For Patients: Day Surgery

Day Surgery

A Guide To Day Surgery

We welcome you to St George Private Hospital’s Day Surgery Unit.

We understand that for many of our patients, this is the first time they have experienced having a procedure in a day surgery.

We hope to provide you with a clear explanation of what to expect from your visit to the Day Surgery Unit at St George Private.

Introducing Day Surgery Unit
The Day Surgery Unit is located on the ground floor of the hospital and includes:

• A reception and waiting lounge
• A designated liaison nurse to answer your queries
• 19 per-operative and post-operative beds
• 5 first stage recovery beds
• Children’s playroom
• Comfortable discharge lounge

Pre Admission to Day Surgery – PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU READ THIS INFORMATION

When you arrive

Please proceed to the Day Surgery Reception on arrival to the hospital where a receptionist will confirm your admission details and settle any outstanding charges/fees.

The receptionist will provide you with a flowchart (Link to PDF of flowchart) of your stay with us in the Day Surgery. Please read this carefully and speak with the Liaison Nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

You will be seen by a nurse who will review your medical history, record your vital signs, answer any questions you many have and prepare you for your operation.  You will also be assessed by an anaesthetist prior to your surgery.

Pre-operative preparation

The nurse may ask you to get changed into a gown and place you in a bed or a lounge.

Your belongings will go under your bed so please try and bring small bags with you. You will return to the same bed after your operation and will be taken to the Recovery Unit so your belongings will be with you, but not secured.

We find that most people have their support people or visitors bring most of the items needed for hospital stay – after surgery.

We recommend that you leave your valuables at home or with your support person or visitors.

IMPORTANT: If you are taking any medications please bring them with you in their original packaging. 

Please note that nurses will admit patients according to the order of your Doctor’s operating list. Even though operating lists are carefully planned, emergencies can occur and the order of the list is sometimes changed.

Children as Patients

For Parents:

We appreciate and encourage your involvement in your child’s care. As parents you know your child better than anyone and your presence is of great value during your child’s stay in hospital. When your child goes to the operating theatre, you may accompany them into the holding bay.

When your child wakes up in Recovery, you may be called to sit with them so please ensure that the Liaison Nurse knows where you are and we have your mobile number in case we cannot find you.

Playroom:

There is a playroom available for children. If your child has a favourite toy, we request that you bring it with you, ensuring it is labelled.

Meals for children:

We will always offer your child something to eat after they have had their surgery. If your child has allergies please let us know and we will arrange for a special diet. If your child is on a special formula or has their own feeding cup or bottle, we strongly request that you bring it with you as we do not have the facilities to provide you with an alternative.

How long will I wait before my surgery?

Your Surgeon decides which time he wants you to come to hospital.  The length of time you have to wait before surgery will depend on the length of time the case will take in front of you. This can vary depending on the type of surgery.

There are 12 operating theatres at St George Private and patients will be admitted depending on their place on their list.  Please be assured that you have not been forgotten. The nursing staff will be concentrating on preparing patients who are going to theatre next.

How long will my surgery take?

This will depend on the type of surgery you are having, but if your surgery takes at least 1 hour, you will also spend 1-2 hours in the Recovery Unit before discharge. Please refer to the Flow chart for more information.

Following Your Procedure

After a period of time in the recovery area, you will stay in the Day Surgery unit between 2-4 hours depending on your procedure and how you feel.

When you are feeling well and meet the discharge criteria, you will be escorted by a nurse to the Discharge Lounge to wait for your transport home.

Preparing to Leave

Before discharge, a nurse will give you discharge information and answer any questions you may have.

Please ensure you make a follow up appointment with your Doctor. If you need a medical certificate, please contact your Doctor. A nurse will contact your designated transport person to give them a discharge time.

Your Questions Answered

Can I bring food and drinks into Day Surgery?
No. As you are preparing for a surgical procedure, you will not be able to eat anything beforehand. Accordingly there is no food or drink allowed in Day Surgery. Please refer to your pre-admission handbook for further information.

You will be given a light diet and refreshments after your procedure, however if you have any special dietary requirements please let your admission nurse know so they can organise this.

Your support person
Most people arrive at Day Surgery with a support person. To maintain safety, patient confidentiality, privacy and comfort for our patients, your support person may not be permitted into Day Surgery.

Your support person is welcome to sit in the reception area and the nurses will keep them informed of your progress.

If your support person prefers to leave the hospital while you are having your operation, please remind them that they need to check with the nurse before leaving the hospital to ensure we have their contact details should we need to contact them for further information about you.

Extending Our Care

Depending on how you feel when you leave, one of our nurses may call you the next day to make sure that you are feeling well. However, please feel free to call us if you have any concerns about your operation/procedure on (02) 9598 5087 between 6am-9pm or the After Hours Manager on: (02) 9598 5555 after 9pm.