What happens during my admission and procedure

What happens during my admission and procedure?

Before you come to the hospital, we will offer you guidance on what to expect and how you can prepare for your procedure. For example, we will advise you on whether your surgery will be a day procedure or if you need to stay overnight. This is determined by the surgical plan discussed during your consultation with Dr Richardson.

Your Admission

For most patients, admission occurs on the same day as the planned surgical procedure. When you arrive, you will need to fulfil admission requirements, including confirmation of your written consent for the surgery. We may advise you to bring items such as your Medicare card or any concession cards, details of your private health fund, and a payment method for any other expenses. You should also bring along any medications you are taking, a list of any allergies, details of any medical conditions, personal items such as a change of clothes, and details of your emergency contact.

Afterwards, you will change out of your clothes into a hospital gown, and caregivers will give you a patient ID band. In order to decrease the risk of blood clots in the legs, we may provide you with calf compression stockings. You may need to wear these during your admission. Your ID will be confirmed before the operation, and there may be a short waiting period in the patient lounge.

These measures ensure patient safety during admission to the hospital. We will endeavour to minimise delays and make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Your Procedure

During the procedure, you may require either general anaesthesia or sedation with local anaesthesia. This is to minimise discomfort associated with the surgery.

The details and duration of the operation will depend on the procedure you are undergoing, your health, and the extent of the surgery. Since every patient’s needs are unique, Dr Richardson will discuss the procedure in detail during your consultation, which will help you prepare for the surgery.

What Happens Afterwards?

We will determine the length of your hospital stay based on the extent of the surgery and the type of anaesthesia. How your body responds to the operation will also impact it. We will monitor your health and let you know when you can return home.

When you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to collect your personal items, medications, and follow-up details. You should not drive for at least 24 hours, but this can be longer, depending on the surgery. Since you won’t be able to drive, you will need to have a family member or friend take you home.

Recovery times will vary based on the patient and their surgery. Before you go home, we will provide you with all the post-op guidance and appointment times with Dr Richardson and his team.