Your transfer to the ward
Once your are medically stable in the post anaesthetic care unit, you will then be transferred to the inpatient ward.
Your recovery
Once you are on the inpatient ward, the nursing staff will continue to monitor your progress by taking your vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and oxygen levels.
Nursing staff will also monitor and manage:
- your pain, and administer medication as necessary
- your wounds and dressings
- your nausea with medication
- any further tests following your surgery, such as blood tests or x-rays
- your early mobilisation and limitations following your procedure.
The next morning, after your surgery, you will be reviewed by the surgical team to discuss your progress and your discharge date.
Managing your pain
Your pain may be managed in various ways. Your team will discuss pain management options with you both before and after your surgery.
This may include:
- tablets
- medicine through your drip
- injection
- an infusion where you can press a button to manage your own pain.
It is very important, to prevent post-operative complications, that we give you enough pain relief so you can take deep breaths and get out of bed and walk about. We often hear patients say they are fine “if I don’t move”. We need you to move as part of the recovery process, so if your pain relief is inadequate, please let your nurse know.
Length of stay
Prior to your surgery, your specialist will give you an idea of how long you will need to stay in hospital. If you are only required to stay overnight, the team will review you in the morning. They will confirm your discharge and give you the necessary paperwork.
If you are required to stay longer, the team will discuss this with you and determine your plan of care for the remainder of your hospital stay.
Discharge time is 10am.
Visitors
Visiting hours are from 2-8pm.
Relatives are not allowed to stay overnight with patients, however in some circumstances exceptions may be considered.
Discharge and your support person
Nursing staff will provide you with discharge education so you know your abilities and limitations after your surgery.
Patients will need a follow-up appointment to check on how you are progressing, to check any wounds, or to get results from any tests performed during your stay. This appointment will be with your GP, a specialist in private consulting suites, or in the Outpatient Department. Instructions will be given to you as appropriate.
Transfer to rehabilitation
Some patients may need to be transferred to rehabilitation for on-going care. This may be either at Werribee Mercy Hospital Rehabilition Unit or an alternative rehabilitation centre.
Transfer to in home care
Some patients may need to be transferred to the Hospital in the Home program for continual care. The Hospital in the Home program enables patients to receive hospital treatment in the familiar surroundings of their own home, with the continual support of hospital staff.
Last reviewed October 23, 2017.