When you arrive
Transport and parking
If you are an inpatient, we ask that you do not leave your car
in the hospital car park for the duration of your stay; please
arrange to be dropped off at the hospital and collected again on
departure (you may find that you will be advised not to drive for a
period of time following your stay). If you are due to stay with us
for the day only, ensure that a responsible adult is available to
collect you. Most day case patients will spend approximately four
hours post operatively with us (if local anaesthetic is used it may
be less).
Disabled access
The hospital entrances and exits have been designed to enable
easy access for wheelchairs. If you require the use of a wheelchair
during your stay, either for yourself or visitors, please let the
receptionist know either beforehand or on arrival.
Reception
On the day of your admission, it is very important that you
arrive prepared for your operation and in time to meet your
Consultant and Anaesthetist before the operating list commences.
Your time of arrival will have been confirmed in your admission
letter or by telephone call to the hospital. Please ensure that you
have followed all guidelines regarding fasting for your
procedure.
On arrival, please report to reception, where your admission
details will be confirmed. The anticipated time of your operation
will be advised on admission, although this may be subject to
change, and any further information will be notified to you by the
nursing staff. Having been shown to your room you will be advised
how the equipment in your room functions, including the nurse call
system. Please note, you may be sharing a room with another NHS
patient.
If you are having surgery, one of the nurses will check your
blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse and temperature and do some
final checks to ensure you are correctly prepared.
You may be asked to confirm your personal details by all
clinicians attending to you, prior to your operation. This is
recommended practice for increased patient safety. An identity
bracelet will also be put on your wrist and if you have any
allergies this band will be red in colour to alert the staff. Your
Surgeon and the Anaesthetist will confirm your medical history and
answer all of your remaining pre-operative questions.