Safer Care Victoria

Most people will find out the date of their surgery at least 7 days before it is scheduled. This is a good time to consider the things you need to plan for immediately before your surgery. 

It is very important you tell your hospital if you are feeling unwell in the 3 days before your surgery. Find out more under the ‘3 days before’ on this page.

If you have questions or concerns about your surgery date or your circumstances change, please speak with your healthcare team as soon as possible. 

Hospital has cancelled my surgery

Hospitals try to keep all their surgery appointments but sometimes they may need to postpone or cancel your surgery. Common reasons include:

• an emergency surgery has taken priority over your scheduled surgery
• lack of beds in the hospital
• the surgeon is no longer available. 

The hospital will call and explain if your surgery is cancelled.

Before having surgery, it’s important to prepare for your recovery and discharge home. The longer you spend in hospital the more planning you may need to do. 

Some examples of planning ahead might be:

• arranging someone to look after your pets while you’re in hospital
• having someone stay with you when you get home. 

It’s also important to find out how long you will be in hospital and what your discharge options are. 

Staying active and eating well before your surgery will help your recovery. 

Book a GP appointment in the months before your surgery if you have other health conditions that need management

Speak to your healthcare team about your surgery options, if you are: 

Being actively involved in your healthcare and working in partnership with your healthcare team can help ensure that you get the care that is right for you.

What is shared decision making?

Shared decision making is when you discuss your health and treatment options with your healthcare team and decide on a treatment plan together. This process allows you to ask questions and weigh up your options so that you can make a decision you are happy with.

Your healthcare team will look different depending on your needs, whether you decide to have surgery and where you have your surgery. Also, some job titles and roles will be different from place to place. 

Make sure you discuss your needs with your healthcare team so they can ensure you have the right support throughout your entire surgical journey. 

Is surgery right for me?

Surgery is not right for everyone. It is important you talk to your healthcare team about your treatment options and decide together about your treatment plan. 

There are many things that can increase your risk of complications from surgery and affect your treatment options. For example, having low fitness, needing help for daily activities, the medication you take and having other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.