Day Procedure Unit

How long will my surgery be?

This will depend on the type of surgery you are having. You need to allow 2 hours from the time you return back to the ward before you go home.

When will I stop eating and drinking?

The nurse will tell you the previous day what time you need to start fasting.

What time will I go to surgery?

Every day a Theatre list is prepared for either morning or afternoon surgery. The time of your surgery will depend on when your surgeon is operating. 

How long will I have to stay after surgery?

It depends on the type of anaesthetic you are given. If you are given a local anaesthetic, you may be able to go home 30 minutes after you return to the ward. If you are given a general anaesthetic, you may be able to go home 4 hours after you return to the ward.
 

If you are going home the same day as your surgery, someone needs to be available to take you home.  You will have been given an anaesthetic and are not able to travel alone.

Before you leave the hospital you will be given:   

•  an appointment date to follow up with your doctor after surgery
•  instructions on how to care for yourself after your operation

The Day Procedure Unit (1 West) is located on Level 1 of the Clinical Services Building, Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital.

• Enter via the Main hospital foyer
• Take the lift to Level 1 and turn left as you exit the lift
• Then turn right
• Please check in with the clerical staff on arrival

Please let your treating doctor or nurse know that you require a medical certificate when you arrive.

We work with your local doctor, hospitals in other health districts and community nursing organisations. We also work with Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital Clinical Nurse Consultants and Educators in Ophthalmology (eyes) Hands and Perioperative Services.
.

The Day Procedure Unit conducts admissions prior to transfer to the Operating Theatre Suite.

Admissions are for patients either:

•  having surgery on the day and returning home the same day, or

•  for patients staying overnight that are then transferred to an inpatient ward after surgery

Admissions may be elective, emergencies, referrals from specialists’ rooms, via the Hand Clinic or transferred from another Healthcare Facility.

For information about connections, destinations and timetables for government buses, trains and ferries in and around Sydney, telephone 13 15 00.

Or click here to check the NSW Transport Trip planner website.

Train: Martin Place station is directly opposite the hospital and St James Station is at the end of Macquarie Street.

Bus: Bus No. 200 stops directly opposite the hospital in Macquarie Street.

Ferries: Circular Quay ferry terminal is 10 minutes walk from the hospital.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research, or a student to be present during all consultations. You have the right to say no. If you do so, this will not change the services we provide and the care you receive.
 

We are open Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 7.30pm.

For elective surgery you will receive a letter from the Booking Office. The letter will confirm your date of surgery and a telephone number to call the hospital if you have any questions.

Please call this number to talk to a nurse the day before surgery. The nurse will confirm the time of the surgery, and will talk to you about your general health, medications and fasting requirements.

If you are over 50 years old, the nurse will ask you to make an appointment with your doctor for advice about your current medication.

The doctor may send you for some tests before your operation.

The tests may include:

•  Blood Tests
•  ECG
•  Chest x-ray

 You may be contacted by a nurse who may book you in to attend a Pre-Admission clinic.

Parking is available at the hospital through METRO parking. The entrance is off Hospital Road.

For additional information about parking please contact either the Nurse Unit Manager or nursing staff in the Day Procedure Unit.

For information on concession parking, click here

There is also metered parking along Hospital Road.

For short periods of time of 5-15 minutes, escorts are allowed to park in the turning circle on hospital grounds while collecting patients.

The Day Procedure Unit comprises of:

• Medical staff who are available to speak with you in the Day Procedure Unit before you have surgery to discuss any concerns you may have
• A Nurse Unit Manager who is responsible for the management of the unit. The Nurse Unit Manager is available Monday to Friday during business hours
• A team of nurses will prepare you for your surgery and answer any questions regarding your procedure
• Clerical staff that will help you with the admission process. The clerical staff can answer any questions you may have about Medicare and private health insurance
• Additional staff who will assist with transferring patients to and from the Operating Theatre Suite