Before your appointment

Coming in for surgery

Many patients can now come into hospital for an operation and go home the same day.  This will depend on:

• The planned operation
• Your general health

Advances in anaesthetics as well as improvements in surgical techniques make day surgery as safe as staying in hospital. Planning and preparing for day surgery are essential so that you are as healthy as possible and understand what is required of you to ensure your safety.

What are the advantages for me?

• It is more comfortable to recover at home
• Less disruption to daily routine and home life
• Shorter waiting times for an operation
• Operations are less likely to be cancelled due to bed shortages

Your operation may be cancelled if you do not follow the fasting instructions.

• You must have a bath or shower before coming into hospital.
• Please do not apply body lotions to your skin.
• Please do not shave the area to be operated on prior to coming into hospital as shaving can lead to skin infections. If required we will provide clippers on the ward or the hair may be removed in theatre.
• You must remove all make-up, nail varnish and jewellery before admission.  Acrylic/gel nails must also be removed as they can make it difficult to measure your oxygen levels (both index fingers will be sufficient).

Please bring the following items into hospital with you:

• Any medication prescribed by your GP, including inhalers you may need.
• Dressing gown and slippers.
• Crutches and / or walking sticks if used regularly.
• Open toed shoes if you are having foot surgery (sandals)
• Something to read – you may be in hospital for up to 8 hours.
• Small change for the payphone.

• Do not bring valuables into the hospital. We cannot accept any responsibility for the loss or damage of items.
• Do not bring phone chargers onto the ward – this is not in line with our quality and safety policy. Please ensure your mobile phone is fully charged prior to admission.