Day Surgery Unit
Level 2
Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay TQ2 7AA
Phone: 01803 655508
Services
Our nationally recognised Day Surgery Unit is based at Torbay Hospital. Most surgery performed across Torbay and South Devon is day case surgery. This means you will come to the hospital, have your operation, and go home on the same day.
Open since 1995, our Day Surgery Unit treats over 9,000 people every year. We provide both adults and children with a welcoming, warm, and supportive environment. Our experienced team is dedicated to delivering the highest quality care, and we are proud to consistently receive positive feedback from the people we support.
The unit provides operations for a wide range of specialties, including:
- Breast care
- Colorectal surgery
- Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
- General surgery
- Gynaecology
- Maxillofacial and oral surgery
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Urology
We also support people needing:
- Chronic pain procedures
- Dental sedation
- Dermatology and plastic surgery procedures
- Children’s dental list for those needing a general anaesthetic
- Special needs adult restorative dental work for those needing a general anaesthetic
Receiving treatment at the Day Surgery Unit
A surgeon will recommend day surgery if your operation can be carried out safely within our unit. The day surgery team will then arrange a preassessment appointment to confirm that it is appropriate for you to have your surgery and return home on the same day.
We use modern technology to improve how we communicate with you before your operation.
MY CARE app
This secure app makes it easier for you to view your hospital and specialist community medical information. It contains details of your test results, future appointments, and letters so you always have this information to hand.
If you are awaiting surgery, please download this app. You will soon be able to use it to submit essential details that we need to plan your surgery efficiently.
Find out more about MY CARE.
Preassessment
Before your operation, we must ensure that you are medically fit for day surgery. We use digital assessments to help with this process, and you may be asked to complete an electronic health questionnaire. Completing this ahead of time helps us to assess your suitability for surgery more efficiently.
Following this, one of our nurses will contact you by telephone or arrange a face-to-face meeting before your operation date.
The nurse will ask questions about your home support, medical history, and current medications. They will also arrange any necessary pre-operative tests, such as blood tests or swabs. If required, the nurse will discuss your care with an anaesthetic doctor.
Please ensure you attend your preassessment appointment. If you miss it, we will not be able to plan or go ahead with your surgery.
The day of your surgery
Detailed information about what to expect on the day, alongside the plans you need to make before coming to the hospital, can be found in our Day Surgery Unit information pack.
Before you leave the unit, you and your carers or family will be given direct contact details so you can reach the hospital for advice if you experience any unexpected problems after your operation.
The day after your surgery, a nurse from our unit will contact you to check on your recovery and offer advice on managing any post-operative issues. All of your feedback helps us to continually improve our services.
Please note that if you are unable to return home safely after your surgery, arrangements will be made for you to be cared for overnight at Torbay Hospital.