Preparing for your hospital visit
Your doctor will arrange the date of your admission and explain your procedure to you. They will also help you to complete your consent form which they will send to us when they notify us of your admission date and time.
Please complete our online Patient Admission form which you can access via the button at the top of this page. We ask you to please complete and return your admission form ideally at least seven days prior to your procedure. You can return your form in person, by email to admissions@phdaysurgery.com.au, or by post or fax if you prefer. If you choose to fax your admission form, we ask you to please bring the original copy with you on the day of your admission.
It’s essential these forms are sent to the hospital before your procedure, so we can plan your care. If we have any queries regarding your admissions form, we will give you a call. If you have any out of pocket expenses, we will send you an SMS the day before your procedure, confirming the amount that you’ll be expected to pay at admission.
Please read through the information below and watch this video to properly prepare for your surgery.
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Patient admission forms and information booklet
If you have any questions about your admission, please contact our hospital staff on 02 9481 0048, who can answer any questions you may have about your hospital visit.
- Please return your admission forms at least 7 days prior to your admission. This gives us time to prepare for your hospital visit. If you have not received a copy of the admission form, you can complete it online by clicking on the button below.
- A copy of our Patient Information booklet can be also be downloaded below.
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Before Your procedure
What you need to do:
- You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to the hospital, drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure. If you fail to make this arrangement, your procedure may be cancelled. If you are having difficulty finding someone to be with you on the day, please discuss your options with our staff or your doctor.
- It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any special preparation, fasting instructions and medications prior to your procedure.
- Please contact your doctor prior to your procedure if your health has deteriorated, as we may need to postpone your admission until you’re feeling better.
- Please obtain an up-to-date list of your current medications from your General Practitioner or pharmacist, and bring this with you on the day of your procedure.
For 24 hours after an anaesthetic, you will not be able to:
- Drive a vehicle
- Drink alcohol
- Operate machinery
- Make important decisions
- Sign legal documents
- Undertake any activities requiring co-ordination or a high level of alertness
Please remember that motor vehicle insurance may not cover any accidents within 24 hours of an anaesthetic.
Illness Before Your Procedure
If you are unwell, or have a cold, flu or infection prior to your procedure, please contact your surgeon and our pre-admission staff. Your procedure may need to be postponed until you are well again.
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What to bring
On the day of your procedure, please make sure you bring along
- Your Medicare card, and where relevant your Health Insurance membership card, Veterans’ Affairs card, and/or your Pensioner Concession card
- Your Workers Compensation claims agent details and approval letter if required
- Your credit card for any out of pocket expenses
- Your mobile phone to check in and contact your carer
- Any spectacles required, in their case
- Advanced care plan and/or treatment-limiting orders
- Any mobility or walking aid you use
- Your CPAP machine if you use one
- A list of medications you are currently taking (preferably typed), and any medications you may require during your stay
- Any recent and relevant X-rays, scans and test results
- Any relevant letters or reports from your doctor
- Your Power of Attorney documentation (if applicable)
It is also important to wear loose comfortable clothing, and it’s a good idea to bring some reading material with you.
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What not to bring
Provision for safe custody of valuables is limited, so please
- leave all valuables at home, including jewellery
- avoid bringing large amounts of cash
It’s also important not to wear make-up, nail polish or perfume.
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Fasting
Before you undergo an anaesthetic, you will need to avoid eating or drinking anything for a specific period of time. It’s important for safety reasons that you follow the fasting instructions given to you by your doctor, as this protects your airways and lungs while you are asleep.
We will give you a snack and fluids when you are in the recovery room after your procedure.
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Medications
Check with your doctor, anaesthetist or GP whether you should take your prescribed medications on the morning of your procedure. If so, you can take them with a sip of water if fasting.
Please remember to bring a list of all your medications with you. Your GP or pharmacist can provide this to you.
Pennant Hills Day Surgery is committed to safe use of medications. You can find more information on medication safety via the link below.
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Smoking
Please be advised that Pennant Hills Day Surgery is a smoke free environment. We recommend that you do not smoke on the day of your procedure. If you smoke, you may wish to discuss a nicotine replacement therapy with your doctor prior to your admission.
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Getting here and parking
Pennant Hills Day Surgery is located on the corner of Pennant Hills Road and George Street in Pennant Hills. We have a drop off and pick up zone in the carpark underneath the day surgery. Alternatively, there is on-street parking located on George Street.
