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Thank you for choosing St George’s Hospital
Please contact us if the information you require is not listed on this page:
Email reception@stgeorges.org.nz
Or call 0-3-3559179
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)
If your treatment is to be covered by ACC, you MUST have written approval from them before you are admitted to hospital. In addition, the approval from ACC must state whether they will pay part or all of your hospital account.
When the ACC contribution is a part payment you will be expected to pay the balance on discharge or within seven days.
If you upgrade your room you will also be required to pay the balance.
Admission Procedure
Admission times are 7.00 am for morning operations commencing from 8.00 am and 11.00 am for afternoon operations commencing from 1.30 pm.
Your surgeon or physician will make the necessary arrangements for your admission to St George's and advise what time to arrive at the hospital. He or she will give you an admission form to complete (downloadable here). You will be required to send this admission form to the hospital at least 24 hours prior to your admission.
Upon arrival please report at the Hospitals main reception for admission procedures to be completed.
Please follow your surgeon's instructions about eating prior to surgery. If, for example your surgeon states "nil by mouth from 8am" it is very important that you do not eat or drink after 8am on the day of your operation.
Once administration procedures are completed you will be taken to your room to be admitted by the nursing staff. If you would like to ask your surgeon or anaesthetist any more questions please notify our nursing staff when admitted to your room.
Children
Children should bring pyjamas/nightdress and a favourite toy.
St George’s encourages one parent to stay with their child during their child’s stay at the hospital. We offer either a Lazy Boy option or alternatively a single or share twin room arrangement.
We also encourage one parent to accompany their child in the pre-operative area before surgery and also be available in the recovery room as soon as possible after they wake up.
Most children's hospital stays are short and each child's requirements are unique. We encourage parents to discuss their child's accommodation arrangements with their surgeon prior to admission. Once in hospital please do not hesitate to discuss your child's needs with the Charge Nurse.
Discharge
We strongly recommend that you arrange for a responsible adult family member or friend to accompany you home after discharge.
Your specialist surgeon or doctor will discuss with you the most appropriate date for your discharge from St George’s.
You will need to contact the person you have chosen to come and collect you and take you home. Most patients are discharged from hospital before 10.30 am. If you are unable to leave the ward before this time, please discuss this with the nursing staff.
Our nursing staff will ensure that you are provided with clear information on what to do after the operation, including any prescriptions, pain relief, medication, wound care, and a follow-up appointment time with your surgeon.
If at any stage of the discharge process you are unsure of any information or instructions you have been given, or you would like additional information about your operation or subsequent follow up care, please do not hesitate to ask our nursing staff or your doctor.
We strongly recommend that patients do not drive themselves home after having surgery at St George’s Hospital.
St George’s recommends that you should arrange for a responsible adult family member or friend to stay with you for your first night at home after your operation.
Hairdresser (Charge applies)
If you would like your hair to be cut or styled while at St George’s please ask the charge nurse and she will arrange it for you.
Meals
Our Meal Times are:
Breakfast - 8am
Lunch - Midday
Dinner - 6pm - Main Meal
Please discuss any special food or dietary requirements you may have with our nursing staff upon admission. We will make every endeavour to meet your requests provided they are compatible with your treatment. Our admission form provides an option for you to specify special dietary preferences.
If you require the services of our Consultant Dietician please discuss this with our nursing staff at any time. (Charge applies)
Light meals and refreshments are also available (can be delivered) from Caffe Ritazza. (Charge applies)
Medical Insurance Claims
St George’s Hospital provides medical and surgical services for all health insurance providers operating in New Zealand today. The key companies are Southern Cross Healthcare, Aetna Health, Tower and Sovereign. Please contact us if you wish to check your policy provider’s name.
We recommend that you obtain prior approval from your Health Insurance provider before arriving at St George’s. This enables the insurance company to pay their share of the account rather than you paying first and having to claim a refund later.
Newspapers
The Christchurch Press will be delivered Monday – Saturday at 7.00 am. Sunday papers can be ordered from reception.
Recovering at Home
Rest and Activity
Sometimes people feel rather tired and insecure when they first go home and are frustrated by not feeling able to do all the things they want. Do not worry if this happens to you as it is quite normal. Make a plan for yourself to gradually increase the things you do by yourself over the following weeks.
It is often helpful to plan a ‘rest time’ during the day when you can be undisturbed. On the whole, resting on your bed rather than in a chair is more relaxing. Short, frequent walks are encouraged. If possible let your friends and relatives know when you will be resting so that they will not call or telephone during that time.
Eating
Some people find that their appetite is small and they get a 'bloated' feeling or indigestion after meals. These symptoms usually clear up by themselves as you become more active. Small meals, taken regularly can reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.
A small amount of alcohol can improve your appetite and is not normally harmful. Please consult your surgeon prior to discharge. If you are in doubt about the right sort of food to eat ask for advice.
