What to Expect

Table of Contents

On arrival: Your admission time will have been advised by the hospital’s Administration staff or pre-Admission Clinic Nurse. It’s most important to arrive on time for your appointment as you may require medication prior to your operation.

On arrival, please register at Day Hospital Reception.

You may experience some delay or waiting time prior to your surgery. This delay is necessary to accommodate the clinical scheduling requirements of your treating Doctors. We appreciate your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Sedation and Anaesthetic

Many diagnostic procedures only require sedation in order to make you pleasantly drowsy, yet comfortable enough for the Doctor to perform the necessary procedure.
Usually a sedative drug is given via a needle inserted into the back of your hand. Many patients don’t recall this, and only become aware when they are back in the recovery unit.
It is important to advise your pre-admission nurse and doctor if you have ever had a reaction to sedation or anaesthetic

Your Recovery

After your operation or procedure, you’ll be made comfortable while your condition is monitored until you’ve fully recovered. Once you have recovered, you’ll be offered a light snack prior to discharge. You may be in recovery between 1 hour – 6 hours depending on the type of procedure.

For more complex procedures, the length of stay will depend on your condition after your procedure.

Accommodation

Please be aware that our Day Surgery (short stay) facilities are shared unisex accommodation.

Discharge

Before leaving the Day Surgery Unit, all patients are required to be formally discharged by our hospital staff.
You should be picked up by a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery
Upon discharge, you’ll be given any necessary instructions, including a prescription for any medications and details of any follow up appointments with your Doctor.
A comfortable seating area is provided in the hospital foyer, for you to wait for your transport home.

Getting Home

If you’ve had heavy sedation or a general anaesthetic, you won’t be permitted to leave the Unit alone. Please note the following:

You’ll need to arrange to be picked up and organise a responsible adult to be present with you for the first night you are home following general anaesthesia.
Staff will contact the person who is picking you up when you’re fit to go home.
Transportation home by taxi is not permitted without a responsible adult who accepts responsibility to take you home.
For your own comfort and safety, you shouldn’t drink any alcoholic beverage for at least 24 hours after discharge.
After general anaesthetic, patients aren’t permitted to drive any motor vehicle, operate machinery or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours.

Special arrangements can be made to assist DVA patients to get you home safely after your hospital stay.

Childrens Admissions

We are aware that this can be a traumatic time for parents and we will do our best to ensure that you have the support you need.

Our operating theatres maintain modern equipment for the optimal performance of surgical and associated procedures. This, combined with a high standard of nursing care ensures your child has access to quality medical attention.

Below is some additional information to help you understand and prepare for your child’s surgery.

Admission for Children

The pre-admission, admission and discharge process for children is similar to that of adults.

Pre-Surgery

Children are encouraged to bring a favourite toy with them. Parents are encouraged to stay with their child as long as possible prior to the operation.

After the Procedure

Your child will wake up in the recovery where skilled staff will monitor them. To reduce the time away from your child, a nurse will take you to your child as they are waking in recovery.
Before leaving the unit, you will be given post-operative instructions regarding physical activity, dressings, medication, appointment times and emergency contact numbers for any queries or concerns.

Going Home

Your child will need to rest for at least 12 to 24 hours following the anaesthetic. Your surgeon will advise you of the length of time required to recover according to the procedure and individual needs.
One of our nursing staff will be in contact with you by phone to follow up on your child’s recovery. This is a good opportunity to discuss any concerns.
If you do have any concerns after the procedure we encourage parents to contact their surgeon directly

What to expect