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For a morning operation you must not have anything at all to eat or drink after midnight on the night before your operation

For an afternoon operation you must not have anything at all to eat or drink after 6am on the morning of your operation. If you wish, you can have a cup of tea or coffee and one slice of toast before this time but nothing afterwards.

These restrictions include sweets, chewing gum and even water.
It is very important you follow the above instructions.

• Do not smoke for 24 hours before your operation.
• Please bathe or shower the morning of your operation. Do not wear any nail varnish and if you wish to wear make up, please bring your usual make up remover with you.
• Wear loose fitting clothes and flat comfortable shoes.
• Do not wear jewellery, except your marriage ring.
• If you are a day-only patient, arrange for someone with transport to collect you from the Day Unit after your operation. Public transport is NOT suitable for your homeward journey. If you use a Taxi you MUST still have someone to accompany you.
• Arrange for someone to stay at home with you for 24 hours after your operation.

BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOU:

• Any drugs, medicines or inhalers you are using/taking.
• Suitable attire to wear in hospital (PJ’s or track suit).
• Toiletries, toothbrush etc to freshen up after surgery
• Some activity to occupy your time e.g book, magazine, knitting
• Do NOT bring any valuables with you

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE DAY:

• When you arrive you will be met by your nurse who will take care of you during your stay. Your details, temperature, pulse, blood pressure and weight will be checked.
• You will meet your surgeon and anaesthetist, and will be asked to sign a consent form if you have not already done so.
• The exact time of your operation can not always be given, however your nurse will provide up-to-date relevant information as necessary.
• Your nurse will escort you to the operating theatre where you will have your operation.
• Following your operation, you will wake up in the recovery area and then be taken back to the Day Unit.
• After about one hour following an operation, many patients are ready to enjoy a cup of tea and sandwiches.
• You may be asked to remain in the Unit for up to 4 hours after your operation to ensure that you are fully recovered from your anaesthetic.
• A nurse will provide any advice on post-operative care. Pain relieving tablets may be prescribed by your anaesthetist or surgeon.

FOR 24 HOURS AFTER YOUR OPERATION:

• Do not drive a car or ride a bicycle.
• Do not operate machinery or do anything requiring skill or judgement.
• Do not make any important decisions or sign any documents because your concentration will be reduced.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not take sleeping tablets.
• Observe any other special precautions which the surgeon, anaesthetist, or nurse may advise.

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