Grampians Hip & Knee Clinic Patient Portal

Are You Prepared?

Are you prepared for your knee surgery?

Packing for Hospital

Consider bringing the following items:

  • Your health insurance cards, Medicare card and advanced health directive
  • Bring loose fitting shorts and a T-shirt to wear following your surgery. This facilitates putting on your compression stockings every day and also the application of ice on your leg. I encourage patients to dress in normal clothing during the day in hospital rather than remaining in pyjamas or hospital gowns as this facilitates an active recovery mindset rather than a “sick patient” mindset.
  • Glasses, if you wear them. If you wear contacts, do not wear them on the day of surgery. However, you may bring them to use in the days after your surgery.
  • Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo etc.
  • Slip on shoes with non-slip soles.
  • Undergarments and comfortable shirts that are easy to put on and take off.
  • Books, magazines, iPad to help you pass the time in between your therapy sessions.
  • CPAP machine if you use one at home for your sleep apnoea.
  • List of your current medications with dosages, including any herbal supplements that you may take. Please note the last date and time you took each one.

The Night Before Surgery

The night before admission you will need to wash with the body wash provided to you. 



  1. Use half the bottle of contents the evening before admission, and the other half to wash again the morning of admission
  2. Ensure that the cleanser remains in contact with the skin for one minute. Avoid contact with eyes/ears
  3. Sleep in clean bed sheets the night before your surgery and please do not sleep with your pets


Remember, do not eat anything 6 hours before your scheduled surgery time. You may continue to drink clear liquids (i.e. clear soda or water) up until 4 hours before your scheduled surgery time.


When you are within that 4-hour timeframe before surgery, you can brush your teeth or rinse your mouth as frequently as you would like, just don’t swallow the water. You may take any medications you have been instructed to take with only a sip of water.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your surgery or recovery, please contact the clinic.