Day of surgery

Doctor talking with young patient

Your admission letter will instruct you whether to come to the Day Surgery Unit or Surgical Admissions Unit (Violet Wills Ward), Zone B, Level 7 (Light Blue). Please report to reception when you arrive.

It is important that you arrive in time.

There are no beds on this unit and you will walk to the operating theatre. There is a large waiting room with a selection of chairs and a TV for your entertainment.

If your operation is in the MORNING:

  1. Don’t eat after 00:00 midnight the night before.
  2. Do continue to drink clear fluids (water, squash, black tea or coffee) until you arrive at hospital.
  3. One hour before admission you may be asked to drink two cartons of ‘ore-op’ (carbohydrate drink that must be consumed within 20 minutes.

If your operation is in the AFTERNOON:

  1. Have breakfast before 7am in the morning.
  2. Drink clear fluids (water, squash, black tea and coffee) until you arrive at hospital.
  3. One hour before admission you may be asked to drink two cartons of ‘ore-op’ (carbohydrate drink that must be consumed within 20 minutes.

Arrival at the Unit

You will be seen by a nurse who will:

  • Check your details and answer any questions
  • May measure your legs and supply you with surgical stockings to wear
  • Will show you where to get a drink of water

You will be seen by your anaesthetist who may:

  • Ask you questions about your health
  • Discuss the types of anaesthesia
  • Discuss the benefits, risks and your preferences
  • Agree a plan with you for your anaesthetic and pain control
  • Prescribe some medication

You will be seen by your surgeon who will:

  • Answer any further questions
  • Mark your operation site with a pen

Changing for the Operation

  • About 30 minutes before you are due to go to theatre you will be taken to a private room so that you can change into a theatre gown.
  • You can wear cotton underwear provided it will not interfere with your operation site. The nurse will be able to advise you.
  • Once change you will be shown to be either the male or the female pre-operative waiting room until you walk to theatres.

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