Patient Information
Checklist
Use this quick-check guide to make sure you are fully prepared for your Day Surgery visit.
You will be more comfortable afterwards if you wear loose fitting clothing. No night attire or toiletries are necessary.
You should not smoke or drink alcohol 24 hours prior to admission.
Do not wear make-up including mascara or nail polish.
On the day of surgery
- Bathe or shower. You may be asked by your doctor to use a disinfectant wash or soap.
- Make sure you have a responsible adult who will be able to accompany you on the day of your surgery.
- Unless otherwise indicated, do not have anything to eat or drink SIX hours prior to surgery – this includes water.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing.
- Arrive at the Day Surgery at the time advised.
On the day of surgery - What to bring
- A warm jacket
- Current medications
- Glasses, hearing and other aids
- Relevant x-rays and test results
- Any Day Surgery paperwork especially your Consent Form – completed
- Medicare card
- Private health insurance details
- Fully payment if required
- Favourite toy, formula, bottle and any special dietary needs for children
- Contact details for carer escort
We strongly advise that you do not bring any valuables i.e. jewellery, cash.
Should I take my medications?
If you are on any medications, prescribed or over the counter, including herbal remedies, it is wise to check with your surgeon whether to continue these. If you need to take medications on the day of surgery, please bring that medicine with you.
Admission Information
Pre Admission
Our dedicated team of professional staff are committed to providing patients with the highest standards of care. Throughout our patients’ stay, from pre-admission to discharge, each patient will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
Your surgeon will arrange the date and time of your admission for surgery. Once the date of your surgery has been confirmed by your surgeon you will be required to complete a Preadmission form, given to you by the surgeon’s rooms. This will confirm personal details and enable Pindara Day Procedure Centre to contact your health fund and confirm your cover if applicable and inform you if there are any out of pocket costs that are payable on the day of surgery.
Clerical Pre-Admission
Pre-admission is an important part of your hospital care. To ensure we can confirm you pre-admission, financial and other arrangements we ask that you:
Complete the admission form that you would have received from your doctor, as soon as possible and send it back to Pindara Day Procedure Centre either by fax to 0755 889580 or email it to pdpc.pgc@ramsayhealth.com.au
Please have the following ready when you fill in your admission forms:
- Person Responsible /Next of Kin details
- Medicare Card
- Funding details (e.g. DVA, Private health insurance, Workcover or self-funding)
- Benefit details (e.g. pharmacy benefit card or pension card)
- Item numbers if these were quoted by the doctors’ rooms
- Information your doctor supplied to you re implantable medical devices (e.g. prosthetic and disposables) – if applicable
- If you have any concerns please telephone Pindara Day Procedure Centre on 07 5588 9588 between 6.00 am and 5.00 pm.
If you have private health cover, please contact your health fund prior to your admission to check for any excess or waiting periods. We know that health and billing charges can be difficult to understand and we are happy to assist in any way we can, however, we also advise that you seek clarification from your doctor and health fund.
Nursing Pre-Admission Information
You may be contacted by telephone prior to your day of admission by our Pre-admission Nurse. If you are contacted:
- Your medical history will be reviewed with you and admission and discharge details discussed.
- Please take this opportunity to discuss any concerns regarding your admission.
Your doctor will notify the hospital of the date of your procedure/operation and inform you of your day and time of admission. Your doctor will also explain your procedure or operation and complete the consent form with you.
On the day of admission
Please check-in at the Reception at the time indicated by your doctor.
Your doctor will inform you of the scheduled time for your surgery and subsequent fasting times.
This means nothing to eat a or drink, including water, prior to your operation.
Please bring anything applicable to your admission including:
- Doctors admission letter and or consent forms
- Regular medications
- Relevant x-rays and or tests
- For a child – favourite toy, formula, bottle and any special dietary needs
DO NOT (unless your doctor gives you special instructions):
- Eat or drink anything after midnight for morning surgery
- Eat or drink anything after 7.00 am for afternoon surgery – (a light breakfast prior to 7.00am is applicable i.e. tea and toast)
- Smoke cigarettes or chew gum
- Wear jewellery, a wedding ring and watch are permitted
- Bring valuables i.e. mobile phone and large amounts of cash
- Wear make-up or nail polish
- Please shower on the day of admission and put on clean clothes
- Wear garments that are comfortable and easy to remove
- Check with your nurse before informing relatives/friends regarding the time that you should be picked up.
Interpreters
A telephone interpreter service is available on request. Please contact Pindara Day Procedure Centre prior to admission if this is required. Family members are encouraged to attend the day surgery with you for help.
Refreshments
A selection of sandwiches, coffee, tea, juice and biscuits are provided following your procedure.
Special Diets
Only a small range of Gluten free food is available at Pindara Day Procedure Centre. Patients with specific requirements are encouraged to bring a small snack to eat following their procedure.
Newspapers and magazines
There are a selection of these for reading in the waiting area of Pindara Day Procedure Centre.
Parking
Parking for patients and visitors is available in the multi-storey carpark off Carrara Street. There are no charges for parking in this carpark. Parking is available along Carrara Street, however, there is a two-hour restriction and Gold Coast City Council may issue fines for cars parked for longer periods. You are requested not to park in the parking abys allocated to Doctors and ambulances to ensure access in an emergency. Cars parked in disabled car spaces must be displaying a vaild permit.
Outside Pindara Day Procedure Centre there is a set down / pick up area that can be accessed via Carrara Street for the purpose of dropping off or picking up patients to and from Pindara Day Procedure Centre. There is a 5 minute limit on these, therefore, if you are going to be away from your car for a longer period, please move it to the multi-storey carpark.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed inside the hospital
When You Leave / Discharge home
Before you leave, you will be given written instructions on how to look after yourself at home.
A prescription will be provided for any medications required.
Please make arrangements for someone responsible to drive you home. You WILL NOT be able to drive yourself or travel alone on public transport including a taxi if you have been given a general anaesthetic or sedation.
An escort is VITAL for your safety, and you must have someone in continual attendance with you following your discharge and for 24 hours following surgery. Your operation may be cancelled if you do not have a suitable carer.
Your escort is welcome to wait in the reception area, however, they do not have to stay at the Day Surgery the whole time. They will be given an approximate time to return to collect you at the time of admission and we will call them about half an hour before you are ready to go home.
During the first 24 hours after your anaesthetic, you must not drive a car, operate machinery, drink alcohol, conduct business or sign contracts.