Everything you need before, during, and after surgery.
From your first appointment through to post-operative recovery — referral requirements, what to bring, payment options, pre-admission preparation, hospital stay, wound care, and rehabilitation.
Do I need a referral?
Yes — a referral is required from a GP, physio, or other health professional. The referral helps us prepare for your appointment with relevant background, imaging, and a clear question for Mr Gormack to address.
What to bring
- Details of your injury or condition (including dates)
- Records of prior treatment (physiotherapy, injections, other consultations)
- Any imaging — X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs (paper reports and/or images on disc/USB)
- Your ACC claim number, if relevant
- A list of current medications
What happens at the appointment
Mr Gormack will discuss your condition with you, examine the joint, review your imaging, and discuss the surgical and non-surgical options that apply to your case. You will leave with a clear plan — whether that is referral to physiotherapy, further investigation, an injection, or surgery.
Support people and interpreters
You are welcome to bring a support person. Interpreters can be arranged with advance notice.
What to wear
Loose-fitting clothing makes joint examination easier. For a hip or knee appointment, shorts are ideal.
Parking
Ascot Office Park — on-site parking available. Ormiston — Ormiston Hospital parking is shared with hospital users; allow extra time at peak. See Locations for full details on every clinic.
Pre-admission pack
You will receive a complete pre-admission pack at least one week before surgery — medical history, current medications, allergies, and an anaesthetic questionnaire to complete.
Fasting
- Nothing to eat for 6 hours prior to surgery
- Plain water permitted up to 2 hours prior
Medications
Most regular medications are taken normally on the morning of surgery. Stronger anticoagulants (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) are stopped 5–7 days before surgery. Bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin (Clexane) may be required depending on the indication for anticoagulation.
Pre-surgery optimisation
- Nutrition — adequate protein supports wound healing
- Exercise — strengthening the muscles around the joint speeds recovery
- Smoking cessation — ideally 8 weeks before surgery; smokers have measurably higher complication rates
- Diabetes control — HbA1c ideally below 7.5%
Hospital stay duration
- Same day — most arthroscopies
- 1 night — shoulder/knee reconstruction, hip arthroscopy
- 1–2 nights — anterior approach hip replacement
- 2–3 nights — traditional approach hip or knee replacement
Transport home
You cannot drive for 2–4 hours after anaesthesia. Arrange for a family member, friend, or taxi to take you home.
Driving
- 1–2 weeks — knee arthroscopy
- 3–4 weeks — ACL reconstruction, hip arthroscopy
- 6 weeks — knee/hip replacement, shoulder surgery
Return to work
Highly variable by job demands. Office work generally returns sooner than manual work; the rooms will discuss specifics ahead of your procedure.
Follow-up
A wound check is scheduled at 10–14 days post-surgery. A wound care nurse is available between appointments if needed.
Wound care
Waterproof dressings are applied at the time of surgery, with dissolving stitches underneath, kept in place until follow-up. You can shower normally; avoid prolonged soaking.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is held off for the first two weeks while wounds heal. Beyond that, rehabilitation is planned around your procedure.
Normal post-operative symptoms
- Swelling
- Mild pain
- Temporary fever in the first 48 hours
- Bruising
- Clicking
- Numbness around the incision
- Minimal wound drainage
Concerning symptoms — call us
- Spreading redness around the wound
- Persistent fever above 38°C beyond 48 hours
- Significant bleeding
- Calf pain, swelling, or shortness of breath (DVT/PE signs)
Travel
Avoid long-distance travel (especially air travel) for 6 weeks post-surgery — increased DVT/PE risk.
Three payment paths.
As a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider and ACC-accredited surgeon, most patients pay nothing out-of-pocket for consultations. Below is the full picture.
ACC
No charge for ACC-covered consultations. The rooms handle ACC paperwork on your behalf.
Southern Cross
Direct claim where eligible — we are an Affiliated Provider.
Other insurers & private
Patient pays at the time of consultation; we provide a receipt to submit to your insurer.
Questions about your appointment?
Call the rooms during business hours and we'll talk you through it.