Patient Info

Doctor’s office

Once you and your doctor have decided on your day surgery, the doctor’s reception staff will submit an admission request to Advanced Medical Forum Theatre (AMFT).

Your doctor’s practice will confirm your surgery date and arrival time at AMFT.

In your doctor’s rooms, you will also be informed about:

• Your medical aid cover and any applicable co-payments for doctors’ fees
• Fasting requirements (if necessary)
• All details needed to obtain medical aid authorisation for your procedure

Your doctor’s practice will handle your surgery booking with AMFT. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive an SMS, WhatsApp, or email from AMFT inviting you to complete your online admission documentation. This easy, step-by-step process allows you to upload a photo of your medical aid card and other required documents.

Fasting Guidelines

General Anaesthetic

No food, drinks (including water), smoking, or chewing for at least 6 hours before your procedure. Your doctor may recommend a longer fasting period – please confirm with your doctor’s rooms.

Local Anaesthetic

No fasting is required unless advised by your doctor.

Important: If you are on medication, inform your admitting doctor or specialist. Always follow your attending doctor’s instructions for fasting and medication before your procedure.

Hospital Pre-Admissions and Authorisation

Pre-Admission

All admissions are completed via our secure online portal. You will receive an SMS, WhatsApp, or email with a link to complete your forms.

If you prefer not to use the online option, please bring your completed admission forms and supporting documents to AMFT at least two working days before your surgery. This ensures all administration is finalised in time for your procedure.

Authorisation

It is the patient’s responsibility to contact their medical aid to obtain an authorisation number before surgery. Your medical aid will:

• Provide you with the authorisation number
• Explain the terms and conditions of your admission
• Inform you of any applicable co-payments for your procedure

Important: Authorisation must be obtained before your surgery. Without valid medical aid authorisation, we cannot admit you as a medical aid patient. In such cases, you will be admitted as a private patient and will be required to settle hospital fees in full before admission

Surgery day at AMFT

Arrival Time

We open at 06:30 daily.
Please do not arrive earlier, as the facility will be closed.

Admission Process

On arrival, please report to Reception. Our team will:

• Confirm all required paperwork is complete
• Verify your details for admission

What to Bring

Please ensure you have:

• Main Member’s ID
• Patient’s ID (for minors, a copy of the birth certificate)
• Medical Aid Card showing details of the main member and all dependents
• Authorisation letter from your medical aid
• List of Medications

What to Leave at Home

For your safety and peace of mind, please do not bring:

• Firearms or weapons – AMFT is a gun-free facility
• Jewellery or valuables (including money, cards, cell phones, and handbags)

Once you have checked in, you will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area until you are called by one of our pre-operative nurses.

Pre-Operative Assessment

Our nursing team will guide you through all preparations for your procedure. This may include:

• Checking your vitals and weight
• Recording any prescription medication, you are taking
• Noting any pre-existing medical conditions

Once your pre-operative assessment is complete, you will be taken to the ward, where you can relax in our comfortable beds or recliners until your doctor is ready for you in theatre.

Duration of Your Visit

Your stay will typically be 3–4 hours, but this is a guideline and may vary depending on:

• Your doctor’s theatre schedule
• The type of procedure
• Your recovery time

To help pass the time, we recommend bringing a book, tablet, or similar. We also offer free Wi-Fi and an online magazine platform—please enquire at Reception for details.

After Your Procedure

Following your procedure, you will recover under the care of our friendly nursing staff, who will monitor your progress.

Refreshments: Tea and coffee are served to all patients after their procedures.

Light Meals: Patients staying more than 5 hours after receiving general anaesthesia will be offered a light meal.

Transport Home

For your safety, you should not drive for 24 hours following general or local anaesthetic.

Please ensure you have arranged transport in advance. Our nursing staff will contact your carer, partner, friend, or relative when you are ready to be collected.

Accounts

Settling Your Account at AMFT

If you are on medical aid:

• Confirm with your medical aid that you are covered for your procedure
• Ask if there is a co-payment and settle it before your surgery

If you are a private patient:

• All hospital fees must be paid in full before surgery

Please note: AMFT’s fees do not include the Surgeons’ fee, the Anaesthetists fee, or Pathology fee (where applicable)

You will receive separate accounts for:

1. Advanced MFT fees (payable before your procedure)

2. Anaesthetist

3. Surgeon

4. Pathology (if applicable)

Payment Methods

AMFT is a cashless facility. We accept:

• EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
• App payments (e.g., banking apps, SnapScan, Zapper)
• Debit card
• Credit card

Amenities

Pharmacy

Your doctor may prescribe medication for you to take home after your procedure.
A retail pharmacy is available on-site, and arrangements for delivery or collection can be made before your procedure. Please speak to your attending doctor if you would like to use this service.

Coffee Shop

A coffee bar is located next door in The Eye and Laser Institute building.

• You and your visitors can place orders and items can be delivered directly to your bed.
• Ask our staff for the menu and assistance with ordering.

Patient Feedback

We value your opinion and strive to provide the best possible care.

If you provided your email address or cell phone number during admissions, you will receive a survey after your visit to rate your experience and share your feedback. Your comments help us improve our services and ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care.

You can also reach us directly:

Telephone: 041 373 0682
Email: marketingmft@advancedhealth.co.za