Before admission
Your doctor will provide you with a number of forms which need to be completed and faxed or emailed to us. This will enable our staff to register your details and minimise any delays on our arrival for admission.
Payment
Once you have booked your procedure you will be provided with an informed financial consent. We have contracts with most health funds. You will receive separate accounts from your surgeon, anaesthetist, pharmacy and pathology if it is required.
If you have agreed with your health fund to pay an excess or a co-payment you will be asked to pay this prior to your admission.
We accept cash, cheques, credit card and we have EFTPOS facilities.
If you have any queries regarding your visit or about your informed financial consent, please contact our staff prior to your admission by email admin@bundabergprivate.com.au or call between 8.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday and we will be happy to assist you.
If you become ill in the days before your surgery
If you develop a cough, cold or any other illness you should contact your surgeon and the staff at the day hospital as your surgery may need to be postponed until you are well.
Pre-Operative telephone call
Generally on the Friday before your operation, you will receive a telephone call from our nursing staff. The nurse will advise the following:
- Your arrival time
- Your fasting times
- Transport and parking arrangements
- The length of time you can expect to be at the day hospital
- Your post-operative care
The nurse will discuss with you
- Any previous illnesses and operations
- Any allergies to food or medicines
- Any special dietary requirements
- Who is taking you home and staying with you on the night of your surgery.
This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your admission and the postoperative care that you will need. This call will take approx. 10 minutes.
On the Day of your Surgery
- You can expect to be at the day surgery for 4 hours
- Shower or bath at home – you may use deodorant, but do not use talcum powder, face creams, make-up, perfumes or aftershave
- You may wear your wedding ring, but leave all other jewellery at home.
- Wear warm comfortable clothing
- It is important to continue all your normal medications unless you doctor has instructed you otherwise.
- Bring all medications in original containers with you
- If you have diabetes or are taking blood thinning medication, you will need to discuss the management of your medications with your surgeon and anaesthetist.
- Please arrive at the time given by the nurse.
On your arrival at the hospital
Our reception staff will confirm your admission details and accept payment for any out of pocket expenses.
Your Hospital admission
Our nursing staff will prepare you for your procedure. This will include: confirming your personal details and checking your consent form.
The Anaesthetic
You will have a consultation with the anaesthetist before your procedure. He will ask you about your general health, allergies, your current medications and any previous surgery or illnesses. You will be asked to sign a consent form for the anaesthetic. During your procedure, you will be monitored by the anaesthetist.
Your Operation
The majority of day surgery is now performed under local anaesthetic with IV sedation. You may have a general anaesthetic if your surgery is longer. In the operating theatre, you may be aware of noises from the equipment or voices of the staff and you will see the nurses setting up the sterile equipment for your procedure.
Recovery
After your procedure you will be moved to a recovery bed, chair or recliner and your health are monitored by the recovery nurse. You will be given light refreshments.
When you are ready you will be given discharge instructions and may then be taken home accompanied by a responsible adult.
When you go home
Allow yourself time to recover and rest during the first 24 hours.
Things to avoid:
- Driving a car until authorized by your surgeon
- Signing important documents (first 24 hours after your anaesthetic).
- Drinking alcohol and smoking (first 24 hours after your anaesthetic).
- Operating machinery (first 24 hours after your anaesthetic).
- Any strenuous activity
- Looking after small children
Your surgeon will schedule your post-operative care.