What to expect after surgery
Whether you have a short or long term recovery ahead, it’s important that you follow all your post-surgery instructions to get the very best outcome from your procedure.
Follow your specialist’s instructions properly. The hospital will give you a ‘discharge plan’ that will have everything you need to know and do during your recovery. It should include specific instructions around:
- Wound care management
- Medications (when to take and when to stop)
- What follow up appointments or further tests are required
- When you can drive or start general activities including heavy lifting
- Any other specific information related to your procedure
After hospital, it’s recommended you:
- Attend all your follow-up appointments
- Don’t neglect any other health conditions
- Practice good personal hygiene, like washing your hands
- Inspect your wound (where possible) for signs of healing and/or infection – use a mirror if in an awkward place
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
- Move carefully to avoid falling
- Take your medications as directed, including your regular medicines
5 signs to watch out for after surgery
- Infections or wounds not healing – swelling, redness, discharge or an offensive smell are key indicators
- Fever
- Persistent, new or unrelieved pain that stops normal activities
- Abnormal anxiety, confusion or distress – any stress that is unusual can affect your healing and may suggest an underlying problem
- Weight loss
Speak with your GP or specialist for advice and next steps
Know your recovery options with Hospital to Home
If you have an eligible health condition or you’re undergoing a complex procedure, you might benefit from some extra support. That’s why we offer Health Partners Hospital to Home, to help with your recovery and health management after surgery. Programs are accessible under all Health Partners Hospital products at no additional cost to eligible members.
Recovery aids
Recovery aids, like crutches, casts or compression garments, may be included under your hospital cover. Contact us to learn more.
Call us on 1300 113 113 to find out more or check if you’re eligible for our Hospital to Home program.
The information contained here is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal medical situation. The information is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or used for therapeutic purposes. Should you require specific medical information, please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner. Health Partners does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided.
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Peace of mind matters
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Caring for South Australia’s health for over 85 years
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Health Partners is committed to providing quality and affordable health care, and we value our members and our obligation to protect your privacy. As part of our responsibility in protecting your privacy, from time to time we review our policies to ensure we are meeting our obligations. We have recently made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please click here to view the Health Partners Privacy Policy.
© Copyright Health Partners. 2025 All Rights Reserved.
Health Partners is committed to providing quality and affordable health care, and we value our members and our obligation to protect your privacy. As part of our responsibility in protecting your privacy, from time to time we review our policies to ensure we are meeting our obligations. We have recently made some updates to our Privacy Policy. Please click here to view the Health Partners Privacy Policy.