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Admissions

 

• a fasting time of SIX hours is required before all surgery procedures to ensure that your anaesthetic can be administered safely. NO FOOD OR FLUIDS (including water) are to be taken during your fasting period.
  
  
• you are advised not to smoke for at least 5 days before your procedure and for 7 days after your procedure. This is to minimise the risk of dry socket or infection.
  
  
• you must bring your X-rays on the day of surgery. WE CANNOT PROCEED WITH YOUR SURGERY WITHOUT YOUR X-RAY.
  
  
• if you have been provided with a prescription for pain relief and antibiotics please ensure that you have obtained these medications prior to your procedure.
  
  
• you will require a responsible adult to collect you, receive verbal discharge information regarding your post-operative management and remain with you for the immediate 24 hour period following your surgical procedure. This is to ensure your safety and comfort. IF YOU HAVE NOT MADE ARRANGMENTS FOR A CARER, WE CANNOT PROCEED WITH YOUR PROCEDURE. You are strongly advised against driving for 24 hours following your procedure.
  
  
• office hours at Canberra Surgicentre are: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm

Patient Selection

Eligibility of patients is largely the responsibility of the surgeon and the anaesthetist. Criteria used to access patient's suitability for Day Surgery include various factors: General Health, Age, Duration and Type of Procedure, and Post-Operative support. It is important that you accurately complete the admission form at the time of consultation to enable the staff to appropriately prepare you for surgery and provide the highest standard of care.

Pre-Admission and Patient Preparation

Following consultation with your Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, the staff will direct you to the Day Surgery Facility (Canberra Surgicentre) which is located in the same building (next door). At this point, our friendly staff will explain how you will need to prepare for your surgery, what will happen on the day of surgery and discuss your discharge requirements. You will be provided with a pre-admission booklet containing this information and a written estimate of the fees involved with your surgery. An appointment date will be made for your surgical procedure. At this point, other necessary pre surgery appointments will be arranged i.e. pre-anaesthetic consultation. You will have ample opportunity to ask any questions regarding your surgery.

Before your Procedure

You will be asked to arrive 20 minutes prior to your procedure time. This will allow the administrative staff time to process your payments (which are required to be made on the day of surgery) and to complete the necessary paperwork. Arrival times are staggered to minimise patients waiting periods. The staff will then escort you to the pre-admission room where the nursing staff will record your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and your weight. You will have brief visits from both your surgeon and anaesthetist which allows an opportunity for any last minute questions.

In most cases, patients are ready to be discharged (go home) approximately 1hr 30mins after their arrival to Canberra Surgicentre.

Recovery

When your procedure has been completed you will be taken into the Recovery Room. You will be observed closely and monitored by our experienced nursing staff until you are fully awake. Before leaving, you and your carer will have all the required post operative care explained and you will be given a discharge pack outlining all this information in writing. After care contact phone numbers will be provided. These include Canberra Surgicentre reception and also your surgeons home and mobile numbers. All patients have the opportunity to attend a follow up appointment, usually two weeks after your procedure. We ask that you complete the Patient Opinion Survey contained in your discharge pack and return it to us at that time. Your feedback is important to maintain our achievement of excellence in the delivery of health care.

Carers

Canberra Surgicentre is conveniently located in Braddon, within walking distance of Civic. Carers are welcome to wait in the waiting room at Canberra Surgicentre. Alternatively carers are able to walk into Civic to obtain refreshments.

If your surgeon has not provided you with a prescription for analgesics (pain killers) and antibiotics, one can be provided on the day of surgery. Your carer can attend a local pharmacy (in the city) to collect the medication for you while they are waiting.

© September 2005 Canberra Surgicentre