The surgical unit at Hunter Valley Private Hospital completed redevelopment, opening in October 2011. Staffed by skilled nurses’ the surgical unit consists of 12 newly developed beds and 12 beds that were developed in 2005.
The surgical unit is set up to maximise patient comfort and satisfaction with their stay at Hunter Valley Private Hospital. Some of the luxuries your will enjoy through your stay in the surgical unit at Hunter Valley Private include:
- ALL PRIVATE ROOMS with private ensuites
- Electric Beds
- Digital TV
- Dedicated single nurse call system, integrated with television and light controls
Some of the many specialties offered at Hunter Valley Private Hospital include:
- Orthopaedics (Total Hip and Knee Replacements), plus a broad range of other orthopaedic procedures
- Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery in both Adults and Children
- General surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Ophthalmology
- Dental Surgery
- Endoscopy
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
Children in Hospital as Patients
Children are welcome in our hospital as patients and every effort is made to reduce their fears and make their stay as happy as possible. Children who are admitted to hospital may bring their favourite toy or books. Children are most welcome to visit the hospital with a carer, prior to admission, to meet the staff, tour the hospital and allay their anxieties. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to the reception areas of the operating suites and are kept informed of their child’s progress as much as we can during this time.
Parents are also invited to come into the recovery room to allay their child’s fears when waking up from anaesthetic.
Before you come into hospital
Please shower before coming into hospital, wear light clothing and no jewellery other than your wedding ring. So that we can safely care for you during and after your anaesthetic, please do not wear make-up or nail polish.
Fasting
It is very important that you strictly adhere to your fasting times as detailed by your doctor. Fasting also means no smoking. If your child is having surgery, please ensure he or she observes the fasting time.
Medication
Unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon or the hospital, take your normal morning medication with a sip of water prior to your admission. If you are diabetic we will advise you about your diabetic medication the afternoon before surgery.
What to bring for your stay in hospital:
- Personal toiletry articles, including soap
- Sleepwear, dressing gown and slippers
- Any mobility aides that you use
- Current X-Rays
- Current medications in their original labeled bottles or packets dispensed from your chemist, including inhalers (puffers)
Valuables – Please do not bring valuables into hospital with you. While every effort is made to keep your belongings safe, NO responsibility can be taken by the hospital for the loss of any valuables.
On Arrival
You will be directed to the Surgical Unit before being taken to the Operating Theatre. The surgical unit staff will organize your admission, orientate you to the room and ward, explain the pre-operative and post-operative care your will receive, as well as answer any questions or alley any fears you may have before being transferred to the Operating Theatre.
After Surgery
After your operation you will spend time in the Recovery Ward before being transferred back to the Surgical Unit.
Nursing staff will either attend to or assist with your care back in the Surgical Unit. A range of observations will be attended to as we monitor your recovery.
Patients are always reminded that if you are in pain or feel sick, please inform the nursing staff so they can take the appropriate action to make you more comfortable.
Nursing staff will discuss your recovery with both the doctor and yourself to ensure that you are aware of the post-operative recovery expectations and your doctor is aware that you are recovering as you should be.
Discharge
On the day of your discharge, determined by your doctor, the nursing, staff will explain all your discharge instructions and follow up arrangements as per the doctor’s specifications.
Please ask your family or friends providing transport home to arrange for your collection from the hospital by 10am.
Nursing staff will make every effort to have you ready for discharge by 10am, although delays can be expected if awaiting doctors to attend rounds and review your recovery prior to discharge.
