Surgical services

Some patients may be required to stay overnight at the hospital after surgery.

• Any surgery requiring one or more overnight stays will occur at the hospital. e.g. obstetrics
• Any surgery not requiring an overnight stay may occur within the hospital or at the Riverina Surgicentre, located on Edward Street.

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 the Calvary Surgical Admissions Team.

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 require immediate surgery to address their possible health emergency.

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.

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)

Calvary Community Care can can arrange a 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 all your medications, relevant x-rays referrals and information about your procedure
• Bring basic toiletries and reading material