Preparing for Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nil by mouth mean?
Nil by mouth (NBM) means consuming nothing by mouth prior to your admission; no water, no food, no chewing gum, no smoking.
What time should I arrive?
The admission time specified in the text message you received is your arrival time. Please come to the hospital’s front reception at this time. It’s very important to arrive on time for your appointment as you may require medication prior to your operation. On arrival, please register at front reception.
How long will I be there for?
You can expect to be at the hospital for roughly 3-4 hours for a day admission. At times, due to unforeseen circumstances, delays may be experienced.
How do I manage fasting prior to my surgery?
You may have solids up to 6 hours prior to admission. For example, toast, cereal or yogurt with coffee, tea or juice is okay. Do not have a big breakfast. For example, no bacon and eggs. You may then have only water up to 3 hours prior to admission.
Colonoscopy patients - please refer to your specific dietary/prep instructions.
What do I wear?
You should wear comfortable and warm clothing to the hospital. You will change into a gown for your procedure, and then change back into your own clothes after your procedure.
What should I bring for an overnight stay?
Bring any medications you take daily in original packaging, toiletries and a change of clothes.
Do I take my morning medications?
Please speak to your Surgeon about your medications prior to admission.
Can I take my wallet with me to pay for my excess, will it be put somewhere safe?
Yes, you may bring your wallet and it will be kept safe along with your phone and any other belongings and clothing. Once you have changed into your gown, your belongings will be stored in a secure area. Your belongings will then be returned to you once you change back into your own clothes in recovery.
Can I bring someone with me to my admission - husband, wife, mother or father?
At this time, no. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 we are limiting the amount of people coming to the hospital. You are only allowed a support person for specific medical or age reasons.
What do I bring to hospital?
Please bring the following items with you to hospital, where applicable:
- All medications you are currently taking (in original packaging)
- Any letters from your doctor
- Relevant X-rays
- Medicare card
- Private health insurance membership card
- Pensioner card
- Veterans' affairs entitlement card
- Safety Net or pharmacy entitlement card
- Drivers licence or accepted identification
- WorkCover or other insurance details
- Blood Group card (if available)
- Dressing gown and slippers or comfortable shoes
- Glasses and physical aids (walking sticks, hearing aids)
- Personal entertainment device or a book to read
Please do not bring the following items:
- Jewellery
- Large sums of money
- Other valuables
The hospital does not accept responsibility for security of your possessions, including jewellery, watches and money.
What to Expect
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.
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.
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 Ward or Day Surgery Unit, all patients are required to be formally discharged by our nursing staff.
Please ensure you speak to nursing staff prior to leaving the hospital. 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.
When will my support person/lift be notified?
If you’ve had heavy sedation or a general anaesthetic for your procedure, 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 take any alcoholic beverage for at least 24 hours after discharge
- After general anaesthetic, patients are not permitted to drive any motor vehicle, operate machinery or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours
If you have any further questions, please email: shl.bookings@healthecare.com.au and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.