Day Procedure Centre

The Day Procedure Centre includes Pre-Operative admission, Pre-Admission Clinic, Endoscopy and Recovery for day-only patients.

St Vincent’s Day Procedure Centre is located on Level 5 at St Vincent’s Public Hospital (Xavier building). 

Day Procedure Centre Reception enquiries: 8382 3497

 

COVID Screening

To ensure the safety of you, our staff, and other patients, St Vincent’s has a thorough 3-stage screening process for COVID.

Stage 1. On the day before your admission, your nurse will call you and ask you COVID screening questions during your pre-operative phone call.  
Stage 2. You will have screening at the Hospital Entrance, including temperature checks.
Stage 3. You will be screened again during your admission in the Day Procedure Centre to ensure your safety prior to surgery. 

 

Day Before Surgery

You will receive a phone call from the Day Procedure Centre Nursing Staff with the following information about: 

  • What to bring to hospital
  • Time that you should arrive at the Day Procedure Centre
  • Instructions about fasting (when to stop eating and drinking) from your doctor
  • Instructions about taking your medications. If you have diabetes, the nurse will also talk about management of your diabetes
  • Arranging for transfer back home (with friend or family member) 
 
What to Bring to Hospital: 
  • Medicare Card
  • Current medications if requested, plus a list of all your medicines currently taken.
  • Scans, X-Rays, relevant letters from specialists and GP, and blood test results.
  • Glasses, hearing aids, dentures and walking aids (if applicable)
  • Comfortable clothing, and safe non-slip footwear
  • Toiletries (if staying overnight or longer) 
  • Contact details of the person who will be driving you home.
 
Do not Bring:  

Please leave all valuable all home. St Vincent’s Hospital Staff cannot accept responsibility for your belongings if they are lost or stolen. This includes jewellery and large amounts of cash.

 
Preparing for Surgery 

On the day of surgery, remove your jewellery, wedding rings, earrings and piercings, makeup, and nail polish.

 
Fasting Before Surgery

You will be asked to stop eating and drinking (“fast”) before surgery. This helps to keep you safe. It is important to follow these instructions from your doctor/nurse, otherwise your surgery may be cancelled or postponed.

 
Admission on the Day of Surgery
  • Bring your required belongings, including Medicare Card, scans and X-rays.
  • Take the lift to Level 5 Day Procedure Centre. Arrive at Reception at your scheduled time. Please do not be late. 
  • When you come to DPC Reception, please have your MEDICARE CARD ready to show the Reception Staff.  Our staff will ask you to check your personal details. 
  • You will be reviewed by a nurse, who will ask you some questions to help prepare for your surgery. 
  • Then you will be asked to change into Hospital clothing (including a hospital gown and hat). Please put your personal belongings (such as your clothing) into a plastic bag. Your personal belongings will be tagged and kept safe in a locker while you are having your procedure.
  • From the time you arrive at Hospital, you will be asked a number of times to confirm your personal details (including name and date of birth). This is to ensure you are safe throughout your patient journey.  Please check your details thoroughly when you are asked by our staff.
  • You will also receive Patient Identification Tags (“ID bands”) on your wrist and/or ankle. Please do not remove these until you are discharged.
  • If you have not already signed a valid consent form with your Doctor, will be asked to do so. Your doctor will explain the procedure, any risks, and give you time to ask any questions. Your nursing staff will check that the consent form has been signed before you can go to surgery. 
  • If you are having Day Surgery, you will go to recovery, and then your belongings will be returned to you. 
  • If you are staying overnight, your belongings will be sent to your Ward during the afternoon of your procedure.
 
Transfer to Home (patient escort)

If you have Day Surgery, you need to arrange for a responsible adult to collect you and accompany you to your home or accommodation. You will also need someone to stay with you overnight. This will help to keep you safe. If you do not have someone to take you home and stay with you, your procedure may be postponed to another date. 

 
When you Arrive Home
  • Follow your instructions provided by your doctor to stay safe.
  • Have a responsible adult stay with you for at least 24 hours.
  • Do not drive for at least 24 hours after your surgery (if you have a general anaesthetic).  
 
2-3 Days After Your Surgery
  • You will receive a text message from the hospital asking about your Hospital Experience. Please take two minutes to rate our service and provide any comments. Your feedback matters to us.
  • You will receive a phone call from a Day Procedure Nurse to check you how you are feeling after your procedure. Please tell your nurse if you have any questions or concerns.