Calvary Mater Newcastle
Ward 4A (Surgical Day Ward), Level 4
Surgery and day surgery
Calvary Mater Newcastle undertakes planned (elective) and unplanned (emergency/non–elective) surgical procedures.
Many surgical procedures are now undertaken in a day surgery setting, meaning patients are admitted and discharged in a single day.
Surgical specialties at Calvary Mater Newcastle include:
- Breast surgery
- General surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Melanoma surgery
Types of surgery
Planned surgery
Planned surgery usually follows consultation and treatment by your GP and specialist. From either of these you will be referred to an appropriate surgeon.
Your surgeon will discuss surgical and other options with you, and if you agree to have a surgical procedure the surgeon will forward the appropriate documentation to your surgical admissions team.
Unplanned surgery
The urgency of your surgery, and the possible wait before your surgery is scheduled, is determined by your surgeon and advised to Calvary in the surgeon’s request for admission documents. If you have any concerns about the possible impact on your health and wellbeing caused by a possible delay, please raise those concerns with your surgeon.
Unplanned surgery is performed on people who are admitted via the Emergency Department and who require immediate surgery to address their health emergency.
Informed consent
For all surgical procedures you will be required to provide your informed consent for the surgery or procedure to be performed. In the event of emergency surgery, your nominated next-of-kin or Enduring Power of Attorney is able to provide consent on your behalf.
Preparing for surgery
How to prepare for your surgery
We recommend you take the following steps before your surgical procedure:
- Ensure someone can drive you home after surgery (you’re not permitted to leave alone or use public transport)
- Arrange to have someone stay with you on the day and night of the surgery
- Don’t smoke for at least 24 hours before your procedure
- Follow instructions on which medications to take and which to withhold (this information will be given to you 1-2 weeks prior to your surgery date)
- Notify us if you have any special dietary requirement
- Inform your surgeon if there is any change in your health leading up to your procedure (for example if you’ve had a cold or fever)
How to prepare on the day
We recommend you:
- Wear loose comfortable clothing
- Don’t wear make-up, nail polish or jewellery
- Bring all your medications, relevant x-rays referrals and information about your procedure
- Bring basic toiletries and reading material
- Please do not bring any valuables or large sums of money (we won’t accept responsibility for loss).