This leaflet aims to provide you with the important information you need to prepare you for your stay on the Day Surgery Unit (Level 4 in the new build) at the West Cumberland Hospital.

General information

The Day Surgery Unit opens at 07:30 and closes at 20:00. It consists of 20 beds/trolleys (12 single rooms and an 8 bedded single sexed area).

Operations or procedures are planned for either a morning session starting from 08:30 or an afternoon session starting at 13:30. Your admission time for arrival to the unit should be stated in your letter of admission as either 08:00 or 12noon. This is NOT the allocated time for your surgery. Please ensure you are aware of which hospital to attend and this will be stated in your admission letter. Failure to arrive on time may result in your operation being cancelled.

In addition, due to the large number of patients we care for within the unit and the limited space visitors/relatives/friends are not permitted to stay with you during your stay. We can contact them when you are ready for discharge. If you have carers or you are under 18 it is advised that one person stays with you throughout your stay and this can be discussed with the nurse on admission.

On the day of admission

  • Please bring with you slippers, dressing gown, loose change and something to pass the time such as a book/magazines. Do not bring any valuables including jewellery or large amounts of money.
  • Bathe or shower before admission.
  • Please follow the nil by mouth instructions that have been sent out to you carefully.
  • Bring all medications you are currently taking.
  • Remove all nail varnish including shellac, false nails, make up and any body piercings.
  • Do not drive yourself to and from the hospital.
 On arrival to the unit

Please report to reception where the ward clerk will take your admission slip and register your admission. You may wait a little while in reception before a bed is allocated to you.

You will then be introduced to your named nurse once allocated to a bed/trolley. Nursing staff will complete an admission form and prepare you for theatre. You will be seen by your surgeon or a member of their team as well as your anaesthetist who will explain your procedure, ensure your consent form is signed and answer any questions you may have regarding your procedure.

  • Theatre nursing staff will then complete a checklist with you before escorting you to the theatre area for your procedure.
After your procedure

Nursing staff will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels and temperature. They will also perform regular pain assessments and check any dressings you may have.

You will be ready for discharge once

  • Any pain is controlled with oral analgesia
  • Any nausea and vomiting is controlled
  • You tolerate oral free fluids
  • You have mobilised safely
  • You have passed urine (if required to do so).
On discharge

For most patients there is no specified time period before you can be discharged. The exception to this is patients who have undergone a tonsillectomy and must stay for 4 hours post operatively.

You must be accompanied home by an adult, not on public transport.

  • A responsible adult (family or friend) must be with you for 24 hours after surgery as discussed in pre- assessment. Failure to arrange this may result in your operation being cancelled.
  • You will receive a copy of your discharge letter detailing the procedure you have had done and any follow up arrangements that may be required.
  • A 5 day supply of analgesia may be given (if required) along with written information about the analgesia.
  • After a general anaesthetic you are advised not to drink alcohol, operate machinery, make any important decisions or sign any contracts for at least 24 hours after your surgery. You will be given written information to remind you of this on discharge.
  • Advice regarding returning to work, driving or flying should be discussed with your consultant prior to surgery.

Please note that the cancellation of an operation is rare and will only occur in unforeseen circumstances.

If you have any queries or concerns about your admission please do not hesitate to contact the Day Surgery Unit on: 01946 693181 Ext 24052

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302