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ACHS

Accredited till June 2016

Your Procedure Day

Make sure that you have been given full written instructions on preparation for your procedure in advance. If you have any doubts, contact your anaesthetist, surgeon or the Hospital.

Fasting

Generally you should not eat or drink (except for water) for at least six hours prior to your procedure, unless your doctor has indicated otherwise.

The fasting time may vary, depending on the type of anaesthetic you are having. You will be advised when to commence fasting by hospital staff prior to your admission.

If fasting instructions are not followed, your procedure may have to be postponed in the interests of your safety.

Your Arrival Time

If you are being admitted on the day of your procedure, a member of staff will contact you between 2.00pm and 5.00pm on the afternoon prior to your admission to notify you of your required arrival time.

If you are being admitted the day before your procedure, please attend the main reception area (foyer) on Level 1, between 2.00pm and 4.00pm, unless your doctor requests you to present earlier in the day. You will then be taken to your pre-operative ward.

The hospital will endeavour to minimise your waiting time. However, there may be longer than expected waiting times if unforeseen events arise with other patients undergoing procedures or if pre-operative reviews or tests are requested by your doctors in the interests of your care.

What to bring

  • All entitlement cards e.g. Medicare / Safety Net / Veterans’ Affairs and Health Fund cards
  • Any paperwork not already forwarded to the Hospital
  • Relevant x-rays, scans or films
  • Current medication (in their original containers) and prescriptions, including repeat forms
  • Payment for estimate of gap between fund benefits and hospital fees, or total estimated costs of hospitalisation if you have no health insurance
  • Reading material and/or something else to do, and
  • A hard case for your glasses.

If you are staying overnight, please remember to also bring (in a small overnight bag):

  • Sleepwear, dressing gown and slippers
  • Personal toiletries
  • Small amount of change for newspapers and other small purchases.

Do not bring:

  • Valuables, including jewellery, laptop computers and large sums of money (unless settling your account in cash on admission)
  • Unnecessary clothing
  • Large luggage and suitcases (these cannot be accommodated).

Prior to your procedure

If you are having a procedure, please also:

  • Shower
  • Do not apply any powder, creams, lotions or makeup
  • Please follow instructions from your doctor and hospital nursing staff, including fasting instructions


Pictured right: Pre-surgery area The Surgery Centre Hurstville