The day before your surgery

Our Admissions Department have sent you a letter telling you the date of your surgery. The letter will also tell you to come into hospital on the day of your surgery or, less commonly, the day before your surgery.

If you have been asked to come in on the day of your surgery:

• Telephone our Perioperative Unit the day before between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, 02 9382 3847. If your appointment is on a Monday or a public holiday, please phone on the last working day before your appointment.

If you have been asked to come into hospital the day before your surgery: 

• Follow the instructions in the letter you received from our Admissions Department.

When you phone us, we will confirm your arrival time and give you important instructions about when you need to start fasting. These fasting instructions apply to most patients. We will also let you know what medicine you should take, or stop taking, before your surgery. Some medications are helpful to take on the day of surgery while others are not. 

It is important to follow this advice. 

Please tell the nurse if:

• your health has changed. For example, if you have cold symptoms or if you have been in hospital recently
• there has been a recent change in your medicines.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter.

Remember to arrange for a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery if you are having day surgery.