Day Patient Information

What do I do before the procedure?

Please phone the Day Procedure Centre between 3.30-4.30pm on the day before your admission to confirm your arrival time. The phone number is 9288 4424. If you are unable to phone at this time, an after-hours answering service will take a message. It is essential that you phone the centre if you cannot attend or need to cancel your appointment. Failure to advise us will result in another patient missing out. If your general condition changes between now and the day of surgery, such as you get a cold or fever, please phone the Centre on the above number.

How do I prepare for a procedure?

• Do not smoke for at least 12 hours before a procedure.
• Please phone the Nurse in Charge on 9288 4414 about your medications to be taken on the procedure day.
• For procedures before midday:
  Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before.
• For procedures after midday:
  Do not eat or drink after 6am that day
• If you are diabetic your doctor should have given you additional instructions.
• If you have not received these instructions, please phone the Nurse in Charge on 9288 4414. 

What do I need to bring to hospital?

Please bring the following items:

• Medicare Card
• Health insurance details, if you have insurance
• Health Care Card, if you are eligible for health care assistance.
• Veteran's Affairs details, if applicable
• Full/part pension number, if applicable
• WorkCare or TAC information with employer details and claim number, if applicable
• Referral letters
• X-rays
• Current medications
• Pharmaceutical entitlement number
• Telephone numbers of two family members or friends who can be contacted if necessary

Please do not wear make-up or nail polish, and do not bring valuables such as money and jewellery. Wear comfortable walking shoes or slippers and loose clothing. Pyjamas and dressing gowns are not required. All necessary clothing will be provided. 

When should I arrive?

It is important to arrive on time for your appointment to allow sufficient time to prepare for the procedure. If you think you may be late, please phone 9288 4424. The Day Procedure Centre is open from 6.30am-6.00pm, Monday to Friday. 

How do I get to the Hospital?

You can arrive by private or public transport. But it is essential that you have an adult to accompany you home by car or taxi when discharged. Your day procedure will be cancelled if you are unable to make suitable transport arrangements for going home. You cannot take public transport home. Click here to see a map of the Hospital and surrounding streets. 

Where do I go when I arrive?

• Enter the Hospital through the main entrance to the In-patient Services Building, located in Princes Street, off Nicholson Street. Click here for the map.
• Take the lift to the first floor, follow the sign to Day Procedures, and register at the reception desk. 

What kind of anaesthetic will I be given?

Your doctor will advise you on the type of anaesthetic to be administered after questioning and examining you to assess your:

• Medical history
• Drug allergies
• Current illnesses or infections
• Medicines, tablets or drugs you are taking. Please bring the containers or a list of the drugs your have taken in the last month.

Your doctor will also supervise your post-anaesthetic care until you are fit to go home. 

What happens after the procedure?

You may feel slightly drowsy after the procedure, and for 24 hours you must not:

• Work
• Drive a vehicle
• Operate machinery
• Exercise
• Drink alcohol
• Take sedatives, unless prescribed
• Sign any important legal documents
• Engage in any social engagements 

What happens when I leave the hospital?

When you leave you will receive instructions with advice on activity, eating, drinking, bathing and dressing, as well as who to contact if problems arise. If you have any difficulties after leaving the Hospital, please call Emergency on 9288 4365.