Entry to the carpark is from George Street only. Please note that there is no right hand turn into George Street from Pennant Hills Road. When travelling from the south, please turn right into The Crescent, approximately 200m before you reach the hospital.
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English as a second language
If you have difficulty with understanding English, please seek the support of a competent person to translate for you and assist with your visit to the hospital. Assistance is also available from the Translation and Interpretation Service (TIS) on 131 450.
Links to a number of important documents in other languages and formats related to the safety of your hospital visit are available below, including the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, which describes what you, or someone you care for, can expect when receiving healthcare in Australia.
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Internet Access (Wi-fi)
Free wi-fi access is available for our patients. Please ask our friendly reception staff for the Guest Password of the day.
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Emergency Procedures
Our hospital is fitted with a modern fire and smoke detector system. In the unlikely event of an emergency, please do not panic. It is important that you remain near your bed or chair until you are instructed to leave by a fire officer of staff member. All of our staff are trained to handle emergency situations.
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Admission
When you arrive on the day of your procedure, our friendly reception staff will work with you to confirm your details and process your admission. Remember: you’ll need to pay any out of pocket expenses at the time of your admission.
When this is complete, one of our admission nurses will see you privately to review your medical history, allergies and other medical information. Our nurses call our patients through according to the order on the operating list, so please don’t worry if someone who has arrived later than you, is called through earlier.
You will then be asked to change into hospital attire and escorted to the pre-operative area where you will be given any required medication and prepared for your procedure. When your doctor is ready for you, you will be accompanied into theatre by one of our nurses.
Our staff will check your details regularly throughout, asking you a number of times to confirm your name, and the details of your procedure with you.
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Billing & health insurance
If you have private health insurance, we will check your level of cover and inform you of any excess amount that will be payable on the day prior to admission.
Before you are admitted, any outstanding amount not covered by your health fund (co-payment or excess) will need to be paid. On the day, you can pay via credit card or EFTPOS. Please note we do not accept American Express or Diners Club.
It’s a good idea to contact your private health fund to check any exclusions or restrictions on specific treatments. They can answer any questions, and advise you whether you have any excess or co-payment associated with your policy.
If you do not have private health insurance, you will be required to pay the full amount for your day procedure admission. There is no rebate from Medicare for day surgery charges.
You may also receive a separate account from your doctor and anaesthetist for their services.
Third party claims
If you are a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) patient, we will lodge a claim with the DVA for you. If your procedure is part of a WorkCover or Third Party claim, you will require written approval for admission from WorkCover or Third Party claimant.
Questions to ask your private health insurer
Before you have your procedure, we recommend you contact your private health insurer and check whether you are covered . We have provided a guide to the questions you should ask.
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After your procedure
After your procedure you will be brought into recovery, where your nurse will make you comfortable. Our recovery area is a restricted area for patients and staff only. In certain circumstances a family member may be granted access when additional care is required.
You must have a responsible adult carer to collect you from Pennant Hills Day Surgery, and stay with you overnight and for at least 24 hours after an anaesthetic. We will call your carer after your procedure to let them know when you can be picked up.
We’ll also give them your detailed discharge instructions. It is important you follow these instructions to ensure the best outcome from your procedure. Your doctor or anaesthetist may give you a prescription for any pain relief and/or antibiotics if required after your procedure.
One of our nurses will call you on the next business day after your procedure to check how you are recovering. We recognise that you may have gone about your usual routine, and if we miss you, we will endeavour to leave a message. You are welcome to ring us if you have any questions and think you may have missed the call.
If you are experiencing problems after your procedure, please contact your doctor.
Preventing falls
Coming into hospital increases the risk of falling or tripping as you are in an unfamiliar environment, may be nervous and may be given anaesthetic drugs. Most falls occur near the bed, or when using the toilet. Use your call bell and ring early if you require assistance with anything. Please wait for staff to attend you especially if you have been told you require assistance.
Please take your time when getting up from sitting or lying down. Let staff know when you are feeling unwell, or unsteady on your feet, and make sure anything you use to support you is stable.
If you have a walking aid, please bring it with you. Use your own walking aid and we’ll help you to keep it within reach.
It is important to wear safe footwear, and we encourage you to wear supportive shoes, slippers or non-slip socks that fit you well. Scuffs or thongs are not appropriate and should not be worn. Please don’t walk in socks or surgical stockings without a non-slip sole.
