Day surgery FAQs

What is day surgery?

Day surgery is designed for people who are basically fit and healthy. It allows them to have an operation, arriving and leaving on the same day. This avoids the need to go to a larger hospital and eliminates overnight stays.

The average stay is 3 to 5 hours and most patients need another adult to accompany them (including to take them home safely). It’s also important that someone is with you for the first night following your operation.

Who can arrange a surgery booking?

This is something that your doctor or our staff will organise for you. They will consult with you to confirm a suitable time and date.

What about payment?

For those of you who have private health insurance, your account will be forwarded on your behalf to your health fund. However, you will need to pay any balance not covered by your fund on the day of the surgery.

If you do not have private health insurance, we ask that your account be finalised on admission.

How do I prepare for my surgery?

If you are booked to have surgery, please take note of the following:

• Adults need to fast for at least 5 hours before arrival
• Smoking is a hazard before an operation. Please do not smoke for 24 hours before surgery
• If you regularly take any medications, please discuss this with your surgeon prior to surgery. Also, please bring your medications with you to the day surgery
• Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

What should I bring on the day of surgery?

Please bring the following items (where applicable):

• Your GP summary
• Your completed Day Surgery Consent Form (if not already returned). Please ensure you have filled out both sides
• Your Patient Admission Form (if not already returned). Please ensure you have filled out both sides
• Your health fund card
• Your Medicare card
• Your pension health benefits card
• Your pharmaceutical benefits card
• X-rays

Can I drive myself to and from the day surgery?

No. Because you will be given an anaesthetic, driving home is not an option. Please arrange for a family member, friend or another responsible adult to accompany you home.

What will happen when I arrive at the day surgery?

Please make your way to reception, where you will be required to complete an admission form (if you haven’t already done so). Ideally, it’s best to complete this and send it back to your clinic before the day of your surgery.

After being admitted, you will have a consultation with one of our nursing staff. If you wish, the person who has accompanied you can also be present.

Please feel free to ask any questions – our day surgery team are always happy to keep you fully informed.

What happens immediately after surgery?

After surgery, you’ll be moved to the Recovery Unit. Here, our staff will monitor your recovery until you are ready to be discharged.

What happens when I leave the day surgery?

In the 24 hours following your anaesthetic, you MUST NOT drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, conduct business or sign contracts.

If you have any unexpected changes to your condition or an emergency in relation to your surgery, phone your surgeon straight away. The number will be provided on your post-operative instruction sheet.

You can read more FAQs about our day surgeries on the Vision Hospital Group website and find your nearest day surgery location.