Eating and drinking before your anaesthetic

If you are undergoing surgery, your stomach must be empty and therefore it is very important to ask your specialist whether you should fast (neither eat nor drink, which includes chewing gum and sweets) before admission, and from what time. Here are some general guidelines, but you will receive specific instructions from your specialist:

• Adults and children over 2 years

Do not eat anything for 6 hours before your admission time. You may drink WATER freely up until 2 hours before your admission, then nothing more.

• Children under 2 years

Cow’s milk or formula may be taken up to 6 hours prior to admission time, and breast milk up to 4 hours before admission. WATER only may be drunk up to 2 hours before admission.

Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs

We recommend that you avoid alcohol, cigarettes and drugs (other than your prescribed drugs) during the 24 hours prior to your admission.

Organise Transport

In case of traffic congestion, please allow yourself plenty of time to get to the hospital. It is always better to be early rather than late and you will feel more relaxed. However, if unavoidable circumstances delay your arrival, please telephone us.

Organise transport home from the hospital on the day of your discharge.

Checklist: what to bring to hospital

• Your admission forms and health questionnaire (or copies if already posted to us).
• X-rays and scans relevant to your surgery.
• All your usual medications (including herbal and dietary supplements) in their original containers – please refer to important 'medications' information.
• Your medical insurance company’s letter of prior approval.
• ACC’s letter authorising your treatment in a private hospital.
• Glasses and physical aids (walking sticks, hearing aids, etc).
• Comfortable clothing and footwear.
• It is a good idea for children to bring their favourite toy or blanket.

Inpatients please pack:

• Suitable nightwear and dressing gown.
• Slippers.
• Toiletries.
• Reading and writing material.

Checklist: what not to bring

• Large amounts of cash.
• Jewellery.
• Other valuables.

While we take great care to secure personal effects, Wakefield Hospital cannot guarantee their security and cannot accept responsibility for their safekeeping.

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