Pre-admissions

Before you come to hospital for a planned surgery or procedure you may have a pre-admission appointment. You may be contacted by phone or asked to come into the hospital for a face-to-face appointment.

Your pre-admission appointment will help you and your family prepare and plan for your return home from hospital. It also provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about your hospital stay and your surgery or procedure.

Our nursing and clerical caregivers will use this time to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and your health information is collected.

What to bring to your pre-admission appointment

A list of questions you may have – it is best to write these down prior to your appointment so you don’t forget
A list of the name, strength and dose of your current medications, including natural remedies and supplements, in their original packets
Your Medicare card and concession cards such as the Safety Net Card and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Card
Your health fund details
Name and address of your General Practitioner
Emergency contact details of your next of kin
Any X-rays or scans related to your condition
A list of allergies to food, medications, latex, dyes and dressings
Details of your employer and the date, time and place of accident if your surgery or procedure is covered by Workers’ Compensation or motor injury insurance.

What to expect at your pre-admission appointment

Depending on your surgery or procedure, your pre-admission nurse will:

provide you with your surgery information
complete a pre-admission assessment, including reviewing your medical history
provide information about your surgery, including if you need to fast (refrain from eating and drinking)
measure your blood pressure, height, weight and blood sugar levels (if you have diabetes), you may also have an electrocardiography (ECG)
organise additional tests as required
answer your questions about your hospital stay and surgery or procedure.