Welcome:
The Day Procedures Unit is specifically for patients who need to be in hospital for one day. It has a relaxed atmosphere and the staff have a wealth of experience in caring for patients undergoing day surgery procedures.
Please take time to read this important information so that you are properly prepared for your visit. If you have any questions or problems please telephone the Day Procedures Unit on 01296 315637 (7.30 hours to 18.30 hours Monday to Friday).
If you are unable to come for your operation/procedure for any reason, please contact admissions (the telephone number is on your letter).
How do I get there?
(Directions to Stoke MandevilleHospital)
The Day Procedures Unit is based at StokeMandevilleHospital. Use entrance 2, park in Car Park C and enter the hospital via the Outpatient Department Entrance.Please come directly to the Day Procedures Unit which can be accessed by walking past the Outpatients Reception Desk & following the Blue Square Corridor until you see a sign for Day Procedures Unit which is on the Blue Circle Corridor.
Important instructions
Patients on the morning list:
(07.30 Admission time)
FOOD: Do not eat anything after midnight (this includes chewing gum and sweets).
DRINK: You may drink clear fluids i.e. water, squash, black tea or black coffee up to 6am on the day of your operation/procedure. After 6am you should not drink anything at all. However, you may take your normal medication with a sip of water.
Patients on the afternoon list:
(12.00 Admission time)
FOOD: You may have a light breakfast (cereal or toast) but nothing to eat after 7.30am (this includes chewing gum and sweets)
DRINK: You may drink clear fluids i.e. water, squash, black tea or black coffee up to 11am on the day of your operation/procedure.
It is essential for your safety that you follow these instructions exactly. Failure to do so may result in your operation/procedure being cancelled. Diabetic patients will be given separate instructions regarding their diabetic medication.
Pre-operative Assessment:
You may have already completed a Health Status Questionnaire. Should you require a full pre-operative assessment prior to your operation/procedure the appointment may be enclosed or sent to you separately?
Please Remember:
- As a general rule we do not encourage relatives to wait in the Unit as there are limited facilities and you may have to wait for some time before going to theatre.
- You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home by car or taxi.
- We will need a contact number for the person who is taking you home.
- You must have a responsible adult with you overnight (preferably for 24 hours after your operation/procedure.)
Before you come in:
- Please have a bath or shower
- Do not wear any make up
- Remove any nail varnish
- Remove false nails
- Remove jewellery (apart from wedding rings)
Please bring with you:
- Your dressing gown and slippers
- A pair of cotton underpants (not thongs)
- Reading material etc.
Please don’t bring:
- Large amounts of money or any other valuable items.
Mobile telephones can be brought but must be switched off whilst you are in the unit.
Waiting time:
Please remember we are a Day Procedures Unit, not an outpatient clinic. This means that you must be prepared to spend most of the day with us. The order of the operating list is not confirmed until the day of surgery. You may have to wait some time before your operation/procedure.
Pick up time:
If you have a morning admission time ask your escort to contact the unit from 11.00 hours.
If you have an afternoon admission time ask your escort to contact the Unit from 15.00 hours. Staff will then give an indication of the time you will be ready to be picked up.
Getting ready for your operation/procedure:
A time for arrival will be specified on your admission letter. Please come directly to the Day Procedures Unit where a member of staff will greet you and complete the admissions procedure.
Your surgeon and anaesthetist will see you and explain your operation and the type of anaesthetic that will be used. The surgeon must obtain your consent to any operation or procedure beforehand. He/she will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives to surgery before he/she asks you to sign the consent form.
If you require a medical certificate for your employer please ask at the beginning of your stay.
When it’s time for your operation/procedure a nurse will walk you to theatre (unless specialist assistance is required)
Please feel free to ask any questions at any time and tell us if you have any concerns.
After your operation:
Initially, you will be taken to the recovery area, which is where you will start to wake up. At first you will probably feel drowsy and a little sore around the site of your operation/procedure. Additionally your throat may feel a little dry. Your pulse and blood pressure will be measured regularly. Once you are awake and alert you will be moved along the Unit where you will continue to recover. Your relative/escort should contact the Unit in the main post operative area to confirm you are ready to leave. The amount of time you spend recovering varies according to the individual and the nature of the surgery but expect to remain in the Unit for 2 -4 hours after your operation/procedure.
Prior to discharge:
A nurse will give advice as to what to do following your discharge. You may be given some pain killing tablets to take home with you.
You will be given details of any follow up treatment required and will be advised as to whether the surgeon will need to see you again.
Please be sure that after your operation/ procedure a responsible adult collects you from the ward and accompanies you home by car or taxi. Public transport is not a suitable option.
You may be given an information sheet to take home that explains what the surgeon would like you to do and what to expect over the next few days. You may also be given a letter for your GP which should be handed in at the surgery within a few days of your discharge.
When you get home (general advice only):
- You may feel tired; so only do as much as you feel able.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat light meals, but avoid alcohol.
- Do not take sleeping tablets; a mild painkiller may be advised.
- Do not make any important decisions, drive, operate heavy machinery or sign any legal documents for 48 hours after having a general anaesthetic.
Contacts:
Should you have a problem you wish to discuss following your operation/procedure, please phone the Day Procedures Unit on 01296 315637
If the unit is closed you can contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647, which provides a confidential 24 hour nurse-led helpline.
Produced September 2006
Updated March 2011
Stoke MandevilleHospital
Mandeville Road
Aylesbury
HP21 8AL
Day Procedures Unit
Stoke MandevilleHospital
Tel: 01296 315637
Guidelines for your visit
This Trust is a Smoke Free Site.
Smoking is not permitted in any
part of the Trust’s entrances,
premises or grounds