Before and after surgery instructions – pre-operative information
Every member of our surgical team wants to provide you with the best care and ensure that your time in hospital is as pleasant as possible
Before surgery
- Please call the hospital the day before surgery to confirm your admission details
- Please take all X-rays and CT scans, etc with you to the hospital and remember to take them with you when you go home
- Please notify your surgeon or local doctor if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough or other symptom of illness before your surgery
- Check all costs prior to surgery and be aware of any out of pocket expenses
The day of surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight except for water and your usual medication
- This means no candy, coffee, chewing gum or food of any type
- Take all your usual medications on the morning of your procedure with a sip of water
- If you have diabetes and are on insulin do not take any insulin on the morning of your procedure unless you were told to do so by your surgeon or anaesthetist
- Before you leave home you may shower and brush your teeth
- Contact lenses or glasses must be removed before your procedure
- Do not wear face, eye makeup or nail polish
- To protect your valuables please remove all jewellery before you arrive – this includes rings, wedding rings, watches, earrings, necklaces and hair clips
- Please bring someone with you to accompany you the day of surgery – this person will:
- Arrive with you at the hospital the day of surgery
- Accompany you to the Pre-Op area
- Keep your valuables in their possession until it is time to leave the hospital
- Remain in the waiting room until notified by your surgical team that you have had your surgery and are in the recovery room
- If you must bring children please bring two responsible people with you – one to surpervise the children and one to accompany you
After surgery
When you are ready to leave your companion will:
- Help you prepare to go home
- Accompany you when a nurse explains your post-operative instructions
- Sign your discharge forms
- Assist you to your car
- Drive you home after surgery
Please remember that your companion must be of legal driving age – you will not be able to drive home and will not be able to drive for 48 hours after general anaesthesia