Patient Information
Appointment & Surgery Information
Initial Consultation
Consultations can be booked at the John James Medical Centre by phone or email admin@liangyisurgery.com
Please bring the following information with you to your appointment:
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A referral from your GP or referring specialist
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All imaging and scans, including ultrasounds, sestamibi scans, CTs and MRIs
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Pathology results (blood and urine tests)
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Past medical conditions and records of your previous surgery
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List of your medications and allergies
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Medicare card details
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Private Health Insurance details
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A list of questions you would like to ask Dr Hazel Serrao-Brown during your consultation
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You can book via the phone (02) 6282 1200 or email admin@liangyisurgery.com
Preparing for Surgery
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Completing Paperwork
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At your consultation, you will be given paperwork to complete and return to reception
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Please ensure you have completed and returned the Patient Information Form
Pre-operative Anaesthetic Consultation
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Patients undergoing surgery will be referred to the Anaesthetist, who may require a consult or further paperwork to allow the team to better prepare for your surgery
Fasting
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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
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It is important you inform Dr Hazel Serrao-Brown and the Anaesthetist of all medications you take, including any natural/herbal medicines and supplements.
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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).
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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.
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If you are unsure whether your medication is okay to take, please call us on (02) 6282 1200 or contact your Anaesthetist
Travelling to and from hospital
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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:
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Medicare card, insurance details, pensioner or DVA cards
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Loose comfortable clothing/sleepwear
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Toiletries including toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush or comb, deodorant
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Non slip footwear/slippers
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Essential medical equipment such as your CPAP machine if applicable
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Health aids such as glasses, hearing aids, walking stick or frame
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All your current medications and a list of any medications you are allergic to
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Patient Information Sheets:
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Adrenalectomy
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Neck Lump Removal
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Gallbladder Removal
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Pain Control
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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.
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If you have concerns about your pain management, please contact us or talk to your GP. Please seek medical attention if you have any new, increasing, or unrelieved pain.
Exercise
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Generally, we would advise against heavy lifting and vigorous activity for up to 4 weeks after surgery. Different surgeries require different limitations on activity. This can be discussed further at your follow up appointment.
Driving
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Return to driving will be dependent on the type of surgery. We advise against driving whilst taking pain medication, and make sure you are able to do emergency braking, wear seatbelts, and visualize mirrors and traffic as you did before surgery prior to commencing driving.
Post-operative review
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At the time of your surgery booking, you would have been given a date and time to attend a post operative appointment. Alternatively, please contact our practice and we will arrange this for you.
Wound dressing
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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
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If you are discharged on thyroxine, your dose will be managed by Dr Hazel Serrao-Brown and your Endocrinologist or GP
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If you are discharged on calcium or calcitriol supplements, please refer to the patient’s post-op instructions document
Call for concern
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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.
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If you have any concerns after office hours please contact your GP or present at the nearest hospital emergency department.
Parking
Calvary Bruce Private Hospital
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Parking is available opposite the North Canberra Hospital entrance with different time limits on each level. More info available here.
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John James Calvary Hospital & John James Medical Centre (Clinic)
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Parking is available at the John James Calvary Hospital car park (entry from Denison or Kent Street, DEAKIN ACT). More info available here.
National Capital Private Hospital
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Parking is available at Southern Campus Multi-story and Southern Yamba Drive public car parks GARRAN ACT. More info available here.