If you wear glasses, you should bring them with you on the day of your procedure. Make sure they are clean, and we will make sure they are within reach when you need them.
When you get home, please take care when moving around. We encourage you to rest and let your carer assist you for the remainder of the day.
If you do fall, please call and wait for help. Do not try to get up on your own.
Pressure injuries
Pressure injuries are also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores, and are damage to the skin caused by constant pressure or friction. They can occur when you are unable to move easily due to illness, injury or surgery. It is extremely unlikely that a pressure injury will occur during a day surgery admission, due to the short period of time you are in hospital.
When you are recovering from your procedure at home, you should monitor yourself for pressure injuries and look for the following signs:
- Redness or discolouration of the skin
- Tenderness, pain or itching in affected areas
- Blistering or broken skin
Nausea
This is less common with modern anaesthetics. If it does occur, it should only be temporary. If nausea persists, avoid food but maintain fluids. If it does not resolve within 24 hours, it is important that you contact your doctor.
Sore throat
This may occur due to your gastroscope, or to your anaesthetist assisting with your breathing. It usually disappears within 24 hours. Simple pain relief may help relieve this.
Tender arm or hand at injection site
This may occur due to irritation of the vein or slight bruising from the needle or the drugs injected, and can persist for several days. If your arm or hand look red or inflamed consult your doctor and notify Pennant Hills Day Surgery.
Infection
Everyone, including patients and visitors, has a role in preventing and reducing the risk of infection. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of infection:
- Make sure you wash your hands carefully with soap and water, or use an alcohol based hand rub. These are both readily available in the hospital, and it’s important to make sure they are ready at home.
- Please don’t hesitate to ask a healthcare worker whether they have washed their hands
- Remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use your elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Cleaning your hands afterwards is important.
- If you have had an infection prior to your admission, please let your nurse know during your admission.
Please notify the Director of Nursing at Pennant Hills Day Surgery should any redness, swelling, pain or discharge be noticed from your wound after your procedure – or if you visit a doctor and are prescribed antibiotics for an associated infection within 30 days of your procedure.
Hand hygiene
Patients and carers should wash their hands prior to attending wound care.
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Privacy
As a patient of Pennant Hills Day Surgery, your privacy and dignity will be maintained at all times. We hold medical records relating to your treatment, and the content of these records will only be divulged with your consent or where permitted or authorised by law.
We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012, the Privacy Act 1988, and other laws that governs how hospitals handle your personal and health handle your personal information. For more information, please read our Patient Guide Booklet, and download the Australian Privacy Principles fact sheet.
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Quality & Safety
As a part of our commitment to being a Safe Hospital Providing Quality Care, every staff member at Pennant Hills Day Surgery makes safety a priority. We consistently measure how we are achieving our robust quality and safety goals, and routinely audit our systems and processes. As a patient, you have the right to view this data at any time.
Pennant Hills Day Surgery also adheres to all statutory and relevant body guidelines and Australian Standards, and our management systems aim to provide the highest level of care to our patients in a safe and supportive environment.
Consumer Safety and Quality Measures – We measure our Safety and Quality performance across a range of indicators, including Patient, Surgeon and Staff satisfaction. We then benchmark ourselves against these measures so that we can monitor future performance and ensure we are always striving for continuous improvement. You can see a copy of our results via the links below:
Hand Hygiene – Pennant Hills Day Surgery is committed to the Hand Hygiene Australia program and conducts regular audits to ensure compliance. You can find more information on hand hygiene in English here, and in other languages here.
Falls within the day surgery – Pennant Hills Day Surgery has a wide range of strategies in place to prevent patients from falls whilst in our care. We have provided some information on how to move safely around our day surgery here. Please take the time to read this before your visit.
Safe healthcare – We are committed to providing safe health care, and we need you to help us to make sure we have everything we need to ensure you have a safe and high quality experience with us. Please take the time before your visit to read through this information on the important part you can play.
- Tips for safe healthcare
- Communicating with your healthcare provider – Part 1
- Communicating with your healthcare provider – Part 2
Open Disclosure – The Pennant Hills Day Surgery Governing Body (Board of Directors), Staff and Accredited Medical Practitioners (AMPs) support the practice and principles of Open Disclosure.
Pennant Hills Day Surgery has a clear and consistent approach to open communication and disclosure with consumers and their carers, with a view to fairness, transparency and accountability.
