Day Surgery

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, an ECG, routine MRSA swabs or an X-ray. If you have been given a health questionnaire to fill in, please do so and submit it as soon as possible. We normally complete these with you after your outpatient appointment.

Please call us on 01666 502336 for advice if for three days prior to your operation you:

• Have been vomiting or had diarrhoea.
• Have any symptoms or have tested positive for coronavirus.
• Have a cough, cold or sore throat.
• Are unsure if you are fit for surgery.

We may need to rearrange your procedure to keep you, our team and other patients safe.

If you suspect or find out you’re pregnant prior to your surgery, please call the hospital to discuss it straight away.

We want your stay to be relaxed so bring anything that will make you feel comfortable, such as a book or something to do while you are waiting. Please bring headphones if you want to watch something or listen to music on a digital device.

Avoid wearing restrictive clothing and help us by removing any make-up, jewellery, piercings, false nails and nail polish. If you are having a general anaesthetic, you may want to bring a dressing gown and slippers.

Please do not bring anything valuable with you. If you forget and need to lock anything away, one of the day surgery team will help.

If you are having your procedure under general anaesthetic or sedation, for your own safety you must not eat anything for six hours prior to your surgery. As it is unlikely you will know the time of your procedure before you come in, it is important you do not eat anything for five hours prior to your arrival time. After this, you can drink water or clear fluids such as black tea/coffee or squash until one hour prior to your arrival time. Please do not have any other type of drinks, eat mints or sweets, or chew gum.

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

You should stop smoking at least 24 hours prior to your surgery. Tetbury Hospital Trust is a strictly non-smoking site including e-cigarettes.

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 all your medications with you in their original boxes, or a copy of a recent repeat prescription. Please take all your medications on the day as normal unless we tell you otherwise. 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.

When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of the Day Surgery team who will show you to your designated curtained bay where there will either be 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 you may be given a surgical gown to wear if necessary.

If no other patients sitting in the room need to undress, a companion is allowed to sit with you while you wait, and with you after your procedure. When other patients are required to undress, your companion may be asked to wait outside the unit.

You may be asked to come in early as your consultant will need to assess their patients before starting the operating list. This may result in quite a long wait before your operation begins. We should be able to give you an approximate start time and when you will be able to go home, but things may change if your consultant considers it necessary. We will keep you informed and please be assured we always have your best interests at heart when it comes to making decisions. Your patience is appreciated.

Our friendly nursing team will complete your admission paperwork and assessment. You will be asked to confirm your personal details, including your medical history and any food or drug allergies. 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 anaesthetist will also see you to discuss your anaesthetic and pain relief.

Returning from theatre

Depending on the type of anaesthetic you have, you will either spend some time in the recovery area and have your vital signs monitored (blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rate) or return directly to the Day Surgery ward.

Eating and drinking

Once you are allowed to eat and drink you will be offered a selection of drinks and a piece of toast. Any friends or relatives waiting to take you home can use the vending machine in the main outpatient department.

Once you are fit to go home, we will give you a copy of your discharge summary and send one to your GP. This will include instructions on caring for wounds, stitches and dressings as well as a list of contact numbers in case you have any post-surgery problems. A ‘fit for work’ certificate (sick note) will be provided if necessary. If we prescribe any new medication during your stay, we will explain how to take it and give you a supply to take home.

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 take you and stay with you for 24 hours. It is not safe for you to drive or go home unaccompanied so if you are unable to make suitable arrangements, 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.