Patients aged over 16 years of age undergoing surgery at Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) on Monday were pleased to discover they can now sip up to a cup of water per hour while waiting for their procedure. Children can also sip on a prescribed smaller amount of water or have lemonade icy poles while waiting for their procedure.
This marks a significant change from the previous requirement, which prohibited any fluids within two hours of surgery. Dr Jade Radnor, Director of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at NHW, explained, “Our goal is to improve the patient experience by helping them stay hydrated and comfortable whilst waiting for their surgery. Simply put, we want patients to feel better by being able to sip away right up until when they are transferred to theatre.”
A recent two-week audit revealed that patients undergoing elective surgery at NHW had an average time without fluids of up to 6 hours, while those undergoing emergency surgery were going without drinking fluids for up to 9 hours.
The ‘Sip Til Send’ approach, first introduced in Scotland in 2021, has since been adopted worldwide and is endorsed by the Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and Safer Care Victoria (SCV). “We’ve seen this approach succeed globally—it’s tried, tested, and safe. Now it’s time we do the same for our patients here,” said Dr. Radnor.
Described as a simple and compassionate initiative, Sip Til Send reduces extended fasting periods, keeps patients hydrated, and alleviates discomfort. Other potential benefits include fewer postoperative complications and reduced nausea and vomiting.
Dr. Radnor emphasized that patients will still need to fast from food for at least 6 hours before surgery, and some individuals may not be eligible for Sip Til Send due to medical or surgical considerations.
The introduction of Sip Til Send has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly from nursing staff caring for patients before and after surgery.
This initiative demonstrates NHW’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, reflecting its dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.