Before your surgery

Kākāriki Hospital looks forward to providing you with the very best private hospital care available.

Please note that the hospital elevators are switched off until 6.30am. This is a security protocol we are unable to override as there is no one in the hospital reception to greet you before that time.

If you arrive before 6.30am you are welcome to use the outside intercom by the doors and speak to the ward nurses. They will unlock the outside door for you, and you are welcome to sit in the foyer area until the elevators automatically unlock at 6.30am

After 6.30am please take the elevators to level 2 and follow the signs to the reception area

For us to provide you with optimal patient care tailored to you personally we need a few things from you before you arrive.

Health Insurance

If you have private health insurance, please request approval from your health insurance company before your operation/procedure to ensure you are clear on what is and isn't covered under your policy.

Your insurance company will give you a 'Prior Approval Number', and this can be included on your Patient Registration form.

However, please do not delay returning your documents if your prior approval has not been processed. This can be advised nearer to your surgery date.

Please bring your Prior Approval letter with you to hospital on your day of admission.

You may be contacted by the anaesthetist prior to your day of surgery

Our Pre admission nurses may contact you prior to you day of surgery

We're here to help. If you have any questions at all about the admission process, forms or costs, our Customer Support staff will be happy to assist you via [email protected] or our Contact Form

Forms

Patient Experience Videos

On day of surgery

What to bring with you

All Patients

  • Your Patient Information Pack.
  • Documentation from doctors, consultants, or other hospitals.
  • Medicine or prescription, herbal remedies or supplements you are currently taking (in their original container/packaging).
  • Any personal aids:
    • Walking stick or frame
    • Hearing aids, plus a battery
    • Glasses or contact lenses
    • Dentures
  • Additional items:
    • Books, magazines, writing material, puzzle books
    • Personal entertainment device and chargers - mobile phone, tablet and headphones

Day Stay Patients

  • Be sure to wear something clean, comfortable, and appropriate to your procedure.

Inpatient, Overnight Stay or Longer

  • Nightwear
  • Dressing gown
  • Slippers or footwear
  • Toiletries
  • Your pillow (optional)
  • Clean, comfortable clothes to go home in, appropriate to your procedure.

What not to bring

Valuables

Including jewellery and cash as Kākāriki Hospital is unable to take responsibility for the safe keeping of valuables if brought to Hospital.

Your Vehicle

As you will be unable to drive following your procedure and anaesthetic.

Upon discharge you will need to be driven home by a responsible adult.

Admission

Prior to Admission

Please:

  • shower and wear clean clothes
  • do not apply makeup or moisturizer
  • remove jewellery where possible
  • remove all nail polish
  • Follow your surgeons instructions as to when to stop eating and drinking

On Admission

Please come to reception area on the 2nd floor, where your details will be checked

You will be meet by a pre- operation nurse who will:

  • assist you to get into a hospital gown
  • take baseline recordings
  • Ensure your medical history and details are correct

Your Surgeon/Specialist and your Anaesthetist will come and see you prior to your surgery and will check your Consent for Surgery form and answer any queries. Your Anaesthetist will discuss your anaesthesia plan and complete your Consent for Anaesthesia form.

You will be escorted to the holding area in the theatre unit once all pre operation procedures and paperwork have been completed.

After your procedure and discharge

Day Stay Patient

After your procedure you will recover in comfortable reclining chairs. Refreshments are available at this time.

Due to limited space in the Day Surgery Unit, we ask that no more than two whanau/family members remain with the patient.

Your Surgeon/Specialist or Nurse will discuss any follow up treatment before arranging your discharge from hospital. Upon discharge you will need to be driven home by a responsible adult.

You will need to have a responsible adult to stay with you at least overnight following your procedure.

Inpatient, Overnight Stay or Longer

If you are staying overnight you will be settled in a room. We have 16 private rooms and two rooms with two beds. All have ensuites

Each Inpatient bed has access to its own television

Your Surgeon/Specialist or Nurse will advise you of what to expect over the coming days as you recover. You will receive full information on what to do when you get home, any necessary follow-up appointments, on-going treatment, or medication.

The recommended discharge time is 10:00am. Please discuss any concerns regarding your discharge time with your Nurse. Should you request a later discharge time, there may be an additional fee.

Equipment at Home and Additional Services

Referrals to support services will be made in line with the service providers’ criteria and according to your individual needs.

When You Get Home

It is normal to feel discomfort after surgery, but should you feel any of the following:

  • increased pain or excessive swelling around the wound
  • nausea or vomiting
  • chest pain or breathing trouble
  • fever or chills

Please call your Surgeon/Specialist or Doctor immediately.

In the event of an emergency, call an ambulance 111