Day case procedures

The Day Case Ward is a mixed-sex surgical ward offering orthopaedic, gynaecology, general, breast, ear, nose and throat, urology, ophthalmic, vascular and upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries.

We are committed to ensuring that every patient has the right to privacy and to be treated with dignity and respect. We respect this and provide care in surroundings that take account of your personal, spiritual and religious needs.

Day case staff work closely with physiotherapists and specialist surgical nurses to enable you to recover in your own home, at your own pace, with personal care by relatives and carers, and ensure high-quality follow-up care.

Your appointment letter will give you all the information you need for your procedure including preparing for your surgery, what to expect following your surgery and your after care.

Cancelling your appointment

If you become ill (for example, with a cold) in the week before your operation, are no longer able to attend, or change your mind about having the operation, please telephone the waiting list department as soon as possible on 01636 685723. Please have your consultant’s name to hand, as given on the letter.

Items you may need to bring with you

Any prescribed or over the counter medicines or tablets which you take regularly
Comfortable day clothes, including underwear
Appropriate nightwear, including dressing gown and slippers
Flat, secure-fitting shoes
Any walking aids you may use
Any spectacles, hearing aid or contact lenses you may use
Toothbrush and toothpaste or denture cleaner
Soap and deodorant
Sanitary products
Bath towel and a flannel, ideally labelled with your name
Telephone numbers for your relatives
Mobile phone, charger and earphones
Something to help pass the time, such as a book or magazines
Money for items such as newspapers, TV, telephone and the voluntary services trolley.

Please do not bring:

Large amounts of money
Valuables, such as jewellery
Alcohol, illicit drugs, cigarettes or e-cigarettes and chargers
Any electrical items, such as hair straighteners.

There is limited storage space in the bedside locker and on the wards. Please bring as few personal belongings with you as possible and leave valuables at home. We cannot be responsible for any losses.

Visiting

Most patients are discharged within 24 hours, however visiting can be arranged through the nursing team. Please contact the ward to arrange visiting a patient.

Please be kind, we are here to help you

All forms of abuse, violence and discrimination against our staff will not be tolerated. We can ask you to leave and refuse treatment.

Discharge home

Before being discharged, you will be given a letter stating what you have had done, when and who by. You will be prescribed any necessary medications and any equipment or wound care and dressing instructions.

If necessary, any follow-up outpatient appointments will be made for you.

You will need to provide your own transport home and must be accompanied by a responsible adult for 24 hours following your discharge from hospital.