Please click on the buttons below for more information on Open Disclosure, and to see copies of the Pennant Hills Day Surgery Mission Statement, and the Nexus Hospitals Quality and Safety Policy.
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Violence and Aggression
At Pennant Hills Day Surgery patients have the right to receive health care in a therapeutic environment free from risk to their personal safety. Staff have the right to work in an environment free from violence. Pennant Hills Day Surgery has a zero tolerance response to all types of violence.
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Complaints, concerns and feedback
We welcome feedback from our patients, and their families and carers as your opinions and observations are important to continually improving our service. Our goal is to provide you with excellent quality of service and care throughout your stay.
If you would like to provide feedback, or make a suggestion about how to improve our service, we ask you to please complete our Patient Satisfaction Survey. Your nurse will be able to provide you with a hard copy, or you can complete the online form which you can access using the button below.
We appreciate your honest feedback, and assure you that your comments remain confidential and if preferred, your anonymity will be maintained.
If there is any aspect of your care that you are not happy with, please contact our General Manager/Director of Nursing at don@phdaysurgery.com.au. We will promptly acknowledge and investigate any complaint, and communicate the outcome and any recommendations with you.
If your complaint is unresolved, you can contact:
Health Care Complaints Commission
Locked Mail Bag 18
Strawberry Hills
NSW 2012Phone: 02 9219 7444
Frequently asked questions
If you have any specific questions about your procedure, please don’t hesitate to call the hospital any time prior to your day of admission. Here are some answers to common queries.
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Do I need to arrive before my admission time to complete any paperwork?
No – we allow for this when we calculate the time you need to arrive. If your admission time is 9am, please arrive at 9am.
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How long will I be in hospital for?
This depends on your procedure, but generally 2 to 3 hours from the time of your admission. We will let you know what to expect prior to your admission.
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Is there parking at Pennant Hills Day Surgery?
Pennant Hills Day Surgery is located on the corner of Pennant Hills Road and George Street in Pennant Hills. We have a drop off and pick up zone in the carpark underneath the day surgery. Alternatively, there is on-street parking located on George Street.
Entry to the carpark is from George Street only. Please note that there is no right hand turn into George Street from Pennant Hills Road. When travelling from the south, please turn right into The Crescent, approximately 200m before you reach the hospital.
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Why do I have to fast?
It’s important not to eat or drink anything for a specified period of time before an anaesthetic for safety reasons, as this will protect your airway and lungs while you are asleep.
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Why do I need a responsible adult to collect me?
Because you are having an anaesthetic for your procedure, you need someone with you after you are discharged to make sure there are no unexpected complications from your procedure or anaesthetic. You are also not legally allowed to drive for 24 hours following an anaesthetic.
Our nursing staff will meet with your designated carer before we send you home, and go through written instructions for your wellbeing when you go home. This includes advice about eating and drinking, pain relief, and when you can resume normal activities.
If you do not have a designated carer to collect you, we may have to cancel your procedure. Please let us know if you have any concerns about this policy, and contact the hospital as soon as possible if you are having any difficulty finding a carer.
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Why do I have to remove my jewellery and nail polish before surgery?
This is for your own safety. There is a risk of surgical burns with metal jewellery, including piercings. If you wish to leave your wedding ring on, we will tape it.
During surgery, your oxygen levels will be monitored with a probe placed on your finger and nail polish, shellac and acrylic nails can interfere with this.
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Why do I have to pay an excess, I have already paid the account to the doctor?
The account you paid to your doctor was for their services only, and is separate to your hospital fees. The excess you are required to pay to the hospital is the amount you elected to pay to reduce your Health Insurance premium costs. We’ve checked this with your health fund.
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Will I have something to eat after my procedure, as I had to fast before it?
Yes, your nurse will provide you with a light snack and a cup of tea, coffee or juice while you are in second stage recovery. Please let us know about any food allergies or intolerances during your admission process.
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Will you call my relative or carer to collect me after my procedure?
Of course. When your procedure is over, your nurse will call your carer and advise them what time you will be ready to go home. Please check with the hospital before giving your carer a time to collect you.
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I am coming back in a month for another procedure. Do I have to fill out another Admission Form?
If you have used the online patient portal to complete your admission forms, you are able to login and change the date of your procedure. We require you to check that the information you have provided is still current before resubmitting the forms.
For those who have not used the online patient portal, if your next procedure is within three months of this one, we can re-use your existing admissions form. However, we will ask you to double-check that the information provided is still current.
