Barwon Health recognises that cancellations have a significant impact on the lives of the consumer and that regretfully it happens sometimes. Surgery may be cancelled due to a more urgent case requiring surgery, an emergency case, or due to a shortage in hospital beds. It may also be cancelled if there is an unexpected problem with a case before you. Whilst every effort is taken not to cancel/postpone surgery, unfortunately, we have no control over emergencies or the number of patients within the hospital already. If your surgery is postponed, we endeavour to give you an alternate date at the time of the cancellation.

If you need to cancel your surgery for any reason, you should contact the waiting list office (via the hospital switchboard, ph. 4215 0000) as soon as possible. They may be able to bring another patient in for surgery on this day. If you cancel surgery too many times, the surgeons may wish to review you in the Outpatient Department, or may remove you from the waiting list.

If your surgery is cancelled for any reason, you will not go to the bottom of the waiting list.

You may need to have another appointment to see the anaesthetist, depending on the type of surgery you are having, and the length of time before your new surgery date. Tests will be repeated if more than three (3) months has elapsed since the last tests were completed. If you need to have a special blood test for bloods group and screen or cross match, this will need to be repeated within 3-5 days of the new surgery date.

This generally isn't possible as the surgeons have limited operating time each week/fortnight, and there may not be theatre time available, or the surgeon may not be available.

Prior to you surgery, you should try to stop smoking, if overweight, try to lose some, avoid colds etc.

You should continue all medications unless instructed otherwise. You will generally be asked to stop aspirin, plavix (clopidigrel) 7 - 10 days prior to your surgery. If you have any queries about other medications, please contact the Perioperative Service on ph. 4215 1340.

On the day of surgery, it is important that you take all medications for high blood pressure, heart medications and those for indigestion with a small amount of water (even though you are fasting). Those medications that are taken for "fluid" are usually withheld. Diabetes medications are usually withheld; however, you should check with the nurses when you phone for your admission time.

When you phone for your admission time, you will be told which of your other medications you are able to take. Please have a list with you when you phone.

You should stop smoking for at least 24 hours prior to surgery, longer if possible. Smoking can cause problems during the anaesthetic, and can delay wound healing post operatively.

If you need help to stop smoking please contact QUIT or the Barwon Health Be Smokefree Clinic or the Preadmission Service on 4215 1627.

Please phone the Preadmission Nurse for advice as soon as you notice this, as it may affect your surgery. Your surgery may need to be postponed, as the risk of infection is too great.

Please bring all of your medications with you on the day of surgery. These will be placed in a special bag, and will be given to you when you are discharged. Whilst you are in hospital, you will be provided with medications from the hospital pharmacy.

Please consult your local doctor, and discuss the surgery you are having, and the effect your cold may have on this. If you develop a cold within a few days of the surgery, please phone the Perioperative Service for advice.

Depending on the surgery, and the time that it is going to be done, you may need to omit these medications on the day of surgery. Often, you will have an appointment to see an anaesthetist prior to your surgery to discuss your medications. Please ensure that you have notified the Perioperative Service if you are taking insulin or other diabetes medications, either by writing it on the health questionnaire or by contacting them on the number provided on your admission letter as soon as possible.

You should notify the Waiting List office immediately in this instance on ph. 4215 1622. They need to be able to contact you when your surgery is booked. If the waiting list office is unable to contact you, despite repeated attempts, you may be taken off the waiting list.

Generally, Warfarin needs to be stopped five days prior to surgery.

If it is necessary for your Warfarin to be stopped prior to surgery, an appointment will be made for you to see an anaesthetist so that they are able to determine if you can stop warfarin, or be given medication (injections) to replace this prior to your surgery. Please ensure that you have notified the Perioperative Service if you are taking Warfarin, either by writing it on the health questionnaire or by contacting them on the number provided on your admission letter as soon as possible.

We are able to provide with a form for the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS). This is filled in by medical staff, and, if you live a distance from the hospital, you are able to claim both travel and accommodation expenses. Please contact the Preadmission Service for this form.

You will be able to get a certificate for work following your surgery. You are also able to get a certificate for any appointments that you may need to attend. Please ask the nurses when you are admitted or the doctor when you are in for your appointment.

Barwon Health public car park concessions, such as discounted or free exit tickets, can be provided to vulnerable patients and visitors when required.

Vulnerable patients and visitors are classed as long or frequent stays, concession or pension card holders and DVA card holders. 

The concession rates are $4 per visit. Although strictly restricted, free car parking to vulnerable patients or visitors can be offered, and is dependent on attendance frequency. Consumer car park concession exit tickets can be requested from any ward reception desk at University Hospital Geelong and the McKellar Centre.

Barwon Health is required by law to handle your personal and health information in accordance with The Health Records Act 2001 (VIC), as well as other relevant legislation relating to confidentiality and privacy.

Find out more about what happens to your health information.

The length of time you are in hospital depends on the type of surgery you are having. Please ask your doctor, or refer to the information relating to specific surgery (this will be sent to you with your admission instructions).