FAQs

What are your business hours?

Our practice hours are from 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday. Appointments can be made by telephoning our practice at (07) 543 1855.

What should I bring with me when I come for an appointment?

When you come for your appointment remember to bring the following:

• Referral letter from your GP, family physician or other doctor
• Your insurance information
• Copies of operation records, medical records, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and so on from prior doctor visits
• If you have seen a physiotherapist, please bring a progress letter from the therapist
• Your insurance information, or details of any ACC claim relating to your referral.

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

Getting a full range of motion, strength and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. That’s where preoperative exercise and education and post-operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you’re physically and emotionally prepared for surgery and to maximize your recovery after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you on appropriate physical therapy programmes for your condition

How do I prepare for surgery?

Please see Preparing for Surgery

Where will I have my surgery?

Mr Lamberton operates exclusively at Grace Hospital, Tauranga, in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. Please see Grace Hospital’s website here.

What time do I report for surgery?

Grace Hospital will advise you directly on your admission time. We try to accommodate very elderly or out-of-town patients, but some medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, latex allergy) need particular planning which can affect timing. Please discuss with Grace Hospital (07 577 5270) if you have queries or concerns.

What time do I have to stop eating and drinking (“Nil by Mouth”)?

Grace Hospital will advise you of this when you receive your admission time (see What Time do I report for Surgery, above)

Why do I have to be Nil by Mouth?

For virtually all surgical procedures, you must have an empty stomach to prevent accidental flow of stomach contents into your lungs while under anaesthesia. If this were to occur, serious harm or death can result.

When do I have follow-up after surgery?

A follow-up appointment will be pre-arranged and provided to you at the time of your discharge from Grace Hospital.

If you do not receive this, lose the card, or need to change the date, please contact Mr Lamberton’s rooms here

Do I need an X-ray after my surgery?

If required, this will generally be pre-booked to coincide with your follow-up appointment. For convenience, this is usually 30 minutes prior to Mr Lamberton’s appointment time. Please check your appointment card carefully to see if you require an X-ray prior to your follow-up appointment.