Prior to your procedure, we encourage you to read the information provided to help you prepare for your stay. Understanding what to expect can help make your experience more comfortable and support a smooth recovery and discharge home. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Reducing the Chance of Infection
Pre-Surgery skin checks for orthopaedic procedures to help prevent infection
Feeling unwell before surgery?
Our Pre-admission Service is here to help you prepare for your hospital stay and support a smooth recovery at home.
Pre-admission support: If you are having major surgery, have multiple health conditions, or may need extra support during your recovery, your specialist may refer you to our Pre-admission Service for additional assessment and planning. We will contact you directly if an appointment is required.
Staying overnight: Our Pre-admission Nurses review the information provided on your pre-admission form and help you plan for your surgery and discharge. Where needed, we may phone you 2–3 days before your procedure to discuss your health history, medications, hospital stay, and recovery plans. We will also advise you about any medications that may need to be stopped before surgery. We do not routinely call all patients prior to surgery.
Hip or knee replacement procedures: You may be invited to attend a Pre-admission appointment in person. During this visit, a nurse will complete a health assessment, which will include a blood pressure check and electrocardiogram test (ECG), and discuss discharge planning and any equipment you may need at home to support your recovery. This may also include an education session with one of our physiotherapists.
We are committed to supporting your individual needs. Please let us know about any cultural, spiritual, accessibility, mental health, neurodiversity, or other requirements so we can help make your stay as comfortable as possible.
If you have any questions about your hospital stay or returning home after surgery, please contact the pre-admission service team on 07 843 1898. We are available Monday to Friday, 8.00am–4.30pm. You are welcome to leave a voicemail or send an email to preadmissionservice@braemarhospital.co.nz and we will respond as soon as possible.
Your specialist will arrange any blood tests required before your surgery.
If there is a possibility you may need a blood transfusion, you may be given a Blood Bank form. The blood test can be completed at any Pathlab and must be done within 72 hours of your surgery.
Everyone has germs naturally living on their skin and in their nose. Most of the time these germs do not cause any problems.
For some patients, we may ask you to use a special wash or ointment before surgery. This helps lower the number of germs on your body and can reduce the chance of getting an infection after your operation.
If you need to do this, we will provide clear instructions and answer any questions you may have.
If you are having orthopaedic surgery, it is important to check your skin in the days leading up to your surgery. Skin conditions and infections can increase the risk of complications and may result in your surgery being postponed.
Please contact your surgeon rooms if you notice any of the following:
To help protect your skin, we recommend avoiding activities that could cause cuts or scratches, such as gardening, tramping, or anything that could cause cuts or scratches for at least two weeks before your surgery. This is an important step in preventing wound and joint infections.
It is also important to contact your specialist if you think you may have a urinary tract infection or a tooth abscess, as these can increase your risk of infection.
If you are unable to reach your specialist, please contact the Pre-admission Service on 07 843 1898 between 8.00am and 4.30pm for advice and support.
If you develop a cough, cold, fever, infection, or any other illness before your procedure, please contact your specialist’s rooms as soon as possible for advice. Letting your specialists know early helps them to assess whether it is safe to proceed and may reduce the risk of your surgery being postponed on the day.
If you are unable to reach your specialist, please call Braemar Hospital on 07 843 1899 and ask to speak with the Pre-admission Service between 8.00am and 4.30pm, or the Hospital Co-ordinator after hours.
Your specialist rooms will provide you with important information before your procedure, including:
Avoid wearing makeup. Please remove artificial nails and nail polish before your procedure as this can affect our monitoring devices.
To help us provide safe and effective care, it is important that you tell your anaesthetist and nursing team about all medications you are currently taking.
This includes:
If you are staying overnight, please bring all your medications to hospital in their original pharmacy packaging, with the prescription labels attached. This helps our team accurately verify your medications and ensure you receive the correct treatment during your stay.
If you use blister packs or medication rolls, please bring a detailed printout from the pharmacy that informs us what you take, the dose and when you take it.
Having accurate medication information helps prevent prescribing errors and enables us to obtain any medications you may need while in hospital. We may be unable to use medications that you have removed from blister type packs as our nurses need to be able to clearly identify them.
Medications you have brought in with you, will be locked away in your room for safety. Any controlled drugs and Cannabidiol (CBD) products will be locked in our controlled drug cupboard and returned to you before you leave.
We strongly advise you not to bring any valuables into hospital with you.
You will be asked to remove all jewellery before going to the theatre so we encourage your support person to take these home for you. You are able to wear your wedding band during surgery.
If you are unable to send valuables home, rooms have a lockable drawer, or your nurse will be able to lock items away in a secure place.
Please remember to ask your nurse to arrange for retrieval of these items prior to your discharge.
If you have a taonga that you would like to remain with you during your procedure and recovery, please talk with our team about how we can best keep these safe.
At Braemar Hospital, we warmly welcome children and aim to make their stay as relaxed, positive, and enjoyable as possible.
In many cases, a parent or caregiver can accompany their child to theatre and stay with them until they fall asleep. Once your child is awake in recovery (PACU), we will contact you so you can be with them as soon as possible. We find this is reassuring for both children and parents.
It is normal for some children to feel upset or disoriented when they wake after surgery. Our experienced recovery nurses are skilled in caring for children and will ensure both you and your child are well supported throughout the recovery process.
A children’s menu is available, and we always have favourites such as ice blocks, jelly, and ice cream on hand to help make recovery a little easier.
If there is anything else that would make your child’s stay more comfortable or enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to let us know—we are here to help.
For patients aged 12 years and under, one parent or guardian may stay overnight at no additional cost. Meals are also provided for the accompanying parent or guardian.
For patients over 12 years of age, have the option of the parent/caregiver staying overnight, subject to room availability. Please discuss with the Pre-admission Service how we can accommodate you before your admission.
Options available:
Planning for your discharge is an important part of your care and recovery. Before your admission, we encourage you to think about the support and arrangements you may need when you return home.
Day surgery patients must arrange for someone to drive them home and stay with them for at least 24 hours after their procedure, or longer if advised by their specialist.
Patients staying overnight or longer will also need to arrange transport home, as you will not be able to drive yourself after surgery. Discharge usually takes place by 10.00am on the day you are due to leave hospital. In some areas, community transport services may be available to assist with getting home.
We recommend having a responsible adult stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after discharge, or longer if needed. Alternatively, you may wish to stay with family or friends while you recover. If this is not possible, please discuss your situation with our Pre-admission Service. You may be eligible for support services, such as visiting personal care assistance at home during your recovery. While we are unable to arrange convalescent care directly, we can guide you and connect you with appropriate support services.
If you are a caregiver for dependants, please ensure alternative care arrangements are in place during your hospital stay and initial recovery period.
Before your surgery, it can be helpful to prepare your home environment. Some things to consider include:
Recovery can take longer than expected, even after minor procedures. It is normal to feel tired, so it’s important to allow time to rest and recover.
Once you leave Braemar Hospital, you return to the care of your Specialist and their Rooms as your first port of call for questions, but you are still welcome to contact us at any time.
If you have any other questions before your admission or cannot find the information you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 07 843 1898. We are always happy to help.
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