What Can You Expect?

On Presentation To The Unit

You will be greeted by the Reception staff who will check the personal information you have provided to us on the completed Booking Information Form and the Care Pathway. If you have not completed your forms prior to admission the Reception staff will ask you to complete them at this time. They will also check your Medicare card details, private health fund membership number and any benefit card details (pension card or Department of Veterans Affairs card). They will generate a medical record for you or update any existing information we hold on you in our database. The completed medical record will be passed to the admission nurse.

On Admission

The admission nurse will check your medical history with you and record your vital signs. If you are a diabetic you will have your blood sugar levels checked at this time. All our nursing staff have extensive knowledge of the treatments provided at the DEC and you may like to address any queries regarding your care or concerns to them. The admission sister will escorted you to the patient locker area where you may be asked to disrobe (depending on which procedure you are having). We provide all your clothing requirements for treatment. You will now lie on a patient bed to await consultation with the treating Endoscopist and Sedationist/Anaesthetist. The Doctor will confirm details of your past medical history and will ensure you adequately understand the procedure and instructions. At this time, if you are happy to proceed with treatment you will be asked to sign the medical consent form.

The Sedationist/Anaesthetist will consult you and advise you about the drugs to be used during your treatment. The combination of drugs can affect your short-term memory and you may have no recollection of the procedure after your treatment is completed.

What Happens After Your Consultation With The Treating Endoscopist And Sedationist/Anaesthetist?

After you have been consulted by your treating Endoscopist and you have signed your medical consent to proceed with treatment, the sedationist/anaesthetist will give you sedative drugs to ease you into a gentle sleep like state. The scope will be inserted either into your mouth if you are having a gastroscopy or into the rectum for colonoscopy. The treating Endoscopist will slowly manoeuvre the scope checking all folds for the presences of irregularities or polyps. Biopsies may be taken to confirm diagnosis. It is advisable that if any polyps are found they should be painlessly removed at the time of the examination (polypectomy).

After Your Procedure Is Completed

You will be wheeled on the patient bed into first stage recovery. The Sedationist/Anaesthetist will hand over your care to the recovery where the nursing staff will monitor your vital signs. You will be asleep when you are wheeled into recovery and you will be allowed to sleep until you wake or staff feel you are ready to begin the next stage of recovery. You will be given a cold drink to quench your thirst. Depending on your overall health and how quickly you recover from the sedation, you will either be given something to eat and drink in your bed or you may get dressed and eat in the refreshment area of recovery.

You will be asked to re-dress (if appropriate) and you will then be seated in the refreshment to await final consultation and discharge from your treating Endoscopist. An explanation of the procedure will also be given, but due to the effects of the sedatives you may not be able to recall details of the discussion with the Doctor. For this reason a relative or friend should escort you home. Normal work and activity can usually be recommended the following day.

On Discharge

You will be given discharge instructions and will be instructed on how to care for yourself once you get home. On arrival home please rest for the remainder of the day. As you have had sedation you must not drive a motor vehicle, operate any form of machinery or make any important decisions. Whilst a normal diet and fluids can be recommended and normal medications continued, no alcohol should be taken for the remainder of the day. If you have any questions please call this Unit between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday on 8382 6615 or contact your local Doctor.