Day surgery or a day case, is an operation after which it is expected you will be well enough to leave hospital the same day.
Patients who are having day surgery will generally be looked after on the Day Surgery Unit. This page provides you with information about day surgery. However, it is important to be aware that many types of operation can be perfomed as a day case and you should also read about the specific operation that you are having. More information about the type of surgery that you are having may be available via the links on the navigation menu of this website.
Contacing the Day Surgery Unit
The Day Surgery Unit can be contacted on: 0131 242 3273
Finding the Day Surgery Unit
The location of the day surgery unit is shown on the maps below:
If you need help with directions the Day Surgery Unit can be contacted on: 0131 242 3273
Essential arrangements
Before your operation, you must arrange:
- For a responsible adult to collect you and take you home by car or taxi. You should not drive after a general anaesthetic and should avoid public transport.
- For a responsible adult to stay with you at home overnight
If your operation is in the morning: you will normall be ready to go home between 14:00 (2pm) and 17:00 (5pm). The person coming to collect you should contact us on: 01312423273 between 12:00 (noon) and 13:00 (1pm) to find out when they should collect you.
If your operation is in the afternoon: you will normall be ready to go home between 17:00 (5pm) and 20:00 (8pm). The person coming to collect you should contact us on: 01312423273 between 16:30 (4.30pm) and 18:00 (6pm) to find out when they should collect you.
Please make sure that you follow your fasting instructions.
You will be given instructions about taking your medications before your operation. Unless instructed to omit certain medications, you should take all of your regular medicines in the days leading up to your surgery, including the morning of surgery (it is fine to take these with a sip of water).
Bring in all of your own medication. Please make sure that you bring them in their original containers
Hygiene and jewellery
Please have a bath or shower on the morning of your operation
Do not wear any make-up or nail varnish. Do not wear jewellery (wedding rings are allowed). Please do not wear body piercings.
Clothing
Please bring a pair of slippers and a dressing gown with you. Wear comfortable clothes and flat, sensible shoes.
If you are staying overnight, you should bring nightwear and toiletries. Will provide towels.
Valuables
Do not bring valuables with you. We do not have the facilities to store them safely whilst you are in the Day Surgery Unit
Mobile phones should be switched off in the hospital
Waiting times
You may have to wait 3-4 hours before the time of your operation. You might find it useful to bring something to pass the time, like a book or magazine.
Smoking
You are advised not to smoke for at least 24 hours before your operation
Smoking is not allowed in the hospital building or in the hospital grounds
When you arrive at the unit
When you arrive at reception. one of the nurses will meet you. They will check your details and take your blood pressure. During your stay, this nurse will be responsible for organising your care. Their name will be on the board above your bed.
Your surgeon will discuss the operation and answer your questions before you have surgery. You will be asked to confirm your consent in writing.
Your anaesthetist will meet you and discuss your anaesthetic.
You will then wait in the waiting room/lounge until it is time to prepare for your operation. An approximate time for your operation will be given to you on admission
Just before your operation, your nurse will show you to the changing room so that you can change into a theatre gown. For your own comfort, you can wear your dressing gown and slippers. A bag can be provided for your clothes.
The Day Surgery Unit is a mixed sex ward with separate toilet facilities. The staff are commited to protecting your privacy at all times
Recovering after surgery
After your operation, you will wake up in the recovery room and will be taken to the ward on your bed.
After one or two hours, you should be ready to have something to eat and drink.
Your surgeon will usually see you before you go home.
Going home
When you are well enough, you will be discharged from hospital. We will give you painkillers, space dressings, and written advice about your aftercare.
You will be given a letter to hand to your GP surgery. It should be delivered the day after your operation.
The staff in day surgery cannot let you leave unless you have someone to look after you. If you don’t have someone to collect you and stay with you overnight, you will not be allowed to go home.
If you are not well enough to go home, you will stay in hospital overnight. Your nurse will tell your family.
When you are at home
The effects of an anaesthetic will stay in your body for longer than most people think. You may feel drowsy and your reaction times will be slower. For 24 hours after your anaesthetic, you should not:
- Drive a vehicle or ride a bike
- Operate machinery, including kitchen machinery
- Drink alcohol
- Climb ladders or work at heights
- Make important decisions or sign legal documents
- Be left alone
If you have any questions about your care, the nursing or medical staff will be happy to help you.
Cancellation of surgery
While we make every effort to avoid this where possible, there is always a risk that your operation may be cancelled at short notice. This is due to either emergency patients who require urgent surgery or other reasons which are beyone our control. We realise that this can cause distres and inconvenience, but in the event that your surgery is postponed, you will be offered a new date as soon as possible.
Keeping your appointment
If you cannot keep your appointment, or have been given one that is unsuitable, please change it by phoning the number on your appointment letter. Your call will give someone else the chance to be seen and will help us keep waiting times to a minimum.
Patient transport
Patient transport will only be made available if you have a medical/clinical need. Telephone 0300 123 1236 (calls charged at local rate) up to 28 days in advance to book, making sure you ahve your CHI number available. Hard of hearing or speech impaired? Use text relay: 18001-0300 123 1236 (calls charged at local rate). To cancel patient transport, telephone 0800 389 1333 (freephone 24 hour answer service).
