FAQ’s

  • There is ongoing community spread of Covid-19 in WA. We are no longer requiring patients to undergo Rapid Antigen Testing prior to their procedures, however we do require all patients and visitors to wear face masks when entering our facility.

    If you have respiratory symptoms or have been a recent contact of someone with COVID 19 you should self-isolate and call your GP’s office for review and consider testing for COVID 19. Do not come for your procedure if you have any respiratory symptoms as we will not be able to complete your procedure.

  • Generally the procedures are not painful as you will be given sedation by a specialist anaesthetist who will manage your sedation before, during and after your procedure. Sometimes people may have mild bloating or discomfort after the procedure as we place air/gas into the gut to be able to see the lining. This is passed naturally at the end of the procedure which relives the bloating and/or discomfort.

  • After the procedure you should go home and take it easy. It is important to have someone with you in the rare event of a complication following the procedure/ anaesthetic. You may enjoy a light diet as tolerated.

    Please also note the following :

    1. You cannot drive until the next day.

    2. You should not work the day of your procedure or make important decisions as the sedative medications remain in your system. If you are a night shift worker, you cannot work the night of your procedure. A medical certificate will be provided if you request one in this circumstance. You can work the day following your procedure.

    3. Exercise may be restricted in some cases following polypectomy (removal of a polyp) and you should ask about this after your procedure.

    4. If you have stopped medications before the procedure these can generally be restarted but you will be informed about these prior to your discharge.

  • You may be in the hospital for up to 3-4 hours from admission, please ensure your pick up is contactable at any point of your stay.

  • You must fast prior to having any anaesthetic (sedation) as these medications temporarily impair your body’s reflexes, including those that protect your airway. If you have food or drink in your stomach when you are sedated, there is a risk of vomiting, and with impaired airway reflexes, this vomit could enter and damage your lungs.

    In addition, following the bowel preparation instructions fully ensures that the bowel is clean and easy to inspect by the Gastroenterologist. This ensures that pathology such as polyps and bowel cancer will not be missed if they exists. If your bowel is not clear, the doctor may have to abandon the procedure and you will be required to re-book and take the preparation again to complete the procedure.

  • Because of the medication you are administered during your anaesthetic, you need to have a responsible adult to take care of you after your procedure. Ensuring your safety after discharge includes escorting you home and looking after you until the following day. You cannot drive the day of your procedure (including that night). Our nursing staff will confirm an appropriate discharge plan with you. If you do not have a designated carer to collect you, we may have to cancel your procedure. Please let us know if you have any concerns about this policy and contact us as soon as possible if you are having any difficulty finding someone to pick you up and stay with you.

  • Yes, our nursing staff will call the person picking you up at least 30 minutes prior to your discharge time. They will instruct this person to drive to the carpark at the back of the facility and call 0403 515 932 to advise the nurse they have arrived. The nurse will then walk you out to the car to ensure you leave safety. Your lift is not required to come into the facility, the nurse will met them at the car for discharge.

  • The account you paid to your doctor is for their services only, and is separate to your hospital costs. The excess you are required to pay to the hospital is the amount you elected to pay to reduce your Health Insurance premium costs. We have checked this with your health fund.

  • Clear fluids are those without colour or sedimentation in them, such as:

    • Water, plain, carbonated.

    • Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple or white grape juice.

    • Fruit-flavored beverages, such as fruit punch or lemonade without sediment.

    • Gelatin without fruit or colour.

    • Tea or coffee without milk, cream or nondairy creamer.

    • Sports drinks (not blue or red)

    • Clear, fat-free broth such as bouillon or consomme

  • The whole day before your procedure.

  • You should take your regular medications on the day of the procedure prior to the nil-by-mouth fasting period. This includes blood pressure medications (only stop if you have been advised to do so).

    This advice may vary for specific medications ( including some blood thinners, anti-platelet medications following heart stents, diabetic medications) and you should discuss these with your GP prior to the procedure or call the West Coast Endoscopy Centre for clarification.