Patient Information
Practical guidance for before, during and after your procedure with Dr Bidwell.
For questions not answered on this page, contact the clinic on (03) 5721 4633.
Dr Bidwell's secretary Sue is available to assist with appointments, referrals and procedure preparation.
What to Bring
To ensure your first consultation is as effective as possible, please prepare the following items. Initial consultations must be attended in person.
Support Persons
You are welcome and encouraged to bring a support person to your appointments. Follow-up appointments may be conducted by telephone where clinically appropriate.
Do I Need to Bring Anything Else?
Your GP may have already forwarded some or all of the required information to our team. If you are unsure whether anything is still required, please check with our office or your GP before your appointment.
Fees & Billing
All procedures can be performed in both the public and private systems. You will be treated by the same surgeon using the same techniques — the main difference is typically the waiting time and how the procedure is funded.
Consultations
A small out-of-pocket fee applies for consultations, comparable to a standard GP fee. Any gap for in-rooms procedures will be discussed before anything proceeds.
Public System Options
If you do not have private health insurance, you can be treated through the public system at Northeast Health Wangaratta or Benalla Hospital. The care provided is the same, though waiting times may be longer.
Provider Information
Before Your Procedure
Proper preparation is crucial for a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Please review these general guidelines carefully.
Fasting
The hospital will provide you with specific fasting instructions before your surgery. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully to ensure your procedure can proceed safely.
Bowel Preparation
Colonoscopy and some bowel procedures require bowel preparation. Written instructions will be provided — please follow them carefully.
Smoking
Stopping smoking at least four weeks before surgery significantly reduces the risk of wound infection, chest complications and delayed healing.
Medications
Some medications — including blood thinners, anti-inflammatories and certain diabetes medications — need to be paused before surgery.
Important: Do not stop any medication without discussing it with Dr Bidwell or your GP first.
On the Day
- Bring your Medicare and insurance cards.
- Bring your regular medications in original packaging.
- Wear comfortable clothing to travel home.
Transport Requirements: you must have a responsible adult to drive you — you cannot drive after a general anaesthetic or sedation.
Post-Operative Care
General Guidance
Specific instructions regarding pain management, wound care, and activity levels will be provided upon your discharge from the hospital. Please follow these carefully to ensure optimal healing. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled as required.
Seek Urgent Help
If you experience any of the following symptoms after your procedure, it is important to seek immediate medical attention:
- Heavy bleeding
- High fever (above 38.5°C)
- Chest pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Calf pain and swelling
Information Sheets
Downloadable guides detailing preparation, the procedure itself, and what to expect during recovery.
Key Contacts
Hospital Locations
Wangaratta Private Hospital
134 Templeton Street, Wangaratta
(03) 5721 4633
Northeast Health Wangaratta
Green Street, Wangaratta
(03) 5722 5111
Benalla Hospital
Coster Street, Benalla
(03) 5761 4200
After Hours & Emergencies
For urgent medical concerns outside of business hours that are not an emergency, please present to the Northeast Health Wangaratta Emergency Department and ask for the on-call surgical team.
Have a Question?
If anything is unclear or you have a question about your upcoming procedure, contact the clinic – we are available to help ensure you feel completely prepared.