Patients who are required to stay in hospital one or more nights after their surgery are expected to attend the Clinic.

The staff at the clinic will provide you with important information and organise tests that you will need before your operation. You do not need to fast for these tests.

During your appointment you will meet the Pre-operative Clinic nurse who will ask you questions about your health; discuss your pre and post-operative expectations, and provide you with information regarding services available to you after your discharge from hospital.

You may also see the hospital doctor who will ask you about your medical history and examine you to ensure that you are fit for surgery.

Patients booked for joint replacement surgery will see the Physiotherapist and possibly the Occupational Therapist.

The information gained at the Pre-operative Clinic will assist us in coordinating the best possible care for you as an individual. The Pre-operative Clinic visit usually takes 1-2 hours. Patients having joint replacement surgery may be at the Pre-operative Clinic for 3-4 hours.

During you appointment you may need:

• A urine test
• A blood test
• An ECG to check the function of your heart
• A chest x-ray to be organised
• To see the Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, the Stomal Therapy Nurse or the Oncology/Breast Support Nurse.

Things to Bring:

• Your regular medications in their original packets
• Your pacemaker information card (if relevant)
• A urine sample
• A copy of any recent blood tests or ECG’s
• Any relevant x-rays

If you have any questions about your surgery or your stay at Echuca Regional Health please write them down and bring them with you to the Pre-operative Clinic appointment.

Please feel free to bring along a family member or support person to your Pre-operative Clinic appointment.

Appointments can be made by contacting the Theatre Liaison

Appointments can be made by contacting the Theatre Liaison between 8.30am – 4.00;pm Monday to Friday on 03 5485 5000