If you have any of the following conditions we suggest you visit your General Practitioner prior to your planned procedure to make sure you are fit for surgery:

• If you are a smoker
• If you have diabetes
• If you take any medication
• If you have any heart conditions
• If you have asthma
• If you have any severe allergies
• If you are overweight

If you take aspirin, stay on it unless told by someone representing your specialist.

If you take Warfarin it will almost certainly be temporarily stopped or replaced. This is very important and needs to be discussed with your specialist. Phone the contact provided in the cover of your information pack.

Preparation at home: There are instructions about when you can and can’t eat and drink before surgery written inside the front cover of your information pack. Please follow them closely. If these instructions are not followed correctly your surgery may have to be delayed or cancelled. If a child is having surgery and is nervous, we tell them that “the bus will make you better.” Talk to them and let them know that you will be there that day with them. Kids are often very keen to look around the truck and in the cab. Make sure to wear comfortable, loose clothing and leave jewellery and ear studs at home. Remove nail polish.

Appointment time: On the day of your appointment, make sure that you keep the whole day free. The time in your admission pack is the time we need you to arrive at the hospital. You may have to wait for a while before surgery, but staff will keep you informed.

Admission/consent: On arrival at the hospital you will be shown to your waiting area where you will be introduced to one of the nurses on the team. They will admit you for your surgery and after that you will be seen by your surgeon and anaesthetist. They will discuss your surgery and anaesthetic with you and give you the opportunity to ask any questions. Once this is done, they will ask you to sign the consent form which means surgery can then go ahead.

Operation: The bus staff will come and get you when it is time for your treatment. If you want a family member or friend to accompany you on board that is fine. Parents or guardians are allowed to accompany their child onboard, and one caregiver may stay with the child while they fall to sleep.

What to bring:

• Bring a book, game or something to keep you occupied while you wait for your treatment.
• If your child is having treatment encourage them to bring a favourite toy or book that will comfort them.

Types of anaesthetic: On the mobile surgical unit we use a number of different types of anaesthetic. The type of anaesthetic you get depends on your surgery.

• General anaesthesia (GA) – This anaesthetic will put you to sleep for the whole operation.
• Regional anaesthesia – The anaesthetist makes a region of your body numb so you won’t feel anything during your surgery, even though you may be awake.
• Local anaesthesia – The anaesthetist will numb a small area where you will get treatment.
• Monitored sedation – your anaesthetist or surgeon uses a special range of drugs to keep you comfortable and sleepy but still able to respond to questions if needed.

What do I do before my anaesthetic? There are instructions about when you can and can’t eat and drink written inside the cover of your information pack. Please make sure that you follow them. It is very important that you have an empty stomach before your procedure. This means no eating or drinking before surgery.

Who is my anaesthetist? An anaesthetist is an experienced specialist doctor. They administer your anaesthetic, make sure you are safe during your operation and comfortable afterwards. Your anaesthetist will talk to you before the surgery and let you know everything that will happen that day. The anaesthetist looking after you is going to ask you some questions about your history so they can give you the best care. Anything that you tell the anaesthetist, the surgeon or the nurses will remain completely confidential. They will ask you about:

• Any history of drug allergies or problems with anaesthetics that you or your family may have had.
• Any illnesses or medical conditions in your family.
• Any illnesses that you have or medications that you are on.

If you regularly take medication or use an inhaler please bring them with you and show the anaesthetist if required/requested.

What will happen? Once your anaesthetist has spoken to you and you feel comfortable you will wait to be taken into the theatre on the bus. Your anaesthetist and the theatre team will help you lie down on the operating table while they connect you to the anaesthetic machine. There may seem to be a lot of people in theatre but everyone has a job to do and it is all about looking after you. You may also be asked to breathe through an oxygen mask while the anaesthetist gives you your anaesthetic.

Waking up You will wake up in our recovery area where one of our nurses will look after you and monitor you. When you feel well enough and are more comfortable we will give you sips of water and a cup of tea or coffee. You will stay in the day ward until you feel well enough to be discharged.

Remember: You must have a responsible adult to drive you home. You will not be permitted to drive after general anaesthetic or sedation.

When can I go home? After surgery you will be taken to a quiet area inside the hospital to recover. You will be discharged once the doctor or nurse says you can go home.

Discharge information After surgery we will give you a copy of your operative record. Take this with you if you need to visit your GP. The nurse may give you some specialist post-operative instructions and will tell you if you need an appointment for follow up. We may also give you a prescription for medication to take after your surgery. It is important that you get this filled quickly and follow the instructions closely. If you are unable to get the medication please let the staff know.

The hospital or Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ may contact you the following day. A follow-up nurse from Mobile Health will contact you 30 days after your procedure.

Getting home after your operation Please ensure that you have arranged for someone to drive you home, because you are not allowed to drive after anaesthesia or medication. If you live alone you should try and stay with someone overnight, in case you feel unwell.

We recommend you have an adult stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

Taking care after your operation Remember that if you have had a general anaesthetic or sedation you must not operate any machinery, drive or make important decisions or sign legal documents for at least 24 hours.

Surgery site Keep the dressing clean and dry. The amount of bleeding depends on the type of surgery that you have and a small amount of spotting on the dressing is normal. You may change the dressing if you were given spares after your surgery.

If the dressing becomes saturated and you have active bleeding seek medical assistance immediately, either GP or emergency care. Apply pressure until you get help.

Keeping the surgery site elevated will decrease swelling and discomfort.

Pain relief If the nurse has given you a prescription take this as directed for pain relief. Otherwise, use paracetamol (Panadol/Pamol) to control pain following the directions on the packet.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR:

• Severe pain, increased or excessive swelling.
• Persistent discharge or excessive bleeding.
• Progressive heat and redness of the skin around the wound with increased pain and chills or fever.
• Difficulty moving.
• Pain, swelling or tenderness in calf or thigh.