When in doubt, call
Should I Call the Hospital Before Surgery?
Tick anything that's happening right now and get a clear action — call now, call before you come, or routine.
Quick answer
Call your hospital before you travel in if anything new is happening — a fever, new cough or cold, vomiting, a new infection, eating or drinking inside the fasting window, or a medicine you took or forgot to stop. Chest pain or sudden breathlessness can be an emergency — seek urgent medical help immediately rather than waiting for your scheduled surgery. When in doubt, call: your team would rather decide before you come than have you just turn up or stay home without telling them.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call the hospital if I have a fever before surgery?
Yes — call before you come. A fever or new infection can increase anesthesia risk and may mean your elective surgery is postponed. Your team needs to decide before you travel in.
I have chest pain before surgery — what do I do?
Chest pain or sudden breathlessness can be an emergency. Seek urgent medical help immediately rather than waiting for your scheduled surgery.