Surgical Abortion: What you will need on the day
What to Bring on The Day
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If you are travelling >100km, we recommend that you have a telehealth consultation with one of our doctors prior to travelling, to ensure that you do not have a wasted journey if we are unable to offer you care.
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If you have a BMI of over 40, or have a complex medical history, it is not safe for you to be cared for in a community day surgery due to anaesthetic risks and you should get a referral from your GP to your local hospital.
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Your valid medicare card
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Photo Identification e.g. drivers licence, passport
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Some sanitary pads (not tampons) and extra underwear for after the procedure
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Debit or credit card for the procedure cost (unfortunately we do not accept AMEX)
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Support person— it is both helpful and advisable to have someone accompany you for support but please note that support persons are not allowed into the clinic, due to social distancing recommendations. Please do not bring babies or children to the clinic. You must have a support person to take you home after the procedure.
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You can bring in a snack for after your procedure, though please remain nil by mouth for 2 hours prior to your appointment.
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Preparation for Your Procedure
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We will call you the day before your procedure to confirm your appointment time and explain how to prepare for your procedure.
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You must NOT eat anything for 6 hours before your appointment time. You may sip water only up until your appointment time. Then you MUST be nil by mouth for your procedure. If you do not follow fasting instructions, you will have your appointment forfeited.
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If you have any medical conditions or are taking regular medications, please inform staff when making your booking.
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If you have a BMI of over 40, it is not safe for you to be cared for in a community day surgery due to anaesthetic risks and you should get a referral from your GP to your local hospital.
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Wear warm, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
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You will need to organise someone to take you home after the procedure as you will be unable to drive for 24 hours following sedation and are unable to take public transport home. You won't be able to go home by yourself.
On Arrival at The Clinic
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When you arrive, our reception staff will ask you to complete some paperwork. All details provided will remain confidential.
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You will have already seen our nurse for a pre admission assessment so you will understand what to expect.
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On arrival at the clinic you will go straight to the doctors who will care for you ( one to do the procedure and the other to provide the sedation anaesthetic) Your doctor may offer misoprostol tablets for cervical preparation which reduces the risk of complications in certain women.
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Misoprostol is used around the world in preparation for surgical abortion procedures. Benefits of misoprostol, are that it prepares the cervix for instrumentation and reduces the risk of retained products of conception. The downsides are that misoprostol can cause cramping, vomiting, diarrhoea and shivering and can take time to work. This may mean that you have an extended stay at the clinic. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of misoprostol preparation for your procedure, when you speak with him/her.
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The doctor will discuss and confirm future contraception options during your consultation. You may request to have an intrauterine device (IUD) or implanon (contraceptive rod) fitted at the time of your procedure (which will not only give you piece of mind, but will also save you money).
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The doctors will then perform the surgical procedure.
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Generally, the total time you will be at our clinic is 3 hours for a surgical procedure.
After the Procedure
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After the surgical abortion procedure, the nurses will move you to our recovery room for ongoing monitoring and post- operative care to ensure you are fully recovered before you go home.
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You will not be able to drive or take public transport home. You will need to arrange for someone to collect and drive you home.
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