PREADMISSION
You will be contacted by our preadmission nurse prior to your surgery date.
Our preadmission nurse will provide you with information concerning your admission and fasting time and other general information concerning your stay at the hospital.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns regarding your admission.
You will be sent an email to confirm all the following details.
PREADMISSION CHECKLIST
- Please do not bring valuables to the hospital
- Please do not smoke prior to your surgery
- Please do not chew gum or suck on lollies prior to your surgery
- Please do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to your surgery
- Please shower & wash your hair, you may do this the night before if more convenient (please do not use any lotions or deodorants on your skin)
- Please remove all make-up, nail polish, jewellery & piercings (where possible)
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing and slip on shoes
- Please bring your glasses, hearing and other aids
- Please bring a case for your contact lenses if you wear them
FASTING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Please ensure you carefully follow all fasting details given to you, to avoid postponement of your surgery.
Unless your doctor has advised you otherwise:
- If your surgery is in the morning – before 12 noon:
- You must not have any food or fluid from midnight
- If your surgery is in the afternoon – after 12 noon:
- You may have a light breakfast by 6:00 am (e.g. tea & toast, no meat or egg products) and fluids (water only up to 400mls) 4 hours prior to your admission time on your day of surgery.
MEDICATIONS
Unless your doctor has advised you otherwise:
- Please take all your prescribed medications with a small sip of water at the usual time.
- Diabetic patients:
- You will be given information concerning your medications by your doctor
- If you are taking insulin, please bring your insulin to the hospital
- Nursing staff will test your blood sugar levels on arrival and after your surgery.
If you are unsure about any of your medications, please discuss with your doctor prior to your surgery date.
DAY OF SURGERY
- Please present to reception located on level 1, (there is a lift available for your convenience)
- Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your admission time
- Please bring your Medicare card (if applicable) and photo identification
- You will be asked to check & sign your admission documentation
- Any changes to your carer details must be advised at this time
- You will be admitted to an admission room where you will be seen by your doctor, anaesthetist and the admission nurse
- You will be given an opportunity to ask questions concerning your care prior to your procedure.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After your procedure you will be transferred to a recovery area. During this time our experienced nursing staff will monitor your progress and comfort.
Your length of stay will be dependent on your recovery. Generally patients are discharged between 2-3 hours after their procedure.
REFRESHMENTS
- Tea, coffee, juice, water and a small snack will be provided after your procedure
- If you have any specific dietary requirements, please discuss with the preadmission nurse.
DISCHARGE
Prior to your surgery, our preadmission nurse will discuss the discharge process.
After your procedure, your nurse will contact your carer to advise the time to collect you from the hospital.
CARER
It is a policy of the hospital that all patients having an anaesthetic have a responsible adult to accompany them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours after their surgery. If you do not have a responsible adult available, your surgery will be postponed.
For the first 24 hours after your surgery, you should not:
- Be home alone
- Drive a car or operate machinery
- Make important decisions, or sign important documents
- Drink alcohol
- Conduct business
- Be the primary carer of a child.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS
- Your doctor will provide you with written discharge instructions for your aftercare.
- You may be given a prescription for any medications provided.
- Our discharge nurse will discuss this information with you and your carer before you leave the hospital.