Preparing for surgery in a Hunter New England Hospital

Your surgeon will discuss whether you need to stay in the hospital after your operation or if you can go home the same day. Some patients may need to be admitted a few days before their operation, while others will come to the hospital on the morning of surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about your admission plan, and we will provide the date for your admission.

You will receive a confirmation letter with a phone number to:

• confirm that you can attend on the required day
• ask any questions you may have.

Please inform us as soon as possible if:

• you cannot attend the hospital due to work or family commitments
• you have learned that you are pregnant
• you have a new medical issue or medication we are unaware of
• you don’t have someone to take you home after surgery
• you’ve changed your mind about the surgery
• you’ve changed your mind about where you want to have your surgery
• you have concerns about your surgery.

In the days or weeks before your operation, some patients may need to visit a pre-admission clinic for tests and an appointment with the anaesthetist. This appointment is for discussing plans and health assessments related to your upcoming surgery. Hospital staff will inform you if you need to attend a pre-admission clinic.

If you feel unwell within 3 days before your surgery, please call the admission office at the hospital where your surgery is booked or contact your local doctor (GP) for advice. Contact us if you have any of the following symptoms:

• temperature or fever (feeling hot or cold)
• sore throat, cough, or other breathing problems
• rash or swelling
• feeling generally unwell
• a cut, break, or tear in your skin
• any infected wounds
• diarrhoea or vomiting
• a recent unplanned visit to an emergency department or GP.

If you are too unwell for surgery, your operation may be postponed until you are feeling better and it is safer for you to proceed. Letting us know early also allows someone else waiting for surgery to be contacted for their operation.

The hospital may contact you in the days and weeks before your surgery. It’s important to:

• Answer your phone in the 5 days leading up to your surgery. The hospital will call to check if you are well enough for your operation.
• The call may appear as 'hidden', 'private', or 'No caller ID'. The caller will identify themselves as being from the hospital when you answer.

Mobile phone contact

• If you prefer us to contact you on your mobile phone, ensure we have the correct number.
• Let us know if your mobile number changes.
• Sometimes we may send a text message to your mobile. Read the message carefully, as it might include instructions for the day of your surgery.

Leave precious items at home

When you're admitted to the hospital, there will be times when you're away from your bed for tests or surgery. Only bring items you need during your stay. Avoid bringing valuables like jewellery or large amounts of cash. The hospital cannot be responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced items.

What to pack

• comfortable clothing for daytime wear
• pyjamas or nightwear labelled with your name
• toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shaver, deodorant, etc.)
• comfortable footwear, like non-slip slippers or joggers
• all the medicines you're currently taking, in their original packaging
• all x-rays and scans related to your surgery, plus any other x-rays or scans from the last 12 months
• health benefit cards (Pensioner health, Health fund membership card)
• a small amount of cash for snacks and daily items
• communication aids or management plans
• glasses and any other personal aids, such as hearing aids, walking aids, and dentures
• if you bring your mobile phone, don't forget the charger
• pen and paper to jot down important information or questions for your doctor.

If you’re having day surgery, consider packing a ‘just in case’ bag and leaving it in the car of the person picking you up. If you need to stay in the hospital after surgery, ask your family or friend to bring the bag in for you.

If you're having day surgery with a general anaesthetic, arrange for a family member, friend, or responsible adult to take you home and stay with you overnight. This is for your safety, as you may feel lightheaded, drowsy, and less able to perform tasks due to the anaesthetic.

Do not drive for 24 hours after surgery – it’s not safe.

Sometimes, day surgery patients may need to stay overnight unexpectedly. Plan ahead just in case:

• Pack a bag with pyjamas, underwear, clean clothes, and toiletries. Give it to the person picking you up, and ensure they can bring it to the hospital if needed.
• If you're a carer, have a backup plan to ensure the person you care for is safe and supported if you need to stay in the hospital.
• Consider arranging pet care if you might stay overnight.

Our hospitals offer various support services to assist during your stay, including:

• the 24-hour Healthcare Interpreter Service for patients and families who are not fluent in English or need a signing interpreter for hearing impairment.
• social workers.
• multicultural support services for patients and families from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Aboriginal liaison staff to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families.

If you need to travel a long distance for your surgery, your family may need to book local accommodation while you’re in the hospital. If you have an early morning appointment, consider staying near the hospital the night before. Hospitals generally cannot accommodate family members overnight.

For some, coming to the hospital may require extra planning. If you have a disability and need additional support or care adjustments during your stay, please inform your doctors and nurses so we can coordinate your care.

If you use a specific communication device or aid, bring it with you. If you have a support network that should be involved in your care planning, let us know who to contact and whether they will be with you at the hospital.

Bring any care guide documents with you and discuss them with our staff.

You will get a phone call from the hospital 1 or 2 days before your surgery. Use this checklist to write down the information from the call so you're well prepared for your surgery.

• What time do I need to arrive at the hospital?
• What time do I need to stop eating solid foods?
• What can I drink, and what time do I need to stop?
• My medications: What do I do if I have diabetes?
• What X-rays and test results do I need to bring?
• How long should I expect to be in the hospital?
• What are the hospital visiting times?

• remove any acrylic or fake nails in the weeks before surgery, as they can hide bacteria
• avoid shaving or waxing below the neck in the days leading up to your surgery. Shaving or waxing can cause small cuts that might introduce infection. Facial shaving is allowed
• refrain from getting new tattoos in the 6 weeks before surgery. Tattoos break the skin and may result in your surgery being rescheduled.

Some patients may need to use a special skin cleanser before surgery to reduce harmful bacteria on their skin. Your healthcare team will inform you if you need a special body wash or wipe, which you’ll likely receive at your pre-admission clinic visit.

Use the skin wipes after your shower on the day of surgery. It's important not to rinse off the solution; let it dry naturally on your skin.

A small number of patients may need to use a bacteria-killing ointment for a longer period before surgery. If this applies to you, you’ll receive instructions on how to use it.

Do drink

• water
• carbohydrate-rich drinks like PreOp or Dex
• apple juice or other pulp-free fruit juices
• clear cordials
• black tea or coffee without milk
• ice blocks made from any of the above clear fluids

Don’t drink

• cream, milk, or soy protein
• alcohol
• insoluble fibre like Metamucil
• prune juice, tomato juice, or orange juice
• fruit nectar (canned or fresh)
• thickened fluids
• milkshakes or smoothies