The Private Clinic :: Preparing for your appointment

When calling to make an appointment or to enquire about our services, it is always advisable to try to call from a quiet location where you can allow yourself to ask questions and listen to the instructions for your appointment without being disturbed. You will need to have a pen and paper ready to note down any instructions that we give you and you will need to provide us with a phone number that we can reach you on.

A referral from your doctor is not necessary to make an appointment but if you do have a letter, please bring it with you.

If you are more than 13 weeks pregnant, you may need to have an ultrasound scan performed by an accredited radiology practice. A referral can be arranged either through your local doctor or by the Private Clinic. It is important that you fax us the ultrasound report before your appointment which will allow us to provide you with accurate instructions regarding the duration of treatment and the fees involved.

Preparing for your operation

You must have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your appointment time. This includes chewing gum and lollies.
If thirsty, you may drink 1 or 2 glasses of water until 3 hours prior to your appointment time, but only water. Not tea or coffee or soft-drink.
For the last 3 hours before your appointment, you must not drink any water at all.

If you are taking any medication, are suffering from a bad cold or flu, or have diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or any other medical condition, please inform the staff when making your booking, as you may require a specially scheduled appointment and the doctor may need to give you specific instructions.

What to bring with you

If you have a letter from your GP, bring this with you although a formal referral from a GP is not required.
Your blood group card if you have one. If not, your blood type will be tested during your visit.
Your Medicare card.
Some sanitary pads (not tampons) and an extra pair of underpants.
A pair of warm socks

It is a good idea to have someone accompany you, but we do ask that you limit your support to one or two people but please do not bring babies or young children to the clinic.
You must not drive yourself home from the clinic.
Payment for any fees must be made prior to the commencement of the procedure. EFTPOS and credit card facilities are available but unfortunately we can not accept cheques, Amex and Diners Club cards.
If you suffer from asthma, please bring your ventalin inhaler with you.

On arrival at the clinic The receptionist will record your personal details and you will be given some information to read about the procedure. You will then have counselling with the female doctor who will be performing the procedure. This will include a discussion of your personal situation, an explanation of the procedure, a review of your medical history and your contraception. After the counselling, if you are certain about your decision and understand that the procedure carries some risks, however remote, you will be required to sign a consent form as is required prior to all medical and surgical procedures.

A medical certificate can be provided if required. Please advise the doctor during the counselling if you require a certificate.

Before your operation One of our registered nurses will show you where to safely place your personal items and some simple medical observations will be recorded. (pulse rate, blood pressure etc.)

The doctor who will be administering the anaesthetic will also review your medical history with you.

At the clinic, we perform an ultrasound scan before your procedure. This is usually done whilst you are asleep and allows us to confirm the exact stage of your pregnancy and to determine the location of the pregnancy sac. The doctor also uses the ultrasound after your operation as a final check to ensure that no tissue remains which could later cause complications.

After your operation, you will usually spend around 40 to 60 minutes in the recovery area where our nurses will monitor your recovery and ensure that you are feeling well. You will be given some light snacks.

A few patients may experience some mild bleeding and cramping after the procedure, similar to a mild period. We will provide pain relief if required.

Before you leave the clinic, you will receive;

A prescription for antibiotics.
If you are going to start the contraceptive pill, or change the one that you were previously on, we can give you your first month's supply of the oral contraceptive pill and a prescription for your next month's supply.
An instruction sheet with post-operative guidelines. Please read this information carefully and keep it for at least two weeks after your procedure, as it is important. Download a copy of the Post Operative Instructions

Your visit to the clinic will last approximately three hours.

You must not drive until the day after the operation.

Most patients return to work the day after the procedure.

More Information

Contact us
About the termination procedure
Aftercare instructions
Contraception

120 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
200m from Central
Ph. 9690-0000

Open Monday - Saturday

The Private Clinic Foyer The Private Clinic Recovery The Private Clinic Reception The Private Clinic discreet entrance The Private Clinic Waiting room