Patient Info | Canberra Endocrine & General Surgery

Patient Information

Appointment & Surgery Information

Initial Consultation

Consultations can be booked at the John James Medical Centre by phone.

Please bring the following information with you to your appointment:

A referral from your GP or referring specialist
All imaging and scans, including ultrasounds, sestamibi scans, CTs and MRIs
Pathology results (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 card details
Private Health Insurance details
A list of questions you would like to ask Dr Hazel Serrao-Brown during your consultation

You can book via the phone number (02) 6282 1200 or the "Book Now" tab on the bottom right hand corner of the webpage, or go back to the home page and schedule an appointment from the "Book Appointment" tab

Preparing for Surgery

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 is also available online.
- John James Calvary Hospital
- Calvary Bruce Private Hospital
- National Capital Private Hospital

Pre-operative Anaesthetic Consultation

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

Fasting

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 Hazel Serrao-Brown and the Anaesthetist 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, sometimes for many days prior. 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) 6282 1200

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.

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 meet your Anaesthetist and Dr Hazel Serrao-Brown 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 Hazel Serrao-Brown 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.

Recovering from Surgery

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.

Wound dressing

Your wound will be covered with dressing, which should be left in place until your post-operative consultation. You can wash and shower with the dressing in place.

Medication

If you are discharged on thyroxine, your dose will be managed by Dr Hazel Serrao-Brown 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 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.