What to do if you don’t feel well
If you feel unwell, have a cold or for any other reason cannot undergo your surgery please contact:
Your admission ward on 01506 524000 and ask for the ward number
Preoperative Assessment on 01506 523094 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Where to go
Follow signs to the ward number and report to the reception desk on arrival
Eating and drinking before surgery
To keep you safe during general anaesthesia or sedation you must not eat any solid food for at least 6 hours before your operation. This includes milky drinks, chewing gum and sweets.
You can have clear fluids (this includes water, black tea, black coffee and diluting juice) up to 2 hours before your operation.
You may also be offered a small cup of water to sip before you go to the operating theatre.
Please follow the advice given during your preoperative assessment appointment about when to fast from:
If your operation is in the morning you must not eat any solid food after midnight.
If your operation is in the afternoon you may have a light breakfast before 7:30 a.m.
Your medications
If you take regular prescribed medications take these as normal with a sip of water unless otherwise instructed by your preoperative assessment nurse.
Please bring in your own medication in their original packaging or dosette box if possible.
Hygiene, jewellery, make-up
Please consider having a bath or shower on the morning of your operation.
Please avoid wearing makeup.
Please remove jewellery where possible. Anything that can’t be removed will be taped.
Please remove body piercings if possible. Anything that can’t be removed will be taped.
Please remove false eyelashes if possible. We will do our best to protect them but some of the lashes may get dislodged or come off.
Nail varnish and false nails can be left on.
What to bring
Please bring a pair of slippers and dressing gown with you. Wear comfortable clothes and flat, sensible shoes.
You will be staying overnight so bring nightwear and toiletries. Towels will be provided
There may be long periods of waiting so having something to read or do is a good idea
Valuables
We suggest that you do not bring valuables with you as we do not have the facilities for safeguarding your property whilst you are in the hospital. NHS Lothian cannot hold any responsibility for valuables.
Mobile phones should be switched to silent in the hospital. To protect patient’s privacy photos must not be taken in the unit.
Smoking, alcohol and drugs
You are advised not to smoke, drink excessive alcohol or use illicit drugs for at least 24 hours before your operation.
NOTE: Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the hospital
After your operation
Once your operation is completed you will wake up in the recovery area in the operating suite where the recovery nursing staff will look after you. When you are awake and comfortable you will return to your ward. When you feel able, the nursing staff will offer you something to drink and something light to eat.
When you are ready to go home painkillers, spare dressings and written advice about your aftercare at home will be provided.
It can take time to prepare everything for your discharge home and you may not be able to leave until late afternoon.
You will be given a letter to hand to your GP’s surgery; it should be delivered as soon as possible after your operation.
Visiting times vary between wards so please ask staff for details.
Letter for your employer
You do not need a sick note if you are off work for 7 or less days (including weekends, bank holidays and non-working days).
If you need a sick note please ask your surgeon to complete one.
