Surgical day ward

If you are attending the hospital for elective surgery and are likely to go home on the same day, you may be admitted to the surgical day ward.

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 of what you should do before coming in for your surgery.

• Fasting: eat a small snack (e.g. tea and biscuits) near to midnight on the night before your surgery
• You may drink up to 500mls (two cups) of water up to 5:30am
• Have a bath or a shower the night before
• Bring your medical card and/or insurance details
• Bring your telephone number and contact details for a relative/close friend
• Bring all your medication
• Bring a dressing gown, slippers, change of clothes and toiletries
• Arrange for an adult to collect you after your discharge and to stay overnight on your first night at home
• Please 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

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 of things to think about before your discharge.

• Have you organised transport home? Is someone coming to collect you?
• If you have a wound, have you asked what care is needed?
• Have you asked if you have 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 at home?
• Has the heating been turned on if it's cold?
• If you are already receiving care or services at home, does the service provider know you are being discharged from hospital?
• If there are any problems when you are discharged, who do you contact?
• Have you got your prescription to be able to get your medication after you are discharged?
• Have you someone who can get the medication for you?
• Do you know what the medication is for, how often and for how long should you take it? Ask your nurse or doctor and they will explain.
• Have you got a letter for your doctor or public health nurse?
• Do you need an outpatient appointment or any follow-up care?
• Do you need a medical certificate for your employer?
• Have you got all your belongings?