Preparing for Surgery: A Complete Checklist Guide
Going home after surgery (or preparing for an admission) involves more logistics than most people anticipate. Being well-prepared in advance reduces anxiety, ensures nothing important is forgotten, and helps the first days of recovery run more smoothly. This guide covers preparation before admission, what to bring on the day, home preparation, and the first week at home, compiled from NHS pre-admission guidance, healthdirect.gov.au, and published patient safety literature.
Preparing Your Home Before Surgery
Set up a comfortable recovery space before you leave for hospital. This should ideally be on a single level (stairs are difficult in early recovery), close to a bathroom, with easy access to a phone charger, television remote, water, and light snacks. If you are having lower limb or abdominal surgery, elevate the foot of your bed or set up a recliner chair, elevation helps reduce post-operative swelling. Clear trip hazards from high-traffic areas, particularly if you will be using crutches or a walking frame. Ensure handles and support rails are in place if needed.
Prepare meals in advance. Cook and freeze meals that can be reheated easily with one hand if needed. Stock easy-to-eat foods high in protein (eggs, yogurt, canned fish, cheese) to support wound healing. Ensure you have adequate pain medication at home before your surgery date, confirm with your surgical team what will be prescribed and whether you need a prescription filled in advance.
What to Bring to Hospital
On the day of your surgery, bring: your admission letter and any pre-operative instructions, a list of all your current medications (including supplements and vitamins), photo ID and Medicare or health fund card (in Australia), comfortable loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on and remove (particularly for the operated area), non-slip footwear (slip-on shoes or ugg boots for lower limb surgery), phone and charger, reading material or tablet, your regular glasses, hearing aids, and dentures if applicable. Do not bring valuables, leave jewellery, large amounts of cash, and expensive electronics at home.
The Night Before Surgery
Follow your pre-operative fasting instructions precisely — these are designed to minimise anaesthetic risk. Standard adult fasting guidelines in Australia (ANZCA) are: no solid food for 6 hours before the procedure, no breast milk for 4 hours, no clear fluids (water, apple juice, black coffee without milk) for 2 hours. Your admission letter will specify your individual instructions. Do not assume the general rule applies if your instructions say otherwise. Take any medications your surgical team has told you to continue as normal.
Medication Management for Recovery
Ensure you understand what medications you will be taking after surgery before you are discharged. Ask your nurse or pharmacist: what each medication is for, when to take it, how long to take it, and what to do if you experience side effects. Prescription pain relief (opioids, NSAIDs) should be taken regularly in the first 48–72 hours as directed rather than waiting until pain is severe. This is more effective and uses a lower total dose. Blood thinners (if prescribed) must not be missed — these prevent DVT and are particularly important after orthopaedic surgery.
Support Planning
Arrange for a responsible adult to collect you from hospital, you will not be able to drive after general anaesthesia. For day-case procedures, someone must stay with you for 24 hours post-discharge. If you live alone, contact your GP practice or hospital social work team before surgery to discuss whether any community support can be arranged. In Australia, local councils provide post-operative home care packages in some areas. Carer support resources are available at carercompass.org.
Sources: NHS: Before your operation · ANZCA fasting guidelines · healthdirect.gov.au · NICE patient safety guidance