Arranging your surgery:
Once you and your surgeon have agreed that an operation is necessary, you will be placed on his waiting list for surgery. The waiting list department manages the co-ordination of your surgery, and patients are booked based on clinical need and in chronological order.
The waiting list department will contact you directly to agree on a date for your surgery and will confirm this date in writing.
Before your admission:
Your admission letter will tell you when you need to come into the hospital and which ward you are being admitted to.
Please check the admission date carefully. If you think you might have a problem coming on the specified date, please use the contact details on your appointment letter to let us know as soon as possible to rearrange.
If English is not your first language or you need an interpreter, please contact the telephone number on your appointment letter to arrange the interpreting service.
Please do not bring valuable items or large sums of money into the hospital.
Getting to the hospital:
Please plan your journey in advance. We would usually expect you to make your own arrangements to get to the hospital. However, in exceptional circumstances, hospital transport may be available. Please contact the patient transport service on 01772 325100 to check your eligibility.
If you fail to attend for your surgery:
It is important that you attend your procedure. If you fail to attend and have not told us, your hospital doctor will review your case notes and decide if a further date is required, or you may be discharged back to the care of your GP.
Preparing for a hospital stay:
If you are coming into the hospital for a planned operation or treatment, your consultant or nurse will have advised you about any specific preparations you will need to make before you arrive, such as fasting or shaving.
It is important that you bring with you any medication you are taking for any condition.
Please also bring with you:
- Nightdress or pyjamas
- Walking or dressing aid (if appropriate)
- Dressing gown
- Slippers or non-slip shoes
- Toiletries
- Denture cleaner/bowl (if appropriate)
- Books or magazines
Please do not bring valuable items or large sums of money. You may wish to bring some cash to buy items from the shops or cafes or for the bedside television and phone facility.
Rest and sleep are very important in supporting recovery and providing a positive experience during your hospital stay. Please be considerate of other patients' needs by keeping noise and light to a minimum during rest times and at night. You may find your rest and sleep time is enhanced by bringing in an eye mask and ear-plugs to use during your stay.
