Day of Surgery

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Doctors’ Orders

Please follow any pre-admission instructions given by your doctor.

Medication

• Take your regular medication on the day of your procedure with a sip of water, unless otherwise instructed.
• If taking fluid tablets (diuretics) omit on morning of procedure.
• If you are a diabetic and your procedure is in the morning have a late supper and omit insulin or diabetic tablets on the day of surgery. If the procedure is in the afternoon, take half your normal dose of morning insulin, omit diabetic tablets and have an early breakfast, then follow the general fasting rules. Bring your insulin and/or your diabetic medications with you to the centre.
• For patients taking Diamox tablets – please follow your ophthalmic surgeon’s instructions.
• If you are an asthmatic and use puffers, bring them with you to the centre.

What to Wear

• Loose and comfortable clothing, preferably with short sleeves.
• Shower and wash your hair the day of or before procedure.
• Do not wear make-up or nail polish.
• Leave all valuables and jewellery at home – you may wear your wedding ring.

Parking and Collection

• A wheelchair is available at all times.
• For your convenience a business card sized map showing the location of the centre, address, contact details, admission date/time and approximate pick up time is provided within this admission package to give to your relative/carer to facilitate your drop off and collection.

Patients’ Relatives, Friends and Carers

If accompanying a patient to the centre you may wait in our comfortable lounge, which offers refreshments, relaxing music, television and reading material, including the daily newspapers. Shopping in the area has become a popular way for relatives and carers to entertain themselves whilst waiting for the patient to be discharged. Or alternatively, we will ring when the patient is ready to go home.

What to Bring

• Any relevant forms that you may still have for the Epping Surgery Centre.
• Your fund card will only be required if you have not supplied your fund details.
• Results of any relevant tests completed prior to admission.

What to expect

• Our friendly receptionist will finalise your admission and account and any other necessary details, on arrival.
• Our nursing staff will welcome you into the centre where you can relax on a comfortable reclining chair and listen to background music.
• Observations and a medical history will be taken by our nursing staff.
• Your privacy and confidentiality is retained and respected at all times.