Pre-Admission Information

Bentley Health Service
Pre-Admission Information for Surgical Patients

Admission to the Hospital

Admission forms are available from your Doctor. To confirm your admission these forms should be completed and returned to the hospital. When you arrive please report to the Reception area A Block where your admissions will be completed. Please have ready the following [if applicable]:
Medicare Card Health Care Card Pension Card Workers Compensation Form Doctors letter X-rays [related to admission]

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What to Bring to Hospital

Admission forms are available from your Doctor. To confirm your admission these forms should be completed and returned to the hospital. When you arrive please report to the Reception area A Block where your admissions will be completed. Please have ready the following [if applicable]:
Current medications in original chemists packaging Night wear and slippers [overnight stay patients] Toiletries / shaver [overnight stay patients] Reading material Small amount of money only [for telephone, paper, T.V. hire]
All electrical appliances must be approved by the hospital Engineering department before use, please advise reception of any appliance you wish to use. Please do not bring valuables [including any jewellery] as we will not be responsible for these and other personal belongings brought into the hospital.

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Discharge Arrangements

Please arrange for your family / friend to accompany you home on the day of discharge. Discharge times are between 9:00am and 10:00am for patients who have had an overnight stay. After a general anaesthetic or sedation you must not drive a car for 24 hours. When you present at the hospital reception for admission your friend / carer will be given information advising them of the phone number to ring for confirmation of discharge time. Before you leave the hospital it is important to check that you have your medications, X-rays, Doctors instuctions and appointment details.

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Having Surgery

Our 3 operating theatres are equipped for a wide range of minor and major surgical procedures.

The preparation for surgery varies slightly depending on the type of procedure you are having.

The following routine applies to most cases:

After your surgeon has explained the procedure you will be required to sign a consent form and return it to Bentley Health Service.
You will be required to attend a pre-admission interview if your procedure is to be carried out in the main theatre.
You will be required to visit the Anaesthetist in his/her rooms or you will receive a visit from the Anaesthetist the day of your operation.
You will be instructed to abstain from food and drinks prior to your operation. This includes chewing gum.
Do not smoke for at least 24 hours prior to your operation.
A pre-operative shave of your operation site may be necessary.
You will be required to remove jewellery, nail polish and make-up before the operation.
You will be asked to put on special theatre attire.
You may be given medication to help you relax before the operation. This may make yuor mouth dry and is quite normal.
You will be transferred to the operating theartre on a trolley or bed accompanied by a nurse and an orderly. When you arrive in theatre you will be asked your name and what procedure you are having. This is a normal checking procedure.
Following your operation you will spend a short time in the recovery area where you will be observed at regular intervals before you are transferred back to your ward area.

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Day Surgery

Day Surgery is conducted at Bentley Health Service for the majority of patients. Having a day procedure or operation means that you do not need to stay overnight in hospital. This allows you to return to your home environment and recover in the comfort of a familiar environment. Your Doctor will advise you if this service is appropriate for you. After you arrive for day surgery you will prepare for your procedure and be visited by the Anaesthetist. You will be transferred to the operating theatre or the day surgery unit theatre. When your procedure is finished you will be monitored closely and recover in the ward area. Once you have recovered from the immediate effects of the anaesthesia you will be offered a light snack prior to discharge. This is usually 2-4 hours after your procedure. Please arrange to be picked up as mentioned earlier in this brochure as the effects of the anaesthetic / sedation can last for more than 24 hours. On discharge you will be given any necessary instructions, prescription, X-rays and follow-up appointments. For further information please contact the Pre-admission Interview Nurse on 9334-3666 between the hours of 8:00am - 3:30pm.

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General Information

Accommodation: We offer shared room accommodation. Each bed has the provision for T.V. hire. This does not apply to the Day Surgery Unit. Car Parking: The hospital has car parking facilities for medical staff and visitors around its parameters. For your safety it is necessary that you have someone drive you to the hospital and pick you up after discharge. We will not be responsible for cars left in the car park overnight. Meals: Our catering department offers nutritious meals and caters for the different cultural requirements. If you have a special request please advise the pre-admission interview Nurse on 9334-3666 prior to you admission. Meals / Drinks are not provided for visitors on the ward. Medications: Please bring all your current medications to the hospital and give them to the nursing staff when you arrive on the ward. New medications will require a prescription by your Doctor when you are discharged. Visiting Hours: Hospital visiting hours are from 8:00am to 8:00pm. All wards have a period where the blinds are drawn and the patients are encouraged to rest between the hours of 12:00pm - 2:00pm. If you wish to have visitors during that period you may be asked to sit in the lounge room. Location: Bentley Health Service is located in Mills Street, Bentley. The nearest main road is Albany Highway which is serviced by several bus routes.

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