Preparing for your surgery: What you need to do

Before you arrive, please make sure you have completed the following:

Confirm your admission date
Call the booking office on 028 9442 4967 to confirm the date given in your letter.
Arrange for support after your procedure
If you are having a general anaesthetic or sedation, you must have a responsible adult to collect you and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure.
Children and young people
Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Interpreter services
If you need a language or sign language interpreter, please contact the booking office as soon as possible so we can arrange this for you.

For your safety, it is important that you follow the fasting instructions included in your appointment letter.
If you do not follow these instructions, your procedure may have to be cancelled.

Bring your medicines with you
Please bring all your regular medications, including any inhalers, on the day of your admission.
Diabetes medication
If you have diabetes and are having a general anaesthetic or sedation, do not take your diabetic medication on the morning of your surgery.
Blood-thinning medication (Clopidogrel/Plavix)
If you take Clopidogrel (Plavix), you should stop taking it 7 days before your admission date.
Warfarin
If you are currently taking Warfarin, please contact your GP as soon as possible. You may need to stop this medication before your procedure.
Aspirin
If you take Aspirin, continue taking it as normal. Do not stop this medication before your surgery.
Blood pressure tablets
If you take medication for high blood pressure, continue to take it on the day of your admission, unless your letter advises otherwise.

If you are unsure which medications to take or stop, please contact:

Shower or bath
Please have a bath or shower on the morning of your admission.
Make-up and nail polish
Remove all make-up and nail polish before you arrive.
Urine sample
You may be asked to provide a urine sample when you are admitted.
What to bring
Please bring a dressing gown and slippers with you to help keep you warm and comfortable during your stay.

Do not bring valuables
Please do not bring valuables or jewellery with you, except for a wedding ring.
Mobile phones
The use of mobile phones may be limited within the unit.

Check in at reception
Please report to the Day Surgery Unit reception desk when you arrive. A member of staff will check you in, and a Day Surgery nurse will bring you into the unit.
Admission and assessment
A nurse will admit you and explain what will happen during your stay.
Allergies
Please tell the nurse or doctor if you have any allergies or reactions to medicines or foods.
Meeting your care team
The anaesthetic and surgical team will talk to you before your procedure. They will explain the risks and benefits and ask for your consent.
Waiting time
There may be a short wait before your procedure, but staff will do their best to keep this to a minimum.
Going to theatre
You will either be taken to theatre on a trolley or, for some minor procedures under local anaesthetic, you may be able to walk.
After your procedure
You will be cared for in the recovery area. If you have had a general anaesthetic, this will usually be for at least two hours.
Going home
When you are ready, you will be discharged with clear instructions about your care at home. This will include advice on pain relief, wound care, and who to contact if you need help.
Safety after anaesthetic or sedation
For 24 hours after a general anaesthetic or sedation, you must not drive or operate machinery.