Our Patient journey to surgery map is for people who need or are considering an elective surgery at a NSW public hospital.
It summarises the information available in our three fact sheets:
The following is a text based version of the Patient journey to surgery diagram.
Visit a general practitioner (GP) about your health concern.
If you or your GP decide you need to see a specialist (surgeon), your GP will write a referral.
The GP can recommend a specialist, or you can pick your own. You will then book an appointment with your chosen specialist.
When visiting your specialist, bring a list of any questions you have, a list of medications you are taking and copies of scans or test results. For more information, visit the Choosing Wisely website.
Your appointment with the specialist is an opportunity to ask any questions you have about treatment options.
If surgery is needed, the specialist will complete a Recommendation for Admission (RFA).
You will be asked to complete and return a patient health questionnaire.
The RFA will be sent to a suitable hospital within 5 working days of you agreeing to the procedure. If you are given a form to complete, make sure you take it to the hospital within 5 working days.
The RFA will be reviewed by the Admissions Office team to check all details are correct.
The Admissions Office will add you to the elective surgery waitlist within 3 working days of receiving the RFA.
Written confirmation will be sent to your home address to let you know you have been added to the waitlist.
When a surgery date becomes available, the Admissions Office will contact you about your admission to hospital.
Your admission letter will state if you are required to attend a pre-admission appointment.
Arrive on time at the hospital on your agreed surgery admission date.
