You may have questions about your upcoming procedure at Hamilton Day Surgery. Here are answers to the most common questions patients ask.
Before your procedure
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Hamilton Day Surgery is located at 13 Thackeray Street, Hamilton 3204
You can find us in the Anglesea Medical Precinct enter from the Thackeray or Tristram Street entrance across the road from Heathcotes
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Yes, you will need a referral from your GP or specialist to have a procedure at our facility.
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Our team will contact you 1-2 business days before your procedure to confirm details. If you haven’t heard from us 24 hours before your scheduled procedure, please call us.
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We work with most major health insurers in New Zealand. Please contact your insurance provider before your procedure to confirm coverage and obtain pre-approval if required.
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Generally, you should continue taking your regular medications with a small sip of water, even during fasting. However, some medications may need to be paused. Your specialist will provide specific instructions.
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If you develop a cold, flu, infection or any illness before your procedure, please contact us immediately. Your procedure may need to be rescheduled if you are unwell.
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Most patients stay between 2-4 hours in total, depending on your procedure. Your specialist will provide a more specific timeframe for your particular procedure.
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This depends on your procedure. Your specialist and anaesthetist will discuss your anaesthetic needs with you. Options range from local anaesthesia (you remain awake) to sedation or general anaesthesia.
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A support person can remain in our waiting area during your procedure. For paediatric patients, a parent or guardian must remain on site throughout.
During you stay
On the day
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Please arrive at the time specified during your confirmation call, typically 1-1.5 hours before your scheduled procedure time.
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Please bring photo identification and your insurance details (if applicable). Your NHI number is helpful but not essential..
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If you’re having anaesthesia or sedation, you must follow fasting guidelines:
No food for 6 hours before your admission time
Clear fluids only (water, clear apple juice) up to 2 hours before
No chewing gum during fasting times
Your specific instructions will be confirmed during your pre-admission call.
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We have dedicated patient parking available at our Hamilton facility. Parking is free for patients and visitors.
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You’ll be discharged when you’ve met specific recovery criteria set by your specialist and our nursing team. All patients must be escorted home by a responsible adult.
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Your specialist will prescribe appropriate pain relief if needed. We’ll provide instructions about managing pain and when to take medications.
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If you’ve had sedation or general anaesthesia, you must not drive for at least 24 hours. For some procedures, this restriction may be longer. Your specialist will advise you.
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This depends on your procedure and type of work. Your specialist will provide specific guidance about returning to work and resuming normal activities.
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You’ll receive written discharge instructions with a contact number for any concerns. During business hours, call our main number. For urgent after-hours concerns, we’ll provide appropriate emergency contact details.
After your procedure
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If you’re not covered by insurance or ACC, payment is required prior to or on the day of your procedure. We accept all major credit cards and EFTPOS.
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Yes, we’ll provide a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company if you’re claiming costs after your procedure.
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Yes, please ask your specialist or our nursing team if you require a medical certificate.
Billing and administration