What to do if you don’t feel well
If you feel unwell, have a cold or for any other reason cannot attend on the day of surgery, please contact:
Day Surgery Centre on 01506 524105
Mondays to Fridays, 07.30am – 7.00pm
Preoperative Assessment on 01506 523094
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Where to go
The Day Surgery Centre is located on the ground floor of the hospital in the same location as the Preoperative Assessment clinic. From the main entrance follow the corridor straight ahead past the shop and cafe, turn left at the end and then first right, the Day Surgery Centre is through the door straight ahead.
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 you have been asked to come in at 7.30 a.m. your operation should be in the morning and you may eat up until midnight the day before surgery.
If you have been asked to come in at 11.00 a.m. your operation is in the afternoon and you may have a light breakfast before 7.30 a.m.
For local anaesthetic procedures you may eat and drink normally as you will be fully awake.
Essential arrangements
Before your operation, you must arrange for a responsible adult to collect you from the Day Surgery Centre and escort you home by private car or taxi and for a responsible adult to stay with you at home for the remainder of the day and overnight.
Under no circumstances should you drive or use public transport on the same day after a general anaesthetic.
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
Clothing / what to bring
Please bring a pair of slippers and dressing gown with you. Wear comfortable clothes and flat, sensible shoes. You may be asked to walk to theatre.
If you are staying overnight, bring nightwear and toiletries. Towels will be provided
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 Day Surgery Centre. NHS Lothian cannot hold any responsibility for valuables.
Mobile phones should be switched to silent in the hospital. To protect patients’ 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.
Waiting times
Please be aware that your admission time is not your operation time and your operation will be one of several on the theatre list for that day.
You may have to wait a considerable time before your operation so we advise you bring something to read or do.
What happens on arrival at the Day Surgery Centre
Please report to reception in the Day Surgery Centre.
You will be seen by one of the nursing staff, your surgeon and anaesthetist (if applicable).
Your surgeon will visit you to confirm you understand what operation is planned, obtain your consent and answer any questions you may have.
Your anaesthetist will visit you to go over your medical history, explain what anaesthetic you’ll be getting and answer any questions you may have.
It can sometimes help to write down any questions you may have beforehand.
You will then be shown to a bed space where you can change into a theatre gown and put on your TED stockings (to reduce the risk of clots forming in the veins of your legs). For your own comfort you can wear your dressing gown and slippers. Depending on the procedure you may be able to wear your underwear; the nursing staff will advise you.
A bag can be provided for your clothes.
The Day Surgery Centre is a mixed sex ward with separate toilet facilities. The staff are committed to protecting your privacy at all times.
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.
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 the Day Surgery ward. When you feel able, the nursing staff will offer you something to drink and something light to eat. Nursing staff will advise you when you are fit for discharge. You may be asked to wait to see your surgeon.
When you feel ready you will be discharged. Painkillers, spare dressings and written advice about your aftercare at home will be provided.
You will be given a letter to hand to your GP’s surgery; it should be delivered as soon as possible after your operation.
The Day Surgery staff cannot let you leave unless an escort is with you. If you have no-one to collect you and stay with you overnight, you will be advised to stay overnight.
If you are not well enough to go home, we would recommend you stay in hospital overnight.
Visiting times for patients staying overnight is 7pm to 8pm.
When you are at home
The effects of anaesthetic drugs remain in the body for longer than most people think. You may feel drowsy and your reaction times will be slower for up to 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 advise you. If you require advice once at home please contact The Day Centre on 01506 524 105. They are open Monday to Thursday 24hours and Fridays up to 7pm. Out with these hours please contact your GP or NHS 24 on 111.
