Day Surgery Unit

The day surgery team currently undertake many different procedures across different specialties including endoscopy, ENT (ear, nose and throat), general surgery, gynaecology, oral and maxillofacial, orthopaedics, urology and vascular.

You will usually be referred to Day Surgery by your hospital consultant following your outpatient appointment where your need for surgery will have been discussed with you. In advance, you will be written to by a member of the team and offered a date for your surgery and pre-assessment. If either date is not suitable, please do not hesitate to contact the team so we can arrange a new date. The pre-assessment is very important and you must attend to ensure you are fit and well for surgery.

Pre Assessment – at your pre-assessment, you will be given details about how to prepare for surgery and what you will need to bring on the day. If you are having a general anaesthetic or sedation you will also be given instructions about fasting times. Please read our information about preparing for an anaesthetic. You should be aware that for safety reasons, your operation or procedure could be cancelled or delayed if you do not follow the instructions.  Read more about what to expect when you come in to hospital.

We would prefer relatives not to wait in the unit unless you have a particular need for them to stay with you. We This is for the benefit of all our patients comfort and privacy as well as your relative as it can be quite boring just sitting and waiting. The nursing staff however will give your relatives a time to telephone the unit to find out the time of your discharge.

If you are having a general anaesthetic or sedation, you must not drive, so please arrange an escort home. If you have any problems regarding transport please contact the unit, weekdays only giving at least 48 hours before your admission date.

Arriving for surgery

On arrival and after checking in with reception, you will be asked to sit in the waiting area.  You will then be seen by the surgeon involved with your care as well as the anaesthetist if you are undergoing an anaesthetic or sedation. The procedure, any risks and your consent will discussed at this time so please use the opportunity to ask any questions or queries you may have.

You will then be taken through to the ward area where you will be asked to put on your theatre gown and wait until the theatre team is ready for you.

We have dedicated day surgery theatres on the unit where your procedure will be carried out.

After your surgery

Following your operation, you will be taken to the ward recovery area where the nursing team will care for you until you feel well enough to go home.

You will be given all the medication and information you need for once you get home and what to do if you have any further concerns.