Coming to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for your operation

There may be lots of things to think about when you are asked to come to hospital for an operation. This webpage gives you clear information about the practical steps you need to take.It is very important that you follow the fasting instructions below. If you do not do this, your operation may be cancelled.

How to contact us

Please tell the hospital if there are any changes to your health or your medication.

You must let the hospital know if you are not able to come for your operation. This may allow someone else to use your slot and stops money and time being wasted.

Please phone using the number on your appointment letter

If you don’t have this number, then:

• If you are having day surgery then you can find contact details on the Day Surgery page.
• If you are having gynaecological surgery then you can find contact details on the Gynaecological Surgery page.

Otherwise you can call the NHS Lothian switchboard on 0131 242 1000 who will be able to connect you to the correct department.

Where to come

Information about travelling to the Royal Infirmary can be found at www.nhslothian.scot/GoingToHospital/Locations/RIE

You should be told where to come when you arrive at the Royal Infirmary at your pre-operative clinic appointment. The particular ward or department to which you will need to go will depend upon the type of surgery that you are having.

If you unsure where to go then please phone the number on your appointment letter.

If you need help finding where to go when you arrive at the hospital then please ask at the information desk located on the ground floor by the east entrance

If you are having day surgery then you can find out more about where to come on the Day Surgery page.

If you are having gynaecological surgery then you can find out more about where to come on the Gynaecological Surgery page.

Fasting

If there is food or liquid in your stomach during your anaesthetic, it could come up into your throat and lungs and endanger your life.

What are ‘clear fluids’?

• Water
• Diluting juice
• Black tea (no milk)
• Black coffee (no milk) Pre-op carbohydrate drinks

You must NOT DRINK:

• Drinks containing milk
• Fresh fruit juice
• Fizzy drinks or juice

It is very important that you follow these instructions. If you do not, your operation may be cancelled. If you have any questions, please ask your nurse at your pre-assessment appointment.

Medication

At your pre-assessment appointment your nurse will make a list of your current medication. They will give you clear instructions about which medicines to stop taking and when to do this.

Medicine instructions

On the morning of surgery you should take your regular medicines unless told not to by a doctor or nurse. Take tablets or pills with a small sip of water.

On the day of your operation, please bring all your medications into hospital with you. They must be in their original containers.

Preparation

• Arrange for someone to bring you, or accompany you, to hospital.
  • Relatives, friends or carers are welcome to drop you off. Unfortunately, due to a lack of space, they cannot stay with you.
• Make arrangements at home:
  • Children and pets – you will be more tired than normal after an operation. Ask friends and family to help.
  • Elderly relatives – if friends and family cannot help, contact your local council and your local carer service (www.carers.org)
  • Food – think who might be able to help prepare meals or help with shopping afterwards.
• Have a bath or shower on the morning of your operation
• Remove makeup or nail varnish from your finger nails
• Remove all jewellery, with the exception of a wedding ring

What to bring

• All your medications – including tablets, ointments, injections, inhalers and any eyedrops. Bring all medication in their original packaging or containers.
• Clean dressing gown, slippers, socks and nightwear
• Glasses and a hearing aid, with a spare battery, if you use them
• Comfortable clothes and footwear for moving around the ward
• Toilet bag and basic toiletries
• Something to relax and pass the time – a book, magazine, something else to read or music with headphones
• Please bring minimal personal belongings

NHS Lothian will not accept any responsibility for property unless it is handed to the ward or department for safe keeping.

On the day

When you arrive, the nursing staff will check you in. They will take some basic measurements, give you a gown to get changed into and attach some identify bands to your wrists or ankles.

Surgeon

You will meet your surgeon, who will give you information about the operation. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions. The surgeon will ask you to sign a consent form to confirm that you understand the procedure and are happy to go ahead. You may withdraw your consent at any time.

Anaesthetist

You will meet your anaesthetist, who will ask you some questions to confirm you are fit to have an anaesthetic today. They will discuss the options with you, including benefits, risks and your preferences. They will decide, along with you, which anaesthetic would be best for you, once you have had the chance to ask any questions.

Please note that your surgery may take place at any point during the day of your admission.

Research

NHS Lothian is committed to supporting clinical research. If you are eligible for any research studies, someone from the research team may contact you with information that you can read. If you do not wish to take part in any research, this will not affect your clinical care in any way.

PLEASE NOTE
This website includes content taken from the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ (RCoA) leaflets ‘Fitter, Better, Sooner (2018)’, ‘You and your anaesthetic (2020)’, ‘Anaesthesia explained (2015)’, and ‘Common events and risks in anaesthesia(2019)’. However, The RCoA has not reviewed the website as a whole. Some of the RCoA infographics used on the website have been adapted for web viewing.