Preparing for your admission or surgery

Please fill out the pre-procedure health questionnaire as soon as possible, so we can plan your care before, during and after your procedure:
Pre-Procedure Health Questionnaire

It is very important we are aware of any medications you take, especially any blood thinners, tablets for diabetes, or any injectable medications (such as insulin, ozempic or mounjaro). These can affect your surgery and need to know so we can plan for your procedure.

It is important you follow your doctor’s advice on how best to prepare for your procedure, surgery and admission.

Pre-Admission Clinic

Some patients will need to come to the Pre-Admission Clinic for an assessment prior to their procedure or surgery. If you need to attend the Pre-Admission Clinic, our team will contact you. 

The clinic is located at Suite 210, Level 2, RPAH Medical Centre, 100 Carillon Avenue, Newtown (Building 66 on this RPA Campus map).

If you have any questions regarding your surgery or procedure, please contact the Waitlist Bookings Department on 02 9515 7344 (option 1). 

What if I am unable to attend my Pre-Admission Clinic appointment?

If you unable to attend your Pre-Admission Clinic appointment, please contact the Pre-Admissions Unit on 02 9515 7344 (option 2) to arrange an alternative appointment date or discuss options.

What should I bring with me on admission?

If you are staying overnight, we suggest you bring a small bag with comfortable clothing, sleepwear and personal toiletries.

Please also bring:

• All medications you are currently taking and the dosage information
• Copies of your X-rays and pathology tests relevant to your procedure
• Any forms, notes, reports, or letters from your doctor
• Your Medicare card, Pension card, DVA or concessional card if relevant
• Private Health Insurance card (if you have one)
• General Practitioner (GP) contact details
• Legal documents e.g. enduring power of attorney, advanced care directive
• Overseas patients must bring their passport, health insurance details and a copy of their Visa
• Comfortable loose clothing and footwear (with non-slip soles)

Please do not bring your valuables with you. The hospital is not responsible and cannot reimburse you for lost property.

The day before your surgery

Call the Perioperative Unit (TPU), on 02 9515 4603 between 3pm and 7pm, one working day before your surgery to find out your admission time and fasting instructions. If you don’t do this, your operation could be cancelled.

If you are having an endoscopy, a nurse will call you (from a private number) one working day before your surgery.

Checking in

Please check in for your procedure at The Perioperative Unit (TPU) on Level 3 of the Main Building of RPA Hospital (location 77 on the RPA Map). Please access the main building via the entrance on Missenden Road. 

There is a separate entry and drop off point via Gloucester House Drive for anyone with mobility requirements.

When you arrive, our staff will confirm your contact details, medical history, medication history, your support person contact details, GP contact details and check to make sure you have signed a consent form.

During your stay

We want you and your support person to be involved in decisions about your care. We encourage you and your support person to ask questions. You can request to speak with your medical, nursing, or allied health teams at any time during your stay.
 

REACH

If you are worried about a recent change in your condition or someone you care for, you can use REACH to escalate your concerns if no one seems to be noticing.
Find out more

Rooms

Most wards at RPA have four- bed bays. There are a limited number of single rooms. Single rooms are prioritised based on clinical need. Any remaining single rooms are allocated to private patients.

Telephones

A telephone is available at every patient bedside. To make a call from your bedside telephone, you will need to purchase a $10 phone card. The phone card can be purchased from the Cashier located on Level 5 (street level) of the main hospital. Public telephones are available throughout the hospital. 

Television

You can hire a television during your stay with us. Please ask our staff to assist in arranging this service for you.

Mobile phone and other personal electronic devices

As mobile phones may interfere with electronic medical equipment, we ask you and your visitors please keep your use of these to a minimum in the hospital. Please observe signs and staff instructions when using your mobile phone and other personal electronic devices.

Free Wi-Fi

We offer free guest Wi-Fi internet to all patients and visitors. To connect, go to the Wi-Fi settings of your device and select "SLHD-Guest" then agree to the terms and conditions in your browser. You will be automatically connected. Please note, limits and usage conditions apply.

Interpreter services

We provide free and professional face to face and telephone interpreting services within our hospital. These services are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Interpreters are available in most community languages, as well as Auslan. Please let our staff know if you require an interpreter.

Meals

During your hospital stay you will be offered a variety of meal choices based on your dietary needs and medical condition.

We ask that you do not eat food if you are “nil by mouth” for a test or procedure. If you are not sure, please check with your nurse.

Sometimes friends or family may like to bring food or drinks in for you.

Going home

Going home, or planning your discharge should start on the day you are admitted to hospital or in the Pre-Admission Unit. In some cases, you may require continuous care in another hospital such as recovery care or rehabilitation.

To ensure there are no delays to your discharge, please talk to your care team looking after you about what day they think you will be discharged. Knowing this date will allow you to organise transport as well as any extra help you might need when you go home. We anticipate that you will be leaving the hospital by 10am.

Make sure any follow up appointments you need have been booked and you have been given a date and time for them.

Transit lounge

On your day of discharge, you may be transferred to the Transit Lounge while we prepare your discharge paperwork and any medications you might require. Here you can also wait in a comfortable place for your private transport home. While you wait in the Transit Lounge, you will receive the same high-quality care and attention that you received on your ward.