Axillary Dissection Brochure
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If you need an operation (surgery), you may need to come to a Pre-Admission Clinic to make sure that we have completed all the tests we need to do before your operation and that you are well prepared.
About elective surgery
At the Royal Melbourne Hospital, we do elective surgery as well as emergency surgery:
- Elective surgery means that your doctor believes you do not need surgery for at least 24 hours
- Emergency surgery means you life is threatened if you do not have surgery immediately.
The timing of your elective surgery is based on urgency. There are three categories of urgency:
Category 1: Urgent cases
Admission within 30 days is desirable for a condition that has the potential to deteriorate quickly to the point that it might become an emergency.
Category 2: Semi-urgent cases
Admission within 90 days is desirable for a condition that is causing pain, dysfunction or disability but which is not likely to deteriorate quickly or become an emergency.
Category 3: Non-urgent cases
You need treatment at some time in the future for a condition causing minimal or no pain, dysfunction or disability that is very unlikely to deteriorate quickly and does not have the potential to become an emergency. Treatment within 12 months is used as a guide.
The Elective Booking Service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital manages all elective surgery bookings.
You health is important to us, but remember that the Royal Melbourne Hospital is a trauma hospital and at times emergency cases may take priority over elective cases.
Pre-Admission Clinic
For most surgery, you will need to attend a Pre-Admission Clinic to make sure we have done all the tests we need to do before your procedure, as well as making sure you are well prepared.
You will be asked to complete a Health Questionnaire before attending your Pre-Admission Clinic appointment. At the Pre-Admission Clinic appointment, a team of doctors and nurses will talk to you about what to expect in hospital, how long you will need to stay and anything you may need to do when you go home.
If you are from a regional area or interstate, we may be able to do your Pre-Admission Clinic appointment over the phone. If you need an tests completed before your procedure, we will talk to your doctor to organise them before you travel to Melbourne for your procedure.
If you need help completing the Health Questionnaire, your local doctor can help.
Clinics
| Pre-Admission Clinic | City Campus | Pre-Admission Clinic Reception, Level 3 East | WED | |
| Pre-Admission Clinic | City Campus | Pre-Admission Clinic Reception, Level 3 East | FRI | |
| Pre-Admission Clinic | City Campus | Pre-Admission Clinic Reception, Level 3 East | TUE | |
| Pre-Admission Clinic | City Campus | Pre-Admission Clinic Reception, Level 3 East | THU | |
| Pre-Admission Clinic | City Campus | Pre-Admission Clinic Reception, Level 3 East | MON | |
| Pre-Admission Clinic - Cardiac Surgery | City Campus | Pre-Admission Clinic Reception, Level 2 East | WED | |
| Pre-Admission Clinic - Cardiac Workup | City Campus | Pre-Admission Clinic Reception, Level 2 East | WED | |
| Pre-Admission Clinic - Cardiology | City Campus | Pre-Admission Clinic Reception, Level 2 East | WED |
What to bring
Every time you come to hospital
Every time you come to hospital for a test, day procedure, surgery or treatment, you should bring:
- Medicare card
- Health Care card (if you have one)
- Concession card (if you have one)
- Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
- Medications you are currently taking, including any that you have bought without a prescription
- X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results you have which are related to your procedure
- Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
- Aids (glasses, hearing aid, walking frame)
For an overnight (or longer) stay
If you come for an overnight (or longer stay), you should also bring:
- A dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes
- Your toiletries
- Your iPad/tablet or smart phone, provided you are happy to take responsibility for it
For a clinic appointment
If you come for a clinic appointment, you should also bring:
- Your letter
- Your appointment book
- Any special items listed on your letter
- TAC or Workcover claim number
Do not bring (for overnight or longer stay)
And if you're staying overnight, do not bring:
Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash. Just bring a small amount for items such as newspapers, magazines or coffee
- Valuables, such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
In a medical emergency, call 000. If you are feeling unwell, see your local GP or go to your local hospital Emergency department for help.