Pre-Operative Instructions to Patients

Many common questions patients ask have been answered below. This will help you to understand what to do to make the process simple and stress-free.

It is important that you read this information carefully.

Before Surgery

  • Currently, you will need a Covid-19 test before surgery. Please allow 2-3 days for lab processing times and book accordingly.
  • If it have been more than 2 weeks since your Covid-19 test, the results are no longer valid and a new test will be required.
  • Please check that the following documents are correctly filled in and brought with you to hospital. This will make your admission process easier.
    • The anaesthetist’s and surgeon’s consent, and the Covid-19 consent
    • The hospital pre-admission documents and addendum
    • ID, medical aid card and medical aid pre-authorization letter

The Day of Surgery

  • Unless I have specified otherwise, please take all your usual medicines on the morning of surgery. You may take any oral medication with a small sip of water.
  • You may brush your teeth and have a small sip of water afterwards.
  • Do not consume any type of food for 6 hours prior to your scheduled time of surgery. Milk and non-diary milks (such as oat milk or almond milk) are considered solids. You may drink small volumes of water up to 2 hours before to your surgery.
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Wear front buttoning clothing in preference to items which need to be pulled over the head.
  • Please do not apply make-up on the day of surgery.
  • Leave all jewellery and other valuables, including cellular phones at home. The ward staff will contact your next-of-kin as needed.
  • If you wear contact lenses, please do not insert them, wear your glasses instead.
  • Remove all body piercings (if possible).
  • Please arrive at hospital admissions 1 hour before your scheduled time of surgery.
  • Because of the nature of surgery as well as the possibility of the addition of urgent cases, there may be a delay in the start of your surgery. In addition, your start time could be earlier than expected if last minute cancellations occur. Please be understanding and courteous to other patients.
  • Bring something to read and arrive early.
  • During the Covid-19 pandemic, no accompanying persons will be allowed into the hospital – only the patient will be allowed in.
  • A mask which covers the mouth and nose will need to be worn at all times while in the hospital.

Finally, please contact the Office if you have any concerns or questions