Pre-admission Clinic

Prior to your hospital admission, you may be required to have a pre-admission appointment. During your appointment you will complete a thorough health assessment and be provided with information and support about your procedure. This may take place in person, over the phone, or via telehealth.

At this appointment you will also be given information about how to prepare for your upcoming admission and what to expect before and after your procedure. We encourage you to use this appointment to ask any questions you have.

What to bring

• Your appointment letter
• Medicare, pension, DVA or healthcare card
• Test results and X-rays (if applicable)
• A list of medications (including strength and dosage)
• Glasses and hearing aids
• Any additional special items listed on your letter
• Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
• Something to read or do while you wait

What to expect

During your pre-admission appointment you may need to see a range of health professionals including a specialist, anaesthetist, registered nurse, pharmacist, research scientist, social worker and physiotherapist. Please allow three-six hours to ensure you are able to see all relevant health professionals.

If you are unable to attend your appointment

If you are unable to attend your appointment for any reason, please contact us as soon as possible on the number on the front of your appointment letter.

Do you need an interpreter?

We have a free interpreter service available to all our patients. It is our policy to use fully accredited professional interpreters for all medical appointments. Family or friends are usually not able to accurately translate complex medical information.

How does hospital triage work?

Hospitals don’t use the traditional ‘first-come first-served’ approach when it comes to treating patients. Hospitals triage, or sort, patients based on how urgently they need to be seen. This means patients with immediate or life-threatening illness or injury will be seen before patients with less-serious problems. While every effort is made to see patients for their scheduled appointment or surgery, sometimes emergencies may mean we have to reschedule. In the event that your appointment or surgery is rescheduled, we will let you know as soon as possible and fit you in at the earliest available time slot.

In an emergency call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Non-urgent medical issues:
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)

24/7 Mental Health crisis assistance and support:
13 MH CALL (1300 64 2255)

Townsville University Hospital
(07) 4433 1111

Useful Resources

Understanding outpatient and surgical wait times