Patient Information

Pre Admission Plan

Once you have confirmed a surgical date at your consultation with your surgeon Mr Dowling or Mr Ying, our practice manager Celia will provide you with the appropriate pre-admission documentation depending on where you have chosen to have your procedure.  At this time you will also be given financial information regarding any out of pocket expenses you will incur. 

On the business day before your admission you need to contact the pre-admission co-ordinator at the relevant hospital between 10.00am and 3.00pm to receive your admission and fasting times. The hospital may also discuss your insurance status and personal details and a registered nurse may discuss with you any special needs, medical conditions and confirmation of pick-up and overnight arrangements if required.

Fasting

For anaesthetic safety you must not have anything to eat or drink at least 6 hours prior to your surgery. The hospital will tell you what time to start fasting.

It is very important that you follow these instructions carefully; if not it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.

What to bring with you

Do not bring valuables such as jewellery, any jewellery may need to be removed or taped prior to your surgery. Remove all rings and any nail polish prior to admission.

Bring with you:

• All current medications
• Relevant X-rays, CT scans
• Wear comfortable clothing
• A change of clothes/pyjamas/toiletries if you are staying in hospital
• Pension details (including Veteran’s affairs details)
• Contact number for the person taking you home
• Magazines/books
• Work cover/TAC information
• Specialised garments you are required to wear postoperatively

Admission Day

On admission day you will be seen by the pre-admission nurse, your anaesthetist and your surgeon Mr Dowling or Mr Ying prior to surgery.

Normal waiting times are between 1-3 hours, however, emergency situations can arise during surgery, increasing patient waiting times so please be patient.

A relative or support person is welcome to accompany you on the day. He/She will be able to stay with you up until your transfer to the operating theatre.

Recovery

Post-procedure you will be transferred to the Recovery Area; you may still be under sedation.

It is normal to remain in recovery for 1-2 hours until you are stable after waking from the anaesthetic.

If you are having a Day Procedure, your surgeon Mr Dowling or Mr Ying may see you in recovery once you are awake; if you are staying overnight in hospital, Mr Dowling or Mr Ying will see you within 24 hours. 

It is important to note that you must not drive, drink alcohol or operate heavy machinery during the first 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.

Review Appointment

Once you are fully recovered, a nurse will make a review appointment for you at our private rooms and you will then be discharged home or taken to the hospital ward. Your review appointment will usually be for about 6 – 10 days after your operation and will most likely be a Friday morning. Pathology results will be available at this appointment.

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