Patient Information

Pre-Admission Forms

All Sydney Day Hospital patients are required to fill out pre-admission forms prior to having a procedure performed.

Please complete these forms at least 4 days before the day of surgery. Once the forms are completed, our admin and nursing staff will contact you prior to your procedure.

The admission form can be submitted online directly through our portal, OR downloaded and returned by:

Handing into Sydney Day Hospital front reception during business hours (8am-4:30pm)
Posted to “Sydney Day Hospital”, Level 1, 187 Macquarie Street, SYDNEY NSW 2000
Scanning and emailing to admin@sydneydayhospital.com.au

Please contact reception for any help you may need with filling them in.

ONLINE ADMISSIONS PORTAL OR DOWNLOAD FORMS HERE

Prior To Your Admission

A nurse will contact you at least 1 working day prior to your surgery to inform you, they will inform you of your admission, fasting times and go through a brief pre-admission questionnaire, we ask that you allow 10-15 minutes to ensure we have all the correct information.

The nurse will clarify the following details:

Your allergy status
Any medications you are currently taking
Your current health
Any medical conditions that may affect your operation
Your discharge plans and escort details
Please take this opportunity to ask our experienced nurse any questions or discuss any concerns you may have

Please note: It is essential you have an carer to accompany you from Sydney Day Hospital and a carer to stay with you for 24 hours after your operation. Failure to do so will result in your surgery being postponed.

If English is a second language: or if you have difficulty understanding English, please seek the support of a competent person to translate for you and assist with your visit to Sydney Day Hospital.

We can provide a translator if required. Please contact the day hospital for further information.

The Day of Your Surgery

Please note: if you have acquired any illness (including cold and flu symptoms, chest infections, vomiting, diarrhoea or conjunctivitis) please notify the hospital and/or your surgeon prior to your admission.

Before arriving

Fasting: you should not eat for at least 6 hours prior to your admission, unless your doctor has indicated otherwise. Sips of water are permitted up to 2 hours before your admission
Shower the morning of your surgery, and brush your teeth
Do not consume any alcohol the night before your surgery
Take regular medication with a sip of water unless advised otherwise by your surgeon
Wear loose comfortable clothing (preferably with an opening at the front), and comfortable safe shoes without a heel
Remove all jewellery (wedding bands can be taped)
Remove nail polish, do not wear makeup, moisturisers or fragrances
Do not smoke on the day of your surgery
Leave valuables at home. While all care is taken, Sydney Day Hospital does not accept liability for lost or damaged personal items
It is not essential your carer accompanies you to Sydney Day Hospital on admission. We will phone your carer as soon as you arrive in recovery with an approximate discharge time for pick up

What to bring

Medicare card, pension card, health fund or dva card
Your completed admission paperwork and patient history if your surgeon has given it to you
A list of medications and any medication you may need to take after surgery such as ventolin inhaler or blood pressure medication
Reading material
Payment for your surgery or health fund excess
If you wear hearing aids, contact lenses, glasses or dentures please bring an appropriate case for their safe keeping
Any mobility aids you may require such as walking stick or walking frame

It is important you arrive at your designated admission time, although we do our best to minimise waiting times please be aware there can be unexpected emergencies and delays and we will keep you informed of progress at all times.

On arrival to Sydney Day Hospital please present yourself to our friendly administration staff who will finalise any required paperwork and process payments if applicable.

Nursing admission

One of our caring nursing staff members will complete your medical admission, confirm your personal details, consent form, allergies, fasting status, medical history, measure your height, weight and vital signs. They are there to answer any final questions you may have and reassure you. They will prepare you for surgery and assist you with your surgical attire and move you to our comfortable waiting area.

Your Anaesthetist

Your Anaesthetist will meet with you prior to your surgery. They will discuss your medical history, medications, allergies the type of anaesthetic and post-operative care instructionsA

After Your Surgery

Immediately after surgery you will wake up in our recovery area where all your immediate post-operative care will be expertly attended to by our experienced staff
Depending on your surgery you may have intravenous fluids and other equipment to monitor your progress
Once you are fully awake you will be moved to our stage two recovery area where you can comfortably sit in a lounge chair. Nursing staff will give you drinks and a light snack and continue to monitor you
Your progress will be checked regularly by staff who will assist you in making your recovery as comfortable as possible. Please notify the nursing staff if you experience any discomfort
Discharge is usually between half an hour and two hours depending on anaesthetic and procedure, your nurse will liaise with your carer to arrange a suitable pick up time
Both you and your carer will be provided with verbal and written post-operative instructions, emergency contacts and any follow up appointments that your surgeon may have made for you

Please note: we provide a light snack after your surgery. In certain circumstances, we may not be able to meet your dietary needs and we suggest you bring your own light snack if you feel this may be the case.

After discharge

For the first 24 hours after general anaesthetic, assisted local anaesthesia or sedation, it is important that you:

Have a carer with you following surgery
Do not drive a car
Do not smoke anything
Do not drink alcohol
Do not make any important decisions or sign any legal documents
It is important that you follow all discharge instructions for the best surgical outcomes

Following the day of your surgery, our nursing staff will phone you to discuss your post-operative pain, oral intake, and any nausea, vomiting, and bleeding that may occur. At this stage you will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions and provide any feedback about your experience at Sydney Day Hospital.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Sydney Day Hospital are committed to providing the best possible care to our patients

Patient rights

Privacy, dignity, courtesy and respect in all interactions with health care providers
treatment directed and supervised by competent and qualified health professionals
Safe & quality care
Information regarding treatment
The right to withdraw consent and leave Sydney Day Hospital at any time- we do ask that you sign documentation stating you are responsible for any injury or illness incurred as a result
Care & treatment which is sensitive and respectful of your cultural values and beliefs
Confidentiality of personal and medical information
Be informed of costs incurred
Participate in the planning of your care
The right to have your concerns addressed

Patient responsibilities

Know your medical history and provide accurate personal information
Co-operate with medical and nursing staff caring for you
Respect the rights of other patients

Complaints, concerns & feedback

You may be provided with a satisfaction survey following surgery. We encourage you to take the opportunity to provide feedback. Feedback can be provided anonymously and will assist in helping us maintain our high standards of care.

Should you have any concerns you would like to be immediately addressed please contact the director of nursing or the nursing unit manager on 02 9231 3688.

We are also obligated to tell you that you can contact the Health Care Complaints Commission on 1800 043 159.