Preparing for surgery. A practical plan for you.

Once a plan is agreed

Confirm the proposed procedure, hospital arrangements, fees and consent process. Tell your treating team about changes in your health or circumstances, including new medicines or recent illness. Ask whether any tests or other assessments are required.

• Keep copies of appointment details, instructions and the team’s contact information.
• Discuss work, caring responsibilities and transport before making commitments.
• Ask what help you are likely to need at home and arrange a suitable support person.

Medicines and health information

Give the team a complete medication and supplement list, including non-prescription products. Discuss smoking, vaping, alcohol and any other factors that may affect your assessment or recovery.

Before admission

• Confirm the hospital, arrival arrangements and who to contact if you become unwell.
• Follow the fasting instructions supplied for your admission; ask if anything is unclear.
• Confirm which medicines to take and what to bring on the day.
• Arrange transport and the level of support recommended for discharge and recovery.
• Check any equipment, garments or supplies specifically requested by your team.

If instructions from different providers appear to conflict, contact the team for clarification rather than choosing which to follow yourself.

Prepare your home and support

Plan for everyday tasks that may be difficult after your procedure, such as meals, shopping, childcare or lifting. Ask your team what restrictions are expected and how they will decide when activities can resume.

Make sure your support person understands the discharge arrangements and knows where to find the written instructions and contact details. Patients travelling to Perth should agree a local stay and follow-up plan before booking their return trip.

Before-the-day questions