take you through your discharge information. In the following days, a nurse will contact you to ask about your recovery and answer any questions you may have.
Staying overnight
If you are staying with us overnight, you will be discharged by 9am the next day.
Staying longer (ward)
If you are staying longer than 1 night you will be transferred to a ward. Staff will help you with your post-operative needs and care for you while you recover. Wards have a combination of 4 bed bays and single rooms with a call bell if you need assistance.
Once you have recovered from your surgery, the staff will make sure you have everything you need to make an easy transition back home. Discharge is at 10am and you must have a support person collect you to take you home.
Discharge
When you’re well enough to go home, you’ll receive your discharge and follow up information, this may include:
- any follow-up outpatient appointments
- medicines and prescriptions
- arrangements for any community support services
- any equipment or aids you need at home.
You must organise a support person to pick you up after your procedure. If your support person is arriving later in the day, you’re able to wait in the Transit Lounge area.
Concerns after surgery
If you have any concerns about your health after you leave hospital, contact your general practitioner. If you suddenly become unwell, call the hospital ward and speak with the staff, or go to the hospital Emergency Department.