GV Health Same Day Admission / Day Patient

This information is intended for patients who are being admitted to GV Health to have an operation or procedure and are returning home on the same day.  What do I do before the operation or procedure? How do I prepare for the operation or procedure? What do I need to bring to hospital? What should I wear? When should I arrive? Where do I go when I arrive? What kind of anesthetic will I be given? What happens after the operation or procedure? What happens when I leave the hospital?

What do I do before the operation or procedure?

Please phone the Day Procedure Unit (DPU) between 5.00 pm - 7.00pm on 5832 2525 the day before your planned admission to confirm your arrival time.  If you are unable to phone at this time, please arrive at the time stated on your letter, please be aware you may have a longer wait.  It is essential that you phone the centre if you cannot attend or need to cancel your appointment.  Failure to advise us will result in another patient missing out.  If your general condition changes between now and the day of your planned admission, such as you get a cold or fever,  please phone the DPU on 5832 2525. 

How do I prepare for the operation or procedure?

• Do not smoke for at least 12 hours before an operation or procedure
• Please ensure you have filled in the Pre-operative Health Questionnaire
• You may receive a phone call about your medication
• For morning scheduled procedures or operations do not eat or drink after midnight the night before - you may have a sip of water with your tablets
• For afternoon scheduled  procedures or operations do not eat or drink after 6.00am - you may have water only until 9.00am
• If you are a diabetic your doctor should have given you additional instructions - please phone the Nurse in Charge on 5832 2525 if you have not received these instructions 

What do I need to bring to hospital?

Please bring the following items:

• Medicare Card
• Health Insurance details, if you have insurance
• Health Care Card, if you are eligible for health care assistance
• Veteran's Affairs details, if applicable
• Full/part pension number, if applicable
• WorkCare or TAC information with employer details and claim number, if applicable
• Referral letters
• X-rays
• Current medications
• Pharmaceutical entitlement number
• Telephone numbers of two family members or friends who can be contacted if necessary

What should I wear?

• Loose fitting comfortable clothes - pyjamas and dressing gowns are not required
• Comfortable walking shoes or slippers
• Do not wear makeup or nail polish
• All body piercings must be removed

When should I arrive?

It is important to arrive on time for your appointment to allow sufficient time to prepare for the procedure.  If you think you may be late please phone the Day Procedure Unit on 5832 2525 during the hours 7.00am to 8.00pm.

Where do I go when I arrive?

Enter the hospital though the main entrance and proceed to   Building F Level 1. 

What kind of anaesthetic will I be given?

Your doctor will advise you on the type of anaesthetic to be administered after questioning and examining you to assess your:

• Medical history
• Drug allergies
• Current illnesses or infections
• Medicines, tablets or drugs you are taking - please bring the containers or a list of the drugs you have taken in the last month (including non-prescription or herbal health remedies)

Depending on your assessment you will be given one of the following types of anaesthetics:

• Local anaesthetic
• Local anaesthetic with sedation
• General anaesthetic
• Spinal anaesthetic

What happens after the operation or procedure?

You may feel slight drowsy after the procedure or operation, and for 24 hours you must not :

• Work
• Drive a vehicle
• Operate machinery
• Exercise
• Drink alcohol
• Take sedatives (unless prescribed)
• Sign any important legal documents
• Engage in any social engagements

What happens when I leave the hospital? 

• When you leave you will receive instructions with advice on activity, eating, drinking, bathing and dressing, as well as who to contact if problems arise.  
• If you have any difficulties after leaving hospital, please call the Emergency Department on 5832 2322.