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What to tell your hospital before surgery

28 September 2017

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Your private health care
Sometimes, things pop up in the lead up to surgery that you are not expecting. Some of these may affect your surgery.

Pre-Admissions Clinical Nurse Manager Lisa Brown says letting your doctor and nurses know of any changes to your health and wellbeing means they can prepare accordingly.

“Some changes to your health can affect your body’s readiness for surgery,” Lisa says.

“If you are unwell or your medical condition has changed since last seeing your surgeon, it is best to contact your surgeon before coming to hospital. Your surgery may need to be postponed until you are well or medication altered to ensure you have the best result.”

What to alert your doctor and nurses about before your planned admission

  • Any infection – especially a urinary infection.
  • A cold or cough.
  • Abrasions, bruising or rashes on the skin.
  • Recent dental work.
  • Hospitalisation outside of your state in the past 12 months.

Medications

"Certain medications can affect your treatment or the anaesthetic you receive. So please make sure you complete the medication section on your admission form or attach a current list of all the medications you are taking.” Lisa says.

“It is vital that you mention not only the prescription medications, but also non-prescription medication as well. This may include herbal remedies, vitamins and dietary supplements. “

Anything else?

“If you have an allergy of any kind, please let us know what you are allergic to and the reaction, such as that you get a rash if you take penicillin.”

St John of God Health Care
Lisa Brown - Clinical Nurse Manager

Lisa Brown is a preadmissions clinical nurse manager at St John of God Geelong Hospital. Lisa has worked extensively in both public and private health, predominately as an emergency department nurse prior to commencing her current position. In 2003, she and a colleague developed a new preadmission service for St John of God Geelong Hospital which is now recognised as a bench mark service the Group.