Going for a Surgery or Procedure
Information to help you prepare for your surgery or procedure at Woodlands Hospital.
How Much Your Surgery or Procedure Might Cost
Please check that you have received an estimate of how much your surgery or procedure will cost. If you need assistance, please contact us at least one week before your surgery or procedure at wh.enquiry@nhghealth.com.sg or 6363 3000 (our 24-hour General Enquiries Hotline).
Where and When to Report
One working day before your surgery or procedure, you will receive a call or SMS with information about your reporting time and location.
If you have not received the call or SMS by 4.00pm on this day, please call 6363 3000 (our 24-hour General Enquiries Hotline).
Documents to Bring
Identification:
- Singapore NRIC
- Patients below 15 years old: Birth certificate
- Non-Singaporeans: Passport, Entry Permit, Employment Pass, Work Permit or other valid ID issued by Singapore Ministry of Manpower
Medical benefit documents, if applicable:
- Civil Service Card
- Insurance card
- Letter of Guarantee (Employer or insurance company)
- Blood donor card
- Financial assistance card / memo (e.g. PA, MediFund, SMTA, MFEC)
- SAF Identity Card (11B)
Things to Pack
- Samples of medication you are currently taking, or a list of your medications with their names and dosages
- Personal essentials such as toiletries, spectacles, hearing aids, dentures and their protective cases (if applicable)
- Comfortable, non-slip, covered shoes
- A fresh set of clothes for discharge
- Mobile phone and charger
Please do not bring valuables or excessive cash. A fee will be charged to have your belongings safe-kept by hospital security.
Changing or Cancelling Your Appointment
Please call us at 6363 8000 (our Appointments Hotline) as soon as possible if you:
- Wish to cancel or postpone your surgery or procedure, or
- Feel unwell with a fever, cough or flu the week before your appointment.
Pausing Medications
You may have to stop taking some of your regular medications before your surgery or procedure. Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or care team.
If you are unsure, please call us at 6363 3000 (our 24-hour General Enquiries Hotline).
Fasting
Please follow the fasting instructions provided by your care team (if any). If you are unsure, please call us at 6363 3000 (our 24-hour General Enquiries Hotline).
Getting Ready
For your safety, please completely remove these items before arriving for your surgery or procedure:
- Jewellery
- Make up and false eyelashes
- Manicure or nail treatments, e.g. polish or acrylic nails
- Contact lenses or cosmetic corneal lenses
Please do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Finding Your Way Here
Visit Explore Woodlands Hospital for information on how to get to and around the hospital.
On Arrival
Here is what you may expect to happen after you arrive at your reporting location.
The Patient Services Centre (PSC) is located at Tower B, Basement 1, and faces the Main Drop Off.
When you arrive, our Patient Service Associates will help to register you, guide you on where to go next, and answer any related questions.
At the Surgical Short Stay Unit
After registering at the PSC, you will go to the Surgical Short Stay Unit (SSU/B23) at Tower B, Level 2. Your care team will admit you and prepare you for your surgery or procedure.
Before your surgery or procedure begins, your care team will:
Ask you questions to verify your identity and details of your surgery or procedure
Review your medical history and medications
Answer any final questions you may have
Prepare you for your surgery or procedure
At your reporting location
This is where your surgery or procedure will take place. It will be one of the following locations, as stated in your appointment letter, call or SMS:
Medical Centre, Levels 2, 3, 4 or 5
Endoscopy Centre, Tower A, Level 2
Cardiac Centre, Tower D, Level 1
Radiology, Tower B, Level 1
Before your surgery or procedure begins, your care team will:
Ask you questions to verify your identity and details of your surgery or procedure
Review your medical history and medications
Answer any final questions you may have
Prepare you for your surgery or procedure
Discharge
After your surgery or procedure is complete, your care team will monitor you in a recovery area until you are assessed to be well enough to go home. How long you stay in the recovery area will depend on your type of surgery or procedure and how quickly you recover.
Before you are discharged, your care team will:
- Give you instructions on how to care for yourself at home
- Explain when and how to take your medications
- Tell you if you need to return for a follow-up appointment
Please arrange for a family member or caregiver to take you home. It is recommended not to drive for at least 24 hours.
Please check that you have collected all your personal belongings and medications.
If you have questions about your recovery, medications or follow-up care, please contact your care team using the contact details provided in your discharge instructions.
Requesting Medical Reports
You may request a medical report using this online form. If you have other medical report-related questions, please email us at wh.his@nhghealth.com.sg.
For more information, please view Medical Reports.
Financial Assistance
Please speak with your care team if you require financial assistance. We will refer you to our Medical Social Workers for advice on assistance schemes.
Manage Your Healthcare on Your Mobile
Use the NHG Health App or HealthHub App to conveniently manage your health journey on your mobile phone. You can:
- Manage appointments
- View and download after-visit or discharge documents, medical certificates, and test results
- Pay medical bills
- Refill medications
- And more
Contact Us
For general enquiries, appointment-related matters and billing assistance, please refer to our Contact Us page.
Visit Us
Our team at the Patient Services Centre (PSC) can help to answer questions about your surgery or procedure, admission and billing. You are welcome to visit for face-to-face assistance. The PSC is located at Tower B, Basement 1.
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7.00am to 8.00pm
- Saturday: 8.00am to 12.30pm
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Care Services and Schemes
Caring for a loved one and need training or assistance? Visit the AIC Link @ Woodlands Hospital for advice on care services and schemes. The AIC Link can be found in our Patient Services Centre at Tower B, Basement 1.
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm
- Saturday, Sunday & Public holidays: Closed
