Once it has been decided that a procedure is required you will receive the following information;

• Date, approximate arrival and procedure time, and type of procedure
• If any tests are required before your procedure
• Specific instructions in preparation for the procedure
• A patient admission form for you to complete

Ensure that you understand the procedure you are to undergo and all areas on the Consent for Surgery.

You will be given patient admission forms by your doctor, which should be completed in full and forwarded as soon as possible (preferably before the admission date) by yourself or the doctor's surgery to the Admissions Officer via email (admin@westminsterdaysurgery.com) or by fax 08 9344-1744. If you have not received a form please contact the Admissions Office by telephoning 08 9349-5555, and one will be provided.

Once the form is received our Admission Officer will advise you of your admission point and financial details referring to your level of cover with your health fund. Any excess amounts are payable on or before admission. Credit card and EFTPOS facilities are available. Credit card payments can also be made by telephoning 08 9349-5555.

Our Admission Officer will also advise you of any pre-existing conditions, or any other requirements notified by your Health Fund. General non-medical questions, quotes on procedures for uninsured patients and information on how payments can be made by telephoning 08 9349-5555.

If you are booked 2-3 days before your procedure, you should contact the Admissions Officer and have your admission and health insurance details completed and verified. This will save any delays on the day of your procedure. It is extremely important that this form is to be fully completed and returned as soon as possible to ensure a smooth admission process.

All patients are welcome at the Westminster Day Surgery. Cost and payment arrangements can be discussed with our Admission Officer for those patients not privately insured.

As each health fund varies it is advisable to contact your health fund to ensure that you are covered for the procedure booked.

All relevant details relating to your visit will be billed directly to your private health fund provider. All other accounts such as from your treating doctor and anaesthetist will be billed separately by the practice concerned.

Payments can be made by using all major credit cards, EFTPOS or cash. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm.

On the day of admission shower or bath prior to arrival. Wear comfortable and loose clothing.

On arrival our receptionist will greet you and finalise your admission procedure. You will then be met by a member of the nursing staff and directed to the change room. A pre- operative assessment will be conducted and an outline of your operation explained. We will also cover any queries you or your family may have about your visit to Westminster Day Surgery.

When the doctor is ready for you the anaesthetic nurse will collect you and walk with you into theatre, where you will be looked after by a team of professional nurses in conjunction with your doctor and anaesthetist.

You will awake in the relaxed environment of our specialised recovery area where your progress will be monitored until you are ready to go home.

Overnight Stays

The Day Surgery has facilities and staff available should your surgery require you to stay overnight.

What to Bring
Please bring with you your night attire, toiletries, and some reading material (if required).

Collection for Overnight Stays
You will need to be collected by a responsible adult between 7.30am and 8.30am the day after surgery.

General Anaesthetics

Patients are usually able to go home within six hours of admission. It is important if you are undergoing a day only procedure that you have an adult who is able to stay with you for 24 hours post procedure. Our staff can assist with the estimated time of your departure and appropriate arrangements can be made.

Our policy does not permit patients to be discharged unaccompanied.

Detailed instructions to assist you over the next 24 hours will be given to you by the recovery nurse.

A written copy will be given to you on discharge which will include information on

• Your procedure
• Any follow-up appointment
• Medication
• X-rays to take home
• Hospital discharge certificate to give to your GP if needed

Local Anaesthetics

Patients are usually able to go home immediately. However in some cases a 30 minutes resting period is required.

For safety and legal reasons, we advise that you do not drive for 24 hours following your anaesthetic.

Please DO NOT bring any valuables with you, as the Day Surgery accepts no responsibility for stolen or lost items.

Aspects of the personal information we collect may be used to monitor the quality of care we provide, the appropriateness and effectiveness of the services we offer and the level of our patients’ satisfaction with the service provided to them. As a result, we, or someone we authorize to contact you on our behalf, may contact you in the future to request your feedback on the health services we have provided to you whilst you were under our care.

You have the right to comment on or complain about your health care. If a concern arises for you, please tell the staff. Usually they can resolve it immediately.

Be assured that:

• We want to resolve your concerns to your satisfaction
• You can expect any complaint to be dealt with quickly and confidentially
• Your complaint will not adversely affect the service you receive