Day Surgery

Welcome to the Day Surgery Unit at Tetbury Hospital.

Thank you for choosing our hospital to have your operation. We hope you have a relaxing stay. Please read the below  information which will help you prepare for your stay before and after your procedure.

If you require any further information, please contact the hospital reception and ask to speak to one of the day surgery staff, we are normally available Monday to Friday, between 8am and 5pm.



Before your operation date

Depending on your age, health, type of surgery and anaesthetic, you may be asked to come to the hospital for pre-operative tests. These may include blood tests, ECG, routine MRSA swabs and chest x-ray. You will have been given a health questionnaire to complete, this is essential in this process so please make sure you have submitted this as soon as possible. We normally complete these with you after your outpatient appointment.

If you are unwell

Please contact us for advice if you have a cough, cold or sore throat in the days prior to your operation, or if you are unsure if you are fit for surgery.

Day of Admission

If you are having your procedure under general anaesthetic or sedation you must not eat anything for 6 hours prior to your surgery for your own safety. As it is unlikely that you will know the time of your procedure before you come into hospital, it is important that you do not eat anything for 5 hours prior to your arrival time. After this time you can drink water or any clear fluids (e.g. black tea/coffee, squash) until 1 hour prior to your arrival time. During this time you should not drink any other drinks, eat mints or sweets, or chew gum. 

If you are having your procedure under local anaesthetic you may eat and drink as normal before your procedure. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may be able to drive yourself home; however we recommend that you are accompanied where possible.

For all admissions

Avoid wearing restrictive clothing. Please be prepared to remove any make-up, jewellery, piercings, false nails and nail polish. Please do not bring anything valuable into the hospital. Should you forget and need to lock away anything valuable away, please speak to one of the day surgery staff.

If you smoke

You should try to stop at least 24 hours prior to your surgery. Please be aware that Tetbury Hospital is a strictly non-smoking site (this includes e-cigarettes).

Medicines

If you are taking any medication prescribed by your GP or bought from the chemist we need to know the strength, dose and formula. It is especially important to let us know in advance if you are taking aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin. Our pre-operative assessment nurse will advise you of any necessary regime changes prior to surgery. On the day please bring with you all your medications in their original boxes or a copy of a recent repeat prescription. Please take all of your medications on the day as normal, unless otherwise advised. In the extremely unlikely event that you are transferred to another hospital for an overnight stay it is useful to have your essential daily medications with you.

On arrival

Once you have arrived in the day surgery waiting area you will be shown to your designated curtained area, this area will either have a large electronic recovery chair which can lie flat, or a comfortable theatre trolley. Most procedures we offer do not require you to change, but depending on your procedure, you may be given a surgical gown to wear.

Visitors

When lists do not require any of the patients to undress we do allow a companion to sit with you whilst you wait, and with you after your procedure. When patients are required to undress your companion may be asked to wait outside of the day surgery unit.


Length of stay

Please note that you may have been asked to come into the hospital before the operating list begins to enable your consultant to assess all his or her patients before starting the operating list. This can result in quite a long wait before your operation begins. Whilst we should be able to give you an approximate time of when your procedure will begin and when you will be able to go home, this may change if your consultant considers it necessary. We will keep you informed of any changes and please be assured that we always have your best interests at the forefront of any decisions that are made. Your patience is appreciated.


Your admission

A member of the nursing team will complete your admission paperwork and assessment. You will be asked to confirm your personal details, including your medical history. Please ensure that we are made aware of any allergies you may have to any drugs, food or other substances. Your surgeon will see you to discuss your procedure and complete a consent form if you have not done so already. If you are having a general anaesthetic your consultant anaesthetist will also see you prior to your procedure to discuss your anaesthetic and pain relief.


On your return from theatre

Depending on the type of anaesthetic you have, you will either spend some time in the recovery area or return directly to the day surgery ward. Following certain procedures, once you return from theatre you may need to have your vital signs monitored for as long as necessary.


Eating and drinking

Once you are able to eat and drink you will be offered a selection of beverages and a piece of toast. For friends and relatives we have a vending machine in the main outpatient department which provides refreshments and confectionary.


Discharge

Once you are fit to go home, we will give you a copy of your discharge summary which we will also send to your GP. This will include instructions on caring for any wounds, stitches and dressings. A ‘Fit for Work’ certificate (sick note) will be provided if necessary. If during your stay you are prescribed any new medication, you will be given a supply to take home. We will explain why you have been given this medication and how often it should be taken. Please be aware that if you have had a general anaesthetic or conscious sedation and are going home on the same day, you will need a responsible adult to accompany you home as well as stay with you for 24 hours after you are discharged. It is not safe for you to drive home or go home unaccompanied. If this poses any problems for you, please let us know as soon as possible.


For 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, you should not:

  • Operate machinery or engage in activities requiring skill or judgement
  • Drink alcohol or take sedative drugs such as sleeping tablets
  • Make important decisions or sign important documents

Audit and clinical outcomes research

Patient records are audited monthly to maintain standards of clinical documentation and the results are reported to The Hospital Quality Committee, chaired by the Chief Executive, and then the Medical Advisory Committee, chaired by the Medical Director.


Committee and Executive Board

If you are asked to participate in an internal audit or national external audit the information you provide will be securely stored at all times. Any data will only be published with your consent and will contain no identifying information.


Patient feedback

At Tetbury Hospital we really value patient feedback and we would be grateful if you would take the time to complete our feedback form. This will help us maintain and improve our service. If you would like to provide feedback electronically, this can be done by locating Tetbury Hospital on the NHS Choices website. 

If you wish to register a formal complaint or suggestion please ask a member of staff to provide you with information about this process, or click on the contacts page of the website and download an information leaflet.