Surgical Services - Day Surgery Ward (DSW)

This ward is utilised for all minor theatre patients and those patients having operations that don't require an overnight stay.

If you are having an operation with an anaesthetic or sedation as a day patient you must attend the pre-admission clinic.

Role of the Pre-Admission Clinic

• Provide Pre Admission service to all elective surgical patients in the Midwest & Murchison Region for Geraldton Regional Hospital.
• Compile a comprehensive Medical and Surgical history.
• Identify any problems which may impact on the patients smooth transition through surgery.
• Educate patients in pre and post surgery care/requirements.
• Ensure tests ordered are attended.

Criteria for Admission to DSW

• Patient must be fit without any serious illness which may result in Anaesthetic or surgical complications.
• All patients must be mobile and self caring.  Children must have a parent/carer.
• Patients must have a discharge driver/escort and overnight care following discharge.
• Arrangements must be made for outside care for breastfed babies during patients admission.
• Patient must be able to return home that day otherwise they should be booked as overnight admission onto the Surgical Ward.

Day of Surgery

• Admission assessment & documentations are checked and completed.  Patients are cared for and supported emotionally through the surgical experience.
• All discharge information is provided.  Hospital at Home service is initiated where applicable.
• Same day surgical patients maybe fast tracked through the DSW and transferred to the surgical ward to continued care post operatively.

After Surgery

• Patients are phoned the following day to discuss how you feel after your surgery, for day surgery patients only.
• Appropriate advise is given prior to discharge on pain, bleeding, nausea or anything specific to your operation.

Surgical Procedures Performed For Day Surgery Patients

• General Surgery, e.g. Hernia Repair, Ligation VV's, Excision of Lesions, Circumcisions, Vasectomy, Breast Lumps, Gastroscopy, e.g. Colonoscopy.
• Orthopaedics, e.g. Arthroscopic surgery.
• Ophthalmology Surgery, e.g. cataract surgery.
• Ear Nose & Throat, e.g. Grommets.
• Urology, e.g. Flexible Cystoscopy, Urethral Dilation.
• Gynaecology, e.g. Laparoscopic Sterilization, Laparoscopic Hysteroscopy, D&C.

       A view of the Day Surgery Ward at the Geraldton Regional Hospital