Here’s an overview of what to expect when you’re having a procedure at Hamilton Day Surgery.
Before your arrival
Booking and pre-admission
Your procedure will be scheduled by your specialist’s office or our booking team
You’ll receive confirmation of your appointment date and time
We’ll contact you 1-2 days before your procedure to:
Confirm your arrival time
Review fasting instructions
Answer any questions
Preparation
Follow all fasting and medication instructions provided
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure
Shower on the morning of your procedure
Wear comfortable, loose clothing
Remove jewellery, watches, and nail polish
Leave valuables at home
On the day of your procedure
Arrival and check-in
Arrive at the time specified during your pre-admission call
Report to our reception desk for Hamilton Day Surgery (13 Thackery Street, Hamilton 3204)
Our receptionist will check your personal details and ask you to complete any necessary paperwork
Please have your insurance details and NHI number (if known) ready
Pre-operative care
A nurse will escort you to our pre-operative area
You’ll change into a surgical gown
Your nurse will:
Check your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
Complete a pre-operative assessment
Review your medical history and medications
Ensure consent forms are signed
Your specialist and anaesthetist will visit you to discuss your procedure
Your procedure
You’ll be taken to the operating theatre on a bed or wheelchair, depending on your procedure you may walk into the operating theatre.
Our theatre team will confirm your identity and planned procedure
The anaesthetist will administer your anaesthesia or sedation
Your procedure will be performed by your specialist and the surgical team
Your support person can wait in our reception area during your procedure or we can phone them if they have left the site.
After your procedure
Recovery
You’ll be transferred to our recovery area where our nurses will:
Monitor your vital signs
Manage any pain or discomfort
Provide refreshments when appropriate
The time spent in recovery varies depending on your procedure and type of anaesthesia
Discharge
Once you’ve met our discharge criteria, your nurse will:
Review your post-operative instructions
Provide prescriptions if needed
Explain any follow-up appointments
Answer questions about your recovery
You’ll change back into your clothes
Your support person will be contacted if they’ve left the facility
You must be discharged into the care of a responsible adult
At home
The first 24 hours
Rest and take things easy
Don’t drive, operate machinery, make important decisions, or sign legal documents
Don’t drink alcohol or take sleeping tablets
Take pain medication as prescribed
Follow specific instructions related to your procedure
Follow-up care
Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments
Contact us if you have any concerns about your recovery
Our nurses may call you the day after your procedure to check your progress
Contact after hours
If you experience any concerns after hours, please:
Contact your surgeon or
In an emergency, call 111 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department