Surgery and Day Surgery Services

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/proceduralist will discuss surgical and other options with you, and if you agree to have a surgical procedure they will forward the appropriate documentation to the Calvary Elective Admissions Team.

The urgency of your surgery/procedure, and the possible wait before scheduling, is determined by your surgeon/proceduralist and advised to Calvary Mater Newcastle in the 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 doctor.

Unplanned surgery is performed on people who are admitted via the Emergency Department and who require immediate surgery to address their health emergency.

For all l procedures and surgery you will be required to provide your Informed Consent.

We recommend you take the following steps before your surgical procedure:

• Ensure someone will pick you up and drive you home (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 as you may have residual effects of the sedation or anaesthetic 
• 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)
• You may be required to attend an appointment in our Pre-Procedures Clinic to ensure you are healthy prior to your procedure.  We will contact you to make arrangements for this to occur if necessary.
• Notify us if you have any special dietary requirements
• Inform your surgeon/prodecuralist if there is any change in your health leading up to your procedure (for example if you’ve had a cold or fever)

Calvary Community Care can can arrange to pick up from the hospital, help with with the practical arrangements of returning home from hospital, and can also help give support during your recovery.

Hospital to home

We recommend you:

• Wear loose comfortable clothing
• Don’t wear make-up, nail polish or jewellery
• Bring an up–to–date list of all your medications, relevant x-rays referrals and information about your procedure
• Bring basic toiletries and reading material