Patient Information
Surry Hills Day Hospital
Patient Information – Prior to Admission to our day surgery
A nurse from Surry Hills Day Hospital will contact you at least 1 working day prior to your surgery, he/she will inform you of your admission and fasting times and go through a brief pre-admission questionnaire, we ask that you allow 10-15 minutes to ensure we have all details.
The nurse will clarify the following details:
• 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.
Please Note: It is essential you have an escort to accompany you from Surry Hills Day Hospital and a carer to stay with you for 24 hours after your operation. Failure to do so will result in your surgery being rescheduled
If English as a second language: If you have difficulty understanding English, please seek the support of a competent person to translate for you and assist with your visit to Surry Hills Day Hospital.
Patient Information – Day of Surgery
Before arriving
• Fasting: You should not eat for at least 6 hours prior to your admission to Surry Hills Day Hospital , unless your doctor has indicated otherwise. Sips of water are permitted up to 2 hours before your admission.
• Shower the morning of your surgery, you can brush your teeth
• 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, Surry Hills Day Hospital does not accept liability for lost or damaged personal items.
• It is not essential your escort accompanies you to Surry Hills Day Hospital on admission, they will be phoned as soon as you arrive in recovery with a discharge time and will be given plenty of notice
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
• 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 time.
On arrival to Surry Hills 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, 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 with you your medical history, medications, allergies and discuss the anaesthetic and post-operative care and general post-operative care instructions.
Patient Information – After Your Surgery
• 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 from Surry Hills Day Hospital .
• 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 regular 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 escort to arrange a suitable pick up time.
• Both you and your carer will be provided with both 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 and in certain circumstances may not be able to meet your dietary needs, we suggest you bring your own light snack if you feel this may be the case.
Patient Information – After Discharge
For the first 24 hours after general anaesthetic, assisted local anaesthesia or sedation, it is important that you:
• Have a carer with you for the first 24 hours following surgery
• Do not drive a car
• Do not drink alcohol
• Do not make any complex business or legal decisions
• Follow all discharge instructions
You will be phoned by our nursing staff from our Surry Hills Day Hospital – A Boutique Day, on the day following your surgery, we will discuss your post-operative pain, oral intake, nausea and vomiting.
At this stage you will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions and provide any feedback about your experience at Surry Hills Day Hospital.
About Us
Surry Hills Day Hospital is a boutique day surgery unit conveniently positioned in Surry Hills, Sydney. We offer a broad range of services including General Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery.
