PATIENT INFO – PREPARATION FOR PROCEDURE
PATIENT INFO – PREPARATION FOR PROCEDURE
GOONAWARRA DAY HOSPITAL is a fully registered Day Hospital with the Victorian Department of Health. It has full accreditation against the National Safety & Quality Health Service Standards 2nd Edition(NSQHSS).
Preparing for Procedure
Section 1: Preparing for Your Procedure
At Goonawarra Day Hospital, we aim to make your surgical experience as safe and comfortable as possible. Please read the information below carefully and follow the instructions provided by your surgeon and our staff.
Before your procedure:
1️⃣ Fasting Instructions
- Follow your bowel preparation instructions for endoscopy procedures
- For other procedures, no solid food for at least 6 hours before your procedure.
- Clear fluids (water, clear juice, tea or coffee without milk) may be taken up to 3 hours before your procedure.
- These instructions are essential for your safety during sedation or anaesthesia.
2️⃣ Medications
- Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
- Continue most medications as usual unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
- Some medications, particularly blood thinners, may need adjustment before your procedure
- DO NOT TAKE your diabetic tablets or insulin but BRING THEM TO THE HOSPITAL with you on the day.
- Also, bring your Ventolin puffers or any puffers, any medication for epilepsy and Parkinson Disease with you.
- You should have your regular medication at the usual time with just a sip of water before your procedure.
- If you are on weight reducing injections or tablets, stop these at least 2 weeks before your procedure. If you take these for your diabetes, you will need to be reviewed by our anaesthetist before your procedure.
3️⃣ Personal Preparation
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Leave jewellery, valuables, and makeup at home.
- Bring your Medicare card, health insurance details, referral letter, and any imaging or test results.
4️⃣ Transport Home
- If you have sedation or anaesthesia, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
- Do not plan to drive, use public transport alone, or operate machinery after your procedure.
5️⃣ Questions and Concerns
- If you feel anxious or have any questions, please contact our team prior to your procedure.
- Our staff are happy to explain the process and help you feel prepared.
On the Day:
- Arrive at the hospital at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
- You will be checked in by our friendly reception staff and prepared for your procedure by our nursing team.
- You will meet your surgeon and anaesthetist before the procedure begins.
- Nursing staff will prepare you and monitor your safety throughout.
- During your procedure, our team will monitor your vital signs closely and ensure your comfort at all times.
Section 2: After Your Procedure
At Goonawarra Day Hospital, our priority is your safety, comfort, and recovery after your procedure. Please read the following information carefully to ensure a smooth recovery at home.
Recovery at the Hospital:
- After your procedure, you will be moved to the recovery area, where our trained nurses will monitor your vital signs and overall condition.
- You will remain in recovery until it is safe for you to go home.
- During this time, the nursing team will:
o Monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels o Provide pain relief if needed o Check your wound or procedure site o Ensure you are alert and stable before discharge
- Preparing for Discharge & Home Recovery
o Ensure transport and home care support is arranged. o Follow all discharge instructions carefully. o Contact the hospital for advice if you have concerns after returning home.
Discharge Instructions:
You need to arrange to be collected about 2 hours after your appointment time. Failure to arrange transport and have a responsible adult take you home may result in cancellation of your procedure.
Before leaving the hospital, you will receive written discharge instructions. These will cover:
1️⃣ Medications
- Take any prescribed medications exactly as instructed.
- If you have questions about the prescribed medications, contact our hospital.
- For your own regular medications, do contact your GP.
2️⃣ Activity
- Rest for the remainder of the day.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or exercise for the next 24 hours or unless cleared by your surgeon.
- You may resume normal activities gradually as advised.
- You must not drive a car or operate any machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.
3️⃣ Wound / Procedure Site Care
- For endoscopy procedures, follow the instruction given before discharge
- All other procedures, unless stated otherwise by your surgeon, keep the site clean and dry as instructed.
- Monitor for redness, swelling, discharge, or increased pain. Ring GDH for any signs of infection
- Follow any specific instructions from the surgeon
- Resume a light diet initially unless otherwise instructed.
4️⃣ Diet and Fluids
- Resume a light diet initially unless otherwise instructed.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
5️⃣ Follow-up Appointments
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits with your surgeon or GP.
- Contact the hospital if you have questions about your recovery or wound care.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
Contact your surgeon, GP, Goonawarra Day Hospital or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Heavy bleeding or unusual discharge
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Any other concerning symptoms
Always call 000 for immediate assistance.