Patient Information

Appointments can be made by contacting your preferred clinic location by phone or email. We will do everything possible to prioritise urgent referrals and to make your appointment at a time and location convenient to you.

Please bring these items with you to your appointment:

• A referral from your GP or specialist
• All imaging and scans, including ultrasounds, CTs and MRIs
• All pathology results, including blood and urine tests
• Past medical conditions and records of your previous surgery
• List of your medications
• Any other information relating to your condition
• Medicare details 
• Private Health Insurance details
• A list of questions you would like to ask

Completing Paperwork

• At your consultation, you will be given hospital admission paperwork. This needs to be completed either on the day of your consultation or at least 2 weeks before your surgery. You will need to submit the form into the admissions office or reception desk of the hospital. 
• Admission paperwork to private hospital is also available online.
  • St George Private Hospital admission form
  • St Vincent’s Private Hospital admission form 

Pre-anaesthetic consultation

• Patients undergoing major surgery will be referred to a Pre-admission Clinic or to an Anaesthetist for a consultation, to allow the anaesthetist and the surgical team to better prepare for your surgery 

Fasting

• Yes. Your surgery will usually be performed under general anaesthetic. This means you will need to fast (no eating or drinking) before your operation. You will be provided with fasting instructions when you are booked for surgery.

Medications

• It is important you inform Dr Wong of all medications you take, including any natural/herbal medicines and supplements.
• Many medications can and should be continued before your surgery. Unless instructed otherwise, take your usual medications on the day of surgery with a small sip of water (even if you are fasting).  
• However, some medications such as blood thinning medication (eg warfarin, aspirin, plavix, eliquis, pradaxa etc), and diabetic medications need to be stopped prior to surgery. Some medications will need to be stopped 10 days prior to surgery. If you need to stop taking any medications, this will be discussed with you.
• If you are unsure whether your medication is okay to take, please call us on 02 9188 8222 or email our rooms at reception@drjessicawong.com.au 

Travelling to and from hospital

• You will need someone to take you to hospital and to pick you up when you are ready for discharge.

What to bring to hospital

If you will be staying in hospital after your surgery, you should bring the following with you:

• Medicare card, insurance details, pensioner or DVA cards
• Loose comfortable clothing/sleepwear 
• Toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush or comb, deodorant 
• Non slip footwear/slippers
• Essential medical equipment such as your CPAP machine if applicable
• Health aids such as glasses, hearing aids, walking stick or frame
• All your current medications and a list of any medications you are allergic to
• Something to read or entertain yourself with

It is best to leave any valuables that you do not need at home or in the care of your loved ones if they come in with you. It is advisable to remove any nail polish, artificial nails and make up prior to coming in for surgery.

What should I expect on the day of surgery? 

Most patients are admitted on the day of surgery. You will be contacted to let you know what time you need to arrive. When you arrive at the hospital, you will be directed to the admissions area where you will be checked in. You will be met by your Anaesthetist and Dr Wong when it is time for your surgery. 

After surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and from there to the ward if you are being admitted, or the discharge lounge if you are going home. Relatives may see you once you are settled on the ward. The staff at the hospital main desk will be able to direct your relatives to the correct ward.

What if I have questions?

Dr Wong is very approachable and is happy to discuss questions that you may have about your surgery. You are welcomed to bring a family member or a support person along to your appointments. 

Pain control

• Pain medication will be ordered for you as needed on discharge. You are encouraged to take the prescribed pain medication in order for you to be comfortable during your recovery as pain may restrict you from doing the activities that aid with your recovery. 
• If you have concerns about your pain management, please contact us or talk to your GP. Please report any new, increasing, or unrelieved pain.

Exercise

• Generally, we would advise against heavy lifting and vigorous activity for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Different surgeries require different limitations on activity. Your body needs time to heal, and this may cause you to feel tired after the surgery. However, at your follow up appointment 1-2 weeks after surgery the further increase in activity will be discussed. 

Driving

• Return to driving will be dependent on the type of surgery. We advise against driving whilst taking narcotic pain medications, and make sure you are able to do emergency braking, wear seatbelts, and visualize mirrors and traffic as you did before surgery.

Post operative appointment:

• At the time of your surgery booking, you would have been given a date and time to attend a post operative appointment. Otherwise, please contact our practice and we will arrange this for you. Post operative appointments are generally 10 days after your surgery.

Wound dressing

• Your wound will be covered with dressing, which should be left in place until your post-operative consultation approximately 10 days after the operation. You can wash and shower with the dressing in place. 
• If dressings come off before your review, please see your GP for replacement dressings

Medication

• If you are discharged on thyroxine, your dose will be managed by Dr Jessica Wong and your other specialists
• If you are discharged on calcium or calcitriol supplements, please refer to the patient’s post op instructions document

Call for concern

• If you notice any significant swelling and your wound has become red, hot, tender, swollen or itchy, or if you have a fever, or if feel increasingly tired or unwell please contact our practice immediately for further advice. 
• If you have any concerns after office hours please contact your GP or present at the nearest hospital emergency department.

St Vincent’s Clinic

• Parking is available at St Vincent’s Clinic car park (entry on Barcom Street, Darlinghurst). More info available here.

St George Private Hospital

• Parking to the Hogben Street carpark can be found via Hogben Street, Kogarah. More info available here.