Princess Alexandra Hospital

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 About your Pre-Admission Clinic Appointment

When do I go to the Pre-Admission Clinic?
What to Bring to the Pre-Admission Clinic?
Who will I see at the Pre-Admission Clinic?
Change of Details
Contact Pre-Admission 

Pre-admissions Clinic is an Outpatients Clinic staffed by Anaesthetic Doctors, Surgical Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and Allied Health Professionals such as Physiotherapist.

When you attend the clinic, a thorough assessment is done of you health and your current and past medical history. Any problems that are identified from this assessment can be addressed immediately and any further tests or treatment ordered. You will also be provided with information about what to expect up to and following surgery.

Most patients having an operation or other day procedures may need to go to Preadmission Clinic before admission date for surgery or treatment.

When do I go to the Pre-Admission Clinic?

Where possible you will be requested to attend at least 1-2 weeks before your planned surgery date. this will allow time to have any further tests and make any changes to medication if needed.

At Pre-Admission Clinic:

• You will be seen by many members of health care team, including an anaesthetic doctor, surgical doctor and nurse and if required  by a pharmacist, physiotherapist, social worker and/or occupational therapist.
• The health care team members will give you information about your stay as well as review your present health. This will provide the health care team with enough information yo care for you.
• A consent form us completed ( if not already done so in the Outpatients Department)
• Fasting times and discharge requirements will be discussed
• Special dietary needs will be noted, eg vegetarian, lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant diets and any specific likes or dislikes as NO pork or No seafood ( please remind staff of your special dietary needs on admission to the Surgical Care Unit as food has to be ordered in advance for patients having surgery).

What to bring to your Pre-Admission Clinic Appointment

All completed form:

1. Patient Registration Form
2. Patient Election Form
3. Pre-anaesthetic Questionnaire ( if you have not completed it in Outpatients Department or sent it back already)

• Medicare Care/ Pension Card/ Health Care Card/ DVA Card/ PBS Safety Net Card/ any Health Insurance details
• Medication that you normally take including all prescription and non-prescription drugs eg. eye drops, puffers, aspirin, herbal preparations, minerals, vitamins, creams, ointments.
• Reading Glasses.

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Who will I see at the Pre-Admission Clinic?

Anaesthetist

The Anaesthetist  is a specialist doctor who gives anaesthetics. They will see you in the clinic and ask you about your health , any anaesthetics you have has in the past, and check your fitness to have an anaesthetic. this information is then used to ensure that you receive the anaesthetics that is best for you.

The Anaesthetist will talk to you about the associated risks and answer any questions you may have. It is important that you ask questions you have about your anaesthetics so they can be answered before the day of your operation.

Resident Medical Officer

This doctor is the junior member of the surgical team and he or she will give you a thorough medical examination and may request for you to have further tests or x-rays.

They will also answer any questions you might have about your operation to make sure you understand exactly what you are having done.

Registered Nurse

The nurse will take several observational tests including your temperature, blood pressure, height and weight. Breathing (spirometry) and urine test are also done if required.

Social history is taken so that you know what type of care  you will need after your operation, and any special care you will require can be arranged eg. Social Worker, Community Nurse .

You may also need to see some other members of the healthcare team eg. Physiotherapist or Stomal Therapist.

Pharmacist

You will need to bring your current medications to the clinic as the pharmacist will need to see them. They will then ask you if you have had any allergic reactions to medications in the past. These details are recorded to prepare for your hospital admission.
The Pharmacist will inform you if you need to stop taking any medications before the surgery  and may suggest you take additional medication as part of you preparation for surgery.

Before Admission
For safety reason we ask you to:

1. Tell the Preadmission Clinic Promptly if you become unwell between your Preadmission visit and the day of your surgery. This includes coughs and colds, bladder infections, fevers stomach upsets and for orthopaedic surgery, pimples or scratches on the part of your body being operated on. For your safety, it may be necessary to reschedule your surgery.
2. Remove all jewellery and body piercing as it may interfere with your safety. Wedding rings may remain on provided the surgery is not being performed on that arm or hand. Any questions about removal of jewellery or body piercing should be directed to the doctors at the Preadmission Clinic or, for intermediate patients, to your surgeon.
3. Remove nail polish and false nails as it interferes with fingers probe monitors, which helps to show how much oxygen is in your blood.
4. You may need to remove contact lenses/ glasses/ dentures before surgery. Remember to bring storage containers and solutions for contact lenses/ glasses/ dentures.

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Blood Transfusion
Before receiving blood transfusions or blood products, the risk of transmitting infectious diseases will be fully explained to you, where possible, by your treating doctor. Please tell your doctor if you do not wish to receive any blood products. You will need to provide all necessary documentation.

Change of Details

If you do not arrive for your appointment, you may be taken off the waiting list for surgery/ procedure if you do not advise the Booking Office.
Remember to contact the main switch on phone (07) 3240 2111 and tell the Booking Office of any change of address and phone number or if you cannot attend the Hospital on the day of your admission.

Contact the Pre-Admission Clinic

For more information regarding Pre-Admission, please call (07) 3240 5796
Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm 
Location: Building1, Ground Floor

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