Address:
Yamba DRIVE, WODEN, 2606

Billing:
Other Option

Wheelchair access:
Yes

This specialty deals principally with cardiac and thoracic diseases that require surgical intervention so that there is a close working relationship with the cardiology and respiratory medical services.
Our surgeons deal with the common cardiac problems of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease and bradyarrhythmias & tachyarrhythmias.
Common problems dealt with by our thoracic specialist include lung Cancer & mesothelioma, surgical management of empyema, management of chest wall injuries, surgical management of the solitary pulmonary nodule and surgical management of pneumothorax & pleural effusions.

Cardio-thoracic Surgery was commissioned at Canberra Hospital in February 1998. Our record for complications is enviable, far below the national averages for both wound infections and mortality.

Whilst the Cardiothoracic Unit is part of the larger Intensive Care Unit, it is a discrete bay, separate from the general beds. The nursing staff (RNs),are also from the general ICU staff, but are further trained in the special needs of the Cardiac Surgery patient.

The predominant type of surgery performed in the Unit is coronary artery bypass grafts, coronary valve surgery (both repairs and replacement); adult congenital heart disease repairs and thoracic aortic surgery also done. Keyhole (minimally-invasive) surgery is also offered for selected valve operations.

Generally, two cases per day are performed, Monday to Thursday inclusive. The average length of stay in the ICU is 20 - 24 hours, after which the patients are transferred to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) on ward 6B.

Address:
Yamba DRIVE, WODEN, 2606

Billing:
No Fee

Wheelchair access:
Yes

The neurosurgical unit provides comprehensive around-the-clock care for the treatment of patients with brain and spinal disorders.

Our neurosurgeons treat brain and skull base tumours, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous malformations, traumatic and degenerative spinal disease, spinal tumours and chiari malformations, and also carry out microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.

Address:
Building 12, Level 2, Yamba DRIVE, WODEN, 2606

Billing:
Other Option

Wheelchair access:
Yes

If you are coming to the Hospital for day surgery you will need:

- your Medicare card
- your private health fund details, if you have cover
- your health care card, if you have one
- any X-rays which are related to your surgery
- any medication, if you are taking any, in its original containers
-

On the day of your operation:

You should not eat or drink after midnight on the day before surgery UNLESS you have been instructed otherwise. You may take your medications as normal, with sips of water. Do not chew gum on the day of your surgery.

Patients are asked to be on time. We try hard to ensure that all appointments are run at the scheduled time, so please ensure that you arrive at the Hospital at the time you have been advised. Be aware that sometimes emergency cases may cause delays to the appointment schedules.

Upon arrival to Canberra Hospital, patients should go directly to the Day Surgery unit, which is located on Level 3 of Building 12 (D&T block). On your arrival at the Day Surgery unit, the staff will review your:

- medical history
- food and fluid intake prior to surgery
- post operative arrangements

You will then change into a hospital gown.


LEAVING THE HOSPITAL
If you are a day surgery patient, you will be observed after your surgery to ensure that you are ready to leave the Hospital. The usual time of discharge is two hours after surgery. However, you will not be rushed if you are not ready to leave.

It is important to ensure that you have someone to take you home and to stay with you after your surgery. This person must be a responsible adult.

Although you may feel well after your operation, the effects of the anaesthetic will persist for some time. You should go home from Hospital in either a private car or taxi. You should NOT drive a car on the day of your operation.

You should also NOT make any important decisions or operate any dangerous equipment the day of your operation.

You will be given personal post-operative instructions prior to your discharge.

We will phone you the day after your surgery to see how you are feeling and to answer any questions that you may have.

Find us

The Day Surgery Unit is located near the Intensive Care Unit, above the Emergency Department. Access to the Theatre Reception area can be gained via the entry into the Emergency Department, or by following the signage to the Theatre complex, located on Level 2 of building 12. Direct access to the Day Surgery Unit can be gained on level 2 directly opposite the lifts.