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Coming into hospital

Information for patients coming into hospital for treatment at the Friarage Surgical centre

If you normally take medication, please follow the instructions given to you about which
medications to continue or stop in the days before your surgery and the morning of.

If you aren’t sure, then please contact the perioperative medicine clinic on the number at
the end of the leaflet.

Please note your admission time will not be your procedure time however we will keep you updated throughout your surgical journey. Bringing a book, magazine or something to do while waiting will help pass the time.

Please shower or bathe before coming into hospital and remove any make-up,
jewellery, piercings and nail varnish, gel or acrylic nails. Do not wear contact lenses.

If you have had a recent cough, cold or flu, please let the admissions unit know, as your
surgery may have to be postponed until you are well again. If you have had diarrhoea or
vomiting in the 48 hours before your operation, please do not attend hospital and contact us as the earliest opportunity 01609 764847.

It is recommended that you do not smoke before your operation for at least 48 hours as
a minimum. Stopping smoking before an operation can help your body heal better and
reduces risk of infection and post-operative complications.

There are services available to help you stop smoking, please contact the perioperative
medicine clinic. Do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs for 24 hours before your procedure. Further support can be found at nhs.uk/live-well

Fasting

It is very important that you follow the fasting guidelines, as not doing so may lead to your case being cancelled.

  • No food, milk, sweets or fizzy drinks after midnight
  • You can drink clear water or black tea or coffee (no milk) until 6am
  • Do not chew gum after
  • In order to stay hydrated, you must drink 250ml of clear still water at 6am

What to bring with you

  • Comfortable clothes

  • Dressing gown

  • Slippers/indoor shoes

  • Book or magazine, or something to do while waiting

  • Your own medications in original containers (or pharmacy medipack) and a list of your current prescribed medications

  • Hearing aids, glasses, walking aids

  • Contact details of the person collecting you

  • Mobile phone

  • Hospital or learning disability passport if you have one

What NOT to bring

  • Valuables

  • Cash

  • Large amounts of personal belongings

  • Alcohol, cigarettes, vapes