Before and After Hospital

The approach to patient care at Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital is a thoughtful process from when you think of making a call, to the day you are discharged. Throughout, the Hospital ensures that patients are well-equipped with information on how to manage their care at home.

Medical Information Check

From your medical aid scheme authorisation, to medical history, preparation is key for a stress-free admission. Please consult with your medical aid scheme prior to admission, obtaining authorisation if necessary. Any short payments by your medical aid will be for your own account.

Preparing for Hospital

Try and lead a healthy lifestyle before you are admitted. Eat a varied and healthy diet. If you would like any dietary advice the Hospital can refer you to a dietician before or during your stay.
If you smoke, it is a good idea to give up as soon as you can. The Hospital is a smoke-free environment.
If you drink alcohol, it is recommended that you reduce the amount or give up drinking for a week before your procedure.
It is beneficial to increase your fitness and exercise tolerance before surgery. This will obviously depend on your mobility. If you are not used to exercise, try increasing the distance you walk each day.
Visit the Pre-Admission Centre to complete your admission forms, receive procedure specific information, and finalise medical aid authorisation.

The evening before your procedure

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, even water, unless you are instructed otherwise by your specialist. This is the most important pre-procedural instruction. Stomach contents are hazardous when having any type of anaesthetic.
In the case of Cardiac Catheterisation and Angiogram – you can have clear liquids up to two hours before the procedure.
Be sure to follow any specific instructions given to you by your Specialist.
Take a relaxing bath or shower before coming to the Hospital. If you have been instructed to use antibacterial soap (Hibiscrub), shower and wash from the neck down the night before and repeat the next morning before you leave for the Hospital.
Try to get a good nights rest.

Post-Op Essentials

Be prepared for those first few days after the surgery by having the house already stocked with groceries and other necessities. Be sure to take the medication your doctor will likely prescribe you for the pain exactly as instructed. Be sure to give your body the fuel it needs to heal, with regular nutritious meals. Prevent infection by cleaning the wound and changing bandages at least twice a day. Sleep in a cool dark room, free of sleep cycle disrupting light from the television or other devices.