We recommend you don't bring any money or valuables with you to hospital. We're not responsible for any lost or damaged items that belong to you, your family or any visitors.
You usually need to arrive several hours before your surgery is scheduled.
We'll help you complete any admission paperwork, including whether you've selected to be treated as a public or private patient.
Read more about health costs, insurance and financial support.
After settling into the day surgery section of the hospital, you’ll be checked by a nurse. Your anaesthetist may also visit you.
They may examine you, review your health history questionnaire and ask you more questions, such as:
There are several things that may happen before you go into surgery.
You should also have been told how long to fast for at an earlier appointment. You should usually be without food for at least 6 hours.
Before your operation, you’ll be taken to the operating room to have the anaesthetic. The type of anaesthetic depends on the type of surgery and your health.
It may include:
After your operation you’ll be taken to a recovery room. You might not remember much of this because of the drugs you've been given.
If you were given a local anaesthetic for a small procedure, you’ll be discharged shortly after your surgery. You may stay in the day surgery for one or two hours after leaving the recovery room.
You’ll need to have a friend or relative drive you home.
Some of the side effects and possible complications of anaesthesia include:
You can discuss these with your GP or specialist.
If you’ve been given sedatives, pain relievers or general anaesthesia, you may feel drowsy after your procedure.
This is because a small amount of the anaesthetic may remain in your body. This can slow your reaction time and affect your judgement for the next 24 hours.
During this time, you shouldn’t drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, drink alcohol or sign any important documents. You also shouldn't care for young children without other adult help.