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Before your procedure
Your procedure is a day procedure at a private hospital — expect to be there four to six hours in total. You must not drive for 24 hours afterwards, you'll need to fast beforehand, and you should keep taking your usual medications unless specifically advised otherwise. The details below matter, so please read them all.
In brief
- Day procedure — expect 4–6 hours at the hospital including admission and recovery.
- Arrange transport home: no driving for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Fast from food for 6 hours beforehand; water allowed (up to 200 ml per hour) until 2 hours before.
- Do NOT stop your usual medications — with one exception: if you take blood-thinning medication, contact the practice for advice first.
- Tell the practice if you use diabetes or weight-loss injections — special fasting instructions apply.
How long will I be at the hospital?
Procedures are performed as day cases at Hollywood Private Hospital, St John of God Subiaco Hospital or the Mount Hospital, and generally do not require an overnight stay. Allow four to six hours in total — admission, the procedure itself, post-procedure observation and discharge.
Can I drive home?
No. Because of the anaesthetic, you cannot drive until 24 hours after your procedure. Please arrange for someone to take you home — the hospital will not discharge you to drive yourself.
Do I need to fast?
Yes. Fast from food for 6 hours before your procedure time. You may continue to drink water only — up to 200 ml per hour — until 2 hours before. Your regular medications can be taken with a small sip of water.
What about my regular medications?
Do not stop your usual medications. Continue everything as normal unless your doctor has specifically advised otherwise, taking morning doses with a small sip of water. Two important exceptions need action from you before the day:
- Blood-thinning medication. If you take any blood-thinning medication — other than low-dose (100 mg) aspirin — call the practice on 0448 299 260 or email admin@painmedicinewa.com for advice well before your procedure. Do not stop it on your own: whether and when to pause it is an individual medical decision.
- Diabetes or weight-loss injections. If you use an injectable medication for diabetes or weight loss, tell the practice when your procedure is booked — these medications require prolonged fasting before an anaesthetic, and you will be given specific instructions in line with current anaesthetic guidelines.
Will I see an anaesthetist?
An anaesthetist is involved in hospital procedures. They may contact you beforehand to confirm details or history if needed; otherwise they will assess you at the hospital on the day.
What should I bring?
Your Medicare card and health fund details, your medication list, any recent relevant imaging, and comfortable clothing. Leave valuables at home. The hospital will send its own admission paperwork — complete it before the day.
What happens after the procedure?
You'll be observed until you're ready for discharge, given written aftercare instructions specific to your procedure, and sent home with your transport. Your instructions cover what to expect in the following days and when to seek advice — follow them, and contact the practice if anything concerns you.
This page provides general information. The instructions given to you for your specific procedure and hospital take precedence. In a medical emergency, call 000.
Reviewed by Dr Chris Martin, Consultant Pain and Rehabilitation Physician.
How to arrange an appointment
A referral from a GP or specialist is required. Referrals are accepted by Healthlink (EDI: painmdwa), fax 08 6114 0717 or email admin@painmedicinewa.com.
Enquiries: 0448 299 260 — Monday 9:00am – 4:00pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
Reviewed by Dr Chris Martin, Consultant Pain and Rehabilitation Physician. Last reviewed August 2026.
In a medical emergency, call 000.