Admissions

A nurse will contact you at least 1 working day prior to your surgery. They will inform you of your admission time, fasting times and go through a brief pre-admission questionnaire, we ask that you allow 10-15 minutes to ensure we have all the correct information.

The nurse will clarify the following details:

• Your surgery details
• Fasting times
• Your allergy status
• Any medications you are currently taking
• Your current health
• Any medical conditions that may affect your operation
• Your discharge plans and escort details
• Please take this opportunity to ask our experienced nurse any questions or discuss any concerns you may have

Please note: It is essential you have a carer to accompany you from ACT Day Hospital and stay with you for 24 hours after your operation. Failure to do so will result in your surgery being postponed.

If English is a second language: or if you have difficulty understanding English, please seek the support of a competent person to translate for you and assist with your visit to ACT Day Hospital.

We can provide a translator if required. Please contact the day hospital for further information.

• Immediately after surgery you will wake up in our recovery area where all your immediate post-operative care will be expertly attended to by our experienced staff
• Depending on your surgery, you may have intravenous fluids and other equipment to monitor your progress
• Once you are fully awake, you will be moved to our stage two recovery area where you can comfortably sit in a lounge chair. Nursing staff will give you drinks and a light snack and continue to monitor you
• Your progress will be checked regularly by staff who will assist you in making your recovery as comfortable as possible. Please notify the nursing staff if you experience any discomfort
• Discharge is usually between half an hour and two hours depending on anaesthetic and procedure, your nurse will liaise with your carer to arrange a suitable pick up time
• In case of delay in pick up, you can be moved to our discharge lounge until your carer comes and pick you up.
• Both you and your carer will be provided with verbal and written post-operative instructions, emergency contacts and any follow up appointments that your surgeon may have made for you

Please note: we provide a light snack after your surgery. In certain circumstances, we may not be able to meet your dietary needs and we suggest you bring your own light snack if you feel this may be the case.

Please note: if you have acquired any illness (including cold and flu symptoms, chest infections, vomiting, diarrhoea or conjunctivitis) please notify the hospital and/or your surgeon prior to your admission.

Before arriving

• Fasting: you should not eat after midnight if your admission time is before midday, unless your doctor has indicated otherwise. If your admission time is after midday than you can have light breakfast before 7 am. Sips of water are permitted up to 2 hours before your admission
• Shower the morning of your surgery, and brush your teeth
• Do not consume any alcohol the night before your surgery
• Take regular medication with a sip of water unless advised otherwise by your surgeon
• Wear loose comfortable clothing (preferably with an opening at the front), and comfortable safe shoes without a heel
• Remove all jewellery (wedding bands can be taped)
• Remove nail polish, do not wear makeup, moisturisers or fragrances
• Do not smoke on the day of your surgery
• Leave valuables at home. While all care is taken, ACT Day Hospital does not accept liability for lost or damaged personal items
• It is not essential your carer accompanies you to ACT Day Hospital on admission. We will phone your carer as soon as you arrive in recovery with an approximate discharge time for pick up

What to bring

• Medicare card, pension card, health fund or DVA card
• Your completed admission paperwork and patient history if your surgeon has given it to you
• A list of medications and any medication you may need to take after surgery such as Ventolin inhaler or blood pressure medication
• Reading material
• Payment for your surgery or health fund excess
• If you wear hearing aids, contact lenses, glasses or dentures please bring an appropriate case for their safe keeping
• If you have any neuromodulator device than controller of it.
• Any mobility aids you may require such as walking stick or walking frame

It is important you arrive at your designated admission time, although we do our best to minimise waiting times please be aware there can be unexpected emergencies and delays and we will keep you informed of progress at all times.

On arrival to ACT Day Hospital, please present yourself to our friendly administration staff who will finalise any required paperwork and process payments if applicable.

Nursing admission

One of our caring nursing staff members will complete your medical admission, confirm your personal details, consent form, allergies, fasting status and medical history, measure your height, weight and vital signs. They are there to answer any final questions you may have and reassure you. They will prepare you for surgery and assist you with your surgical attire and move you to our comfortable waiting area.

Your Anaesthetist

Your Anaesthetist will meet with you prior to your surgery. They will discuss your medical history, medications, allergies the type of anaesthetic and post-operative care instructions.