Day surgery unit
Our Day Surgery Unit is a Monday to Friday, 7.00am to 8.00pm. We have a range of specialities including:
- endoscopy/colonoscopy’s,
- gynaecology,
- ophthalmology,
- dental,
- cosmetic
- general surgery.
Before Surgery:
- You will be escorted to the ward area by Reception staff. You will be allocated a recliner chair in the ward area. In certain cases, you may be allocated a bed. This is up to the discretion of the Nurse Unit Manager, taking into consideration the type of procedure being done and any special requirements you may have.
- A nurse will orientate you to the ward and take a short health history.
- Your observations will be recorded, including your weight, temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
- The nurse will advise you of any specific preparations for your particular surgery: - such as the need to shave the area, shower with a surgical sponge, wear theatre attire, have eye drops instilled, etc.
- An Anaesthetist may see you either on the ward prior to being transferred to theatre, or once in the theatre area. A pre-medication may be ordered to help you relax.
- If you had tests prior to admission, such as x-rays or an ECG, please advise the nurse, as these may need to go to theatre with you.
- You will then be transferred to theatre, either walking, in a wheelchair or on a bed, depending on your procedure.
- Once you arrive, a theatre team nurse will meet you.
- You will be asked questions to confirm that you are the correct person for the procedure booked.
- In the waiting area, your temperature will be recorded, routine monitoring equipment will be attached to you and a warm blanket will be offered.
- Your Anaesthetist will put a plastic cannula into a vein in your arm or hand. This is used to give medications and fluids while you are asleep.
- Your Doctor will come and speak to you.
- When your procedure is complete, you will be monitored in the recovery area for up to 30 minutes before being returned to your room.
- It is normal to feel very tired at this stage.
- If you are on a bed, the rails will be up (for safety reasons). If you were allocated a recliner chair, you will be transferred back to the ward in a wheelchair and assisted back into the recliner.
- Your observations will be recorded for a period of time, which will vary depending on the type of anaesthesia you were given.
- You may still have a plastic cannula (“drip”) in. This can be used to give fluids, pain relief and medication to stop nausea and vomiting if required.
- It is important that you notify your nurse if you start experiencing pain – pain is easier to control in its early stages, rather than when it becomes severe.
- Once the nurse is satisfied you have recovered adequately, you will be offered a light diet.
- If you have a drip, it will remain in until you have tolerated food and fluid, and have passed urine, then it will be removed.
- At the end of your recovery period, you will be discharged home. Your Doctor will advise you prior to admission, if your procedure requires an overnight stay.
- You will be given follow-up instructions, Doctor’s appointments if required, and prescriptions for medication(s) to be taken home.