Scheduled care ward

If you are attending the hospital for elective surgery and need to stay overnight it is likely that you will stay in the scheduled care ward (SCW).

Your surgery date

You will receive a letter or telephone call with your surgery date. Please contact us to confirm that you are attending or if you need to reschedule or cancel your surgery.

Preparing for your surgery

Here is a checklist for your admission.

• Fasting: Eat a small snack (e.g. tea and biscuits) near to midnight on the night before surgery
• You may drink up to 500mls (two cups) of water up to 5:30am
• Have a bath/shower the night before
• Bring your medical card and/or your insurance details
• Bring your telephone number and contact details of a relative or close friend
• Bring all your medication
• Bring dressing gown, slippers, change of clothes and toiletries.
• Arrange for an adult to collect you after your discharge and stay overnight on your first night at home
• Do not wear make-up, false nails or nail polish

Where to go when coming in for your surgery

When you come in for your surgery, the best entrance to use is the Whitty main entrance on North Circular Road. When you enter, take the escalator or the A-Lifts up to Level 1. Exit the lift, turn right and walk down Hospital Street (the main corridor) taking the last turn on your right to arrive at Café Sol. Take the lift on your left up to Level 3. When exiting the lift turn immediately left to arrive at the Scheduled Care Ward.

If you are coming from the car park: Take the A-Lifts up to Level 1. Exit the lift, turn right and walk down Hospital Street (the main corridor) taking the last turn on your right to arrive at Café Sol. Take the lift on your left up to Level 3. When exiting the lift turn immediately left to arrive at the Scheduled Care Ward.

Going home

When you are being discharged, we ask that you vacate your bed by 11am. Medical certificates should be provided by your doctor before you go home. Any additional certificates can be obtained from your GP.

Here is a checklist for your discharge.

• Have you transport to your home? Is someone coming to collect you?
• If you have a wound, what care is needed?
• Have you stitches or clips that need to be removed?
• Can you bathe and shower independently when you go home?
• Do you have house keys, clothes and is there food available?
• Has the heating been turned on?
• If you are already receiving care or services at home, does the service provider know you have been discharged?
• If there are any problems when discharged, who should you contact?
• Have you got your prescription? Medication is not supplied by the hospital.
• Have you someone who can get the medication for you? What is the medication for, how often and for how long should you take it?
• Have you got a letter for your doctor or public health nurse?
• Do you need an outpatient appointment or follow up care?
• Do you need a medical certificate for your employer?
• Have you got all your belongings?