Surgery

The Northern Trust provides a range of surgical services to treat both planned and urgent conditions affecting the body, particularly the digestive system and abdomen.

General surgery covers a wide range of procedures. It focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the digestive tract and the abdominal area.

Emergency general surgery deals with patients who need urgent treatment. This includes people with sudden abdominal problems, serious infections, bleeding, injuries, and trauma. Many of these patients are very unwell and require immediate care in a hospital.

Elective general surgery refers to planned procedures that are scheduled in advance. These include operations such as gallbladder removal, treatment of the bile ducts, hernia repairs, and other routine or minor surgeries.

Day of Surgery Unit

The Day of Surgery Unit allows you to come into hospital on the day of your planned operation, so you do not need to stay overnight beforehand.

Before your surgery, you will attend a pre-admission clinic, usually about a week in advance. At this appointment, we will check your blood tests and carry out a health assessment to make sure you are ready for your procedure.

This approach helps reduce delays or cancellations on the day of surgery. If there are any concerns about a patients fitness for surgery, these can be identified early, so they are informed in advance rather than on the day of admission.

Surgical Elective Unit

The Surgical Elective Unit at Antrim Area Hospital is where you come in for planned (elective) procedures and treatment.

Our aims are to:

Make your journey through hospital as smooth and efficient as possible. This includes your visit to the pre-admission clinic, admission to the Day of Surgery Unit, and your care on the Elective Surgical Unit after your operation.
Provide safe, high-quality care in the right environment, with highly trained staff who are trained to meet your needs
As part of your care, we use the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programme (ERAS) to help you recover more quickly after surgery.
We will encourage you to become mobile as soon as possible after surgery, support you to eat and drink early and manage your pain effectively so you can recover quickly and comfortably
Improve patient flow through the hospital and increase access to inpatient services.
Make best use of beds and operating theatres, and reduce cancellations.
Maximise bed occupancy/theatre efficiency and minimise elective cancellations.

Day Surgery Service

The Day Surgery Service is available at Antrim Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital, Whiteabbey Hospital and Mid Ulster. Depending on your treatment, you may be asked to attend any location for your procedure and follow-up care.

Our Day Surgery teams are committed to providing a high standard of care throughout your stay. We aim to make your visit as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

Antrim Day Surgery Unit

The Day Surgery Unit at Antrim Area Hospital is located beside the MRI Unit.

There is a drop-off area close to the entrance for patients. If relatives or friends wish to stay, they should use the nearby car park.

Access Guide for Antrim Area Hospital Day Surgery Unit

Whiteabbey Hospital Day Surgery Unit

The Day Surgery Unit at Whiteabbey Hospital is located in McCaughey House.

Please enter through the main entrance and report to reception when you arrive. Free parking is available on site.

Causeway Hospital Day Procedure Unit

The Day Surgery Unit (which has day surgery theatres) is located to the side of the main hospital building.

There is a drop off area close to the entrance for patients.

Mid Ulster Day Surgery Unit

The Day Surgery Unit is in the Main Hospital building and disabled access is available at the side entrance to the building which is signposted. Free parking is available on site.

Your pre-surgery (Pre-operative) assessment: What to expect

Our Pre-operative Assessment Team will aim to make sure you are well prepared for your operation. They check that you are fit for surgery and ensure you have all the information you need before your anaesthetic.

Complete your health questionnaire
You will be asked to fill in a Pre-operative Health Questionnaire with details about your health.
If you receive the form in Outpatients
Please return it to a member of nursing staff, who will send it to the Pre-operative Assessment Team.
If you receive the form by post
Complete it and return it using the pre-paid envelope provided.
Follow-up contact
A member of the Pre-operative Assessment Team may contact you by phone to ask further questions about your health.

Pre‑operative Assessment Clinic

If you take regular medication or have any health conditions, you may be asked to attend a Pre‑operative Assessment Clinic at Antrim or Causeway Hospital.

At this clinic, you will be seen by a specially trained nurse or an anaesthetist. They will review your health and arrange any tests you may need before your operation. These may include blood tests, an X-ray, an ECG (a heart trace), or breathing tests.

You will also be given important information to help you prepare for your operation, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

The Pre‑assessment Team is available Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

If you have any questions about your pre‑operative assessment or procedures carried out at Antrim Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital, Mid Ulster Hospital or Whiteabbey Hospital, you can contact the team for advice.

Before and after your surgery

It’s important to know what to expect before your operation and how to look after yourself afterwards. The information below will guide you through each step, helping you prepare for your surgery and support your recovery at home.