Wound Healing
All wounds progress through several stages of healing and you will be able to see changes in your wound. The following points are frequently experienced:
- Unusual sensations such as tingling, numbness or itching.
- A slightly hard lumpy feeling as the new tissue forms.
- Slight pulling around the stitches as the wound heals. There may be swelling and some redness around the stitches. This is not uncommon and will disappear after stitches are removed or have dissolved.
Remember - not to pull off any scabs as they protect the new tissues underneath and act as 'nature's dressing'. They will fall off without any help when ready.
Seek help if - the amount of pain in your wound increases, if the amount of redness and/or swelling increases and if there is any discharge from your wound.
Calf / Thigh Pain
If you develop pain or tenderness of your calf or thigh, please contact your Surgeon or GP
Some patients may be discharged with support / anti-embolism stockings. It is essential that you wear these for the length of time specified by your surgeon.
Bathing and Showering
It is quite safe to get your wound wet after your operation (unless otherwise advised). There is no evidence to show that adding salt to the bath aids healing, and in some cases it can make your skin feel dry and uncomfortable.
Always keep bandages dry.
Some people feel a little insecure when they first get into and out of the bath. A bath mat helps to cut down the risk of slipping. A towel hooked around the taps can be helpful in pulling yourself up.
Many people feel more secure if there is someone else in the house when they take their first bath or shower even if actual help is not needed.
Clothing
Loose clothing is generally more comfortable and tracksuits are very suitable.
Driving
The time at which you can safely start driving varies a great deal with the type of operation you have had. Ask your surgeon for specific advice regarding commencement of driving. Do remember that your movement and strength must be up to coping with an emergency stop as well as normal driving.
Moving
A gradual increase in the amount of exercise you take is helpful, starting with a short walk two or three times a day and increasing the distance over the next few weeks.
If specific exercises are needed, ask before you leave hospital. Most people find it more comfortable to sit in a high chair as it can be difficult getting up from a low seat.
Climbing stairs can be surprisingly tiring, but is a useful way of getting exercise and judging your progress.
Sexual Activity
There is no absolute rule about the time at which you can resume your usual sexual relationships. Ask your surgeon for advice.
Household Jobs and Lifting
The sort of movements that can cause discomfort are bending or stretching (e.g.: reaching high or low shelves), lifting heavy weights (including small children), and pushing or pulling (such as vacuuming or mowing the lawn).
Similarly, standing for long periods (e.g.: washing up or cleaning vegetables) can be tiring.
If help is available for the first one or two weeks after discharge it is very useful.
General Advice
Many people are surprised at the length of time it takes them to get over an operation even if it is fairly minor, but time, nature and a bit of determination are usually effective.
Do not be afraid to ask for advice, however small your worry may seem. A few words can often save a lot of anxiety.
Bowels
Changes in diet, activity and the use of some drugs can lead to irregular bowel habits but this usually rights itself with time. A diet high in fibre and fruit will help prevent constipation.
Sleeping
Changes in routine and restricted movement can cause difficulty in sleeping. Some people are woken by wound discomfort caused by sudden movement. If this does occur it may be helpful to take some pain relief prior to settling.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in patient rooms. St George’s Hospital strongly discourages smoking. However, if you are a smoker, arrangements can be made with our nursing staff.
Visiting Hours
St George’s welcomes patient visits by family and friends. To promote the comfort of all our patients, visitors are asked to keep their visits brief.
Please observe the following timeslots when planning a patient visit:
General Wards:
11am - 12pm
2pm - 4pm
7pm - 8pm
Maternity
2pm - 4pm
7pm - 8pm
Please note there is NO morning visiting in Maternity. We believe that women recovering from childbirth need time to rest while getting to know and care for their baby. As their time in hospital is short it is important that visiting hours are adhered to. Please do not ask as we hate to offend.
All visitors to the hospital are asked to vacate the building by 8.30pm
Special arrangements can be made for immediate family or out of town patients. Please discuss this with our nursing staff.
What to Bring
- Pyjamas or night gown
- Bring any medication and drugs in original packets or inhalers that you are currently, or have recently, been taking.
- Bring any X Rays, crutches of braces which may be relevant.
- Bring Glasses, lenses, hearing aids.
- Bring Personal Toiletries
- Please dress comfortably and casually in loose-fitting clothes.
- CHILDREN should bring pyjamas/nightdress and a favourite toy.
- Clothes for your operation will be provided by St George's.
- Details of your medical insurance (if applicable) including copies of any letters of authorisation and your membership number.
- Patients are encouraged to leave valuables at home.
- Wear as little makeup as possible
Work
The time at which you can return to work depends on both the type of operation you have had and what your job is. It is better to feel completely well before you return as many people feel tired and find concentration difficult to start with.
More specific advice can be given to you by your Surgeon.
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