Your stay
Understanding your surgical experience
Every surgical journey is different, and not all procedures follow the same steps or timeline. Your care team will guide you through what to expect based on your individual procedure. If you're unsure, contact us. Click the plus sign (+) on the right side of any heading to expand and view more information.
Check-in process
The first people you will meet will be our reception staff, who will greet you and confirm your personal details. You will wait in the reception area until a nurse calls you for your clinical admission.
Although we recommend leaving valuables at home, lockers are available for any items you bring with you.
To help your day run smoothly:
- Follow the fasting instructions provided by the booking staff.
- Arrive on time as scheduled.
- Bring all relevant documents (X-rays, regular medications, consent forms, etc.).
- Do not wear nail polish or make-up.
Our experienced staff are available to answer your questions at any time.
Please note: Patients are admitted in order of their doctor's operating list.
Pre-procedure review
A nurse will talk with you about your medical history, check for allergies, take your blood pressure and pulse, and confirm your consent form. Your anaesthetist may also see you at this stage.
You’ll then wait until a nurse takes you through to get ready for your procedure. For your safety, our team will check your details several times during your stay.
Pre-operative waiting area
Before your operation, you’ll wait in a designated area where our team will help you get ready. This may include:
- shaving the surgical site
- giving you medication
- doing an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood test
- cleaning the skin around the surgical area
After this, you’ll move to the pre-operative area to change into a hospital gown and rest on a bed until a porter takes you into the operating theatre.
Operating theatre
When it’s time for your surgery, you’ll be taken on a trolley bed into the theatre and anaesthetic bay. For your safety, staff will confirm your name and the procedure you’re having. They will also check your paperwork, your ID band, whether pre-medication has been given (if required), and any allergies.
To help staff quickly identify allergies, you may be given a coloured cap to wear. Otherwise, you’ll receive a cap to keep your hair in place.
Please note that visitors are not able to stay in the theatre holding area.
Recovery
After your procedure, you’ll wake up in the recovery area. Our recovery nurses will monitor you closely and make sure you’re comfortable and fully awake before moving you to the next stage of recovery, where you’ll be offered light refreshments.
If you’re staying overnight, our staff will then take you to your room with ensuite facilities for further care and rest.
Going home
Before you leave, you will receive a take-home pack with essential information to support your recovery.
Catering
Our on-site kitchen prepares meals for our patients. We can cater to most dietary requirements.
Interpreter services
If you require an interpreter, please contact us before your admission so that we can arrange the necessary support.
Access your medical records
Under the Health Records Act 2001, patients have the right to request access to their medical records.
To request access to your health records held by Ramsay Surgical Centre Charlestown, please contact:
Kristy Acreman
General Manager/Director of Clinical Services
Email: AcremanK@Ramsayhealth.com.au
Administration fees apply .
We're here to help
If you need help, advice or more information, reach out to our team.