Arrival

Short stay parking

The closest car park to ward 20 is the main reception (ward C entrance). To access this car park, turn right at the top as you enter the hospital; take the second turning on the left past outpatients and towards main reception. There are a few spaces straight ahead, plus a small car park on the right. You may park here for twenty minutes free of charge.

If you need a wheelchair you’ll find a phone just through the main doors at reception which can be used in order to request one.

Length of stay

This will be determined by the time of your operation and your individual recovery time. The table below shows the times of the operating lists

Can my relative or friend stay with me?

Sorry, no. Theatres are a very busy area with very limited waiting area space.

To maintain patient confidentiality, privacy and dignity, relatives and friends are not allowed to stay on the ward, however in certain situations one relative or carer may be able to attend ward 20 with you during your stay. These exceptions include:

• If they are usually directly involved with your daily care, e.g. if you have learning difficulties/cognitive impairment and/or a disability. The carer will have to leave the ward while you are in theatre.
• If you are under 18 and having treatment, one parent/guardian may stay with you. Your parent/guardian will have to leave the ward while you are in theatre.

If you are accompanied by a relative or friend who does not plan to leave the hospital, they are welcome to use the hospital’s facilities. These are located in the hospital entrance, reception area and Café T’Aire dining room. Opening times are from early morning until evening.

Please note that children are not permitted to remain on the ward.

If there are any exceptional circumstances, please contact ward 20 in advance of your admission date and discuss this with the sister.

What happens when I arrive on the ward?

On arrival onto the ward you will be show you to your bed area. The nurse will go through the admission procedure with you. If you require a medical certificate for work or signatories for health care plans, you should tell your nurse when you are admitted so that these can be ready for you on discharge.

You will be seen by one of the surgical team who will explain the operation and answer your questions. If you are having a general or spinal anaesthetic you will be seen by an anaesthetist. You will be asked to sign the consent form for your surgery and anaesthetic if you have not already done so.

When theatres are ready for you, you will be escorted to the anaesthetic room where you will be greeted by the anaesthetist and theatre staff.

During your stay in hospital you will be asked several times to confirm details such as your date of birth, address and planned operation – do not be alarmed, we know who you are and why you are here. These checks are part of our safety processes.

Please be patient as you may have to wait for your operation. The time of your operation will be according to your position on the theatre list and unfortunately not everyone can go first. The list schedule is decided by the surgeon – not by alphabetical order.

Please inform the hospital if you are unable to attend for your surgery.

Your appointment could be offered to another patient if you notify us in time. If you are ill it may be necessary to delay your surgery to prevent complications – you must let us know if you have a cough, cold, or stomach bug in the week prior to your surgery.

It is important that you follow all the instructions we give you. If you do not, we may have to cancel your operation/procedure on the day.