If you are having elective surgery in one of the following areas, you will be enrolled in our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program:

• colorectal surgery
• hysterectomy
• elective caesarean birth
• breast reconstruction
• head and neck surgeries
• lung resection surgery
• major vascular surgeries.

This program is available at Canberra Hospital only.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery aims to reduce your recovery time after surgery and to reduce your risk of postoperative complications.

We do this by:

• helping you prepare for your operation
• explaining each step of your hospital stay
• giving you the best possible care during and after your operation
• partnering with you in your recovery goals.

We have a dedicated pre-admission clinic to screen, educate and prepare you for your surgery. We’ll give you an information booklet before your surgery to help you get ready for your operation. The booklet explains what to expect before and after your operation, and how you can help your recovery. We know that patients recover more quickly and safely after their operation by eating, drinking and walking as soon as they can. The booklet provides daily goals for you to aim for.

We’ll also offer you a session with allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, dietitians, stoma therapy nurses and speech pathologists to learn about how you can reduce the likelihood of complications that may occur after your surgery.

At Canberra Health Services, we are continually striving to provide excellent care. The ERAS program is an example of how we are providing the highest standard of care to our patients, based on current evidenced-based guidelines.