Before you arrive
If you are having an operation
Before your operation, it is essential that your stomach is empty, and it is necessary that you should have nothing at all to eat for at least six hours before the anaesthetic.
You can drink water up to three hours before the time planned for the operation, and after that you must not take anything at all by mouth.
The anaesthetic for an operation may be either general (in which the patient is unconscious) or local (in which the area of the operation is made numb with injections). Often both are used, so that the patient is asleep during the procedure and wakes up with the operation site numb.
Your anaesthetist will discuss with you before the operation the technique which will be most suitable for you. Please give us your own opinion about the suggested choice of anaesthetic.
The anaesthetist will ask if you have had any medical problems or treatments, and whether you have had problems with previous anaesthetics. This is an opportunity to discuss anaesthetic technique, pain control and what happens in the operating theatre. Please raise any concerns or questions that you may have.
1. Read your letter
Your letter from the Admissions office will explain anything you need to do before coming into hospital. It is very important that you follow these special instructions otherwise your treatment may be delayed. Women using the Maternity Services will receive separate information.
2. Phone if you can’t make it
Your letter gives you an admission date. If there is any problem about coming in, please ring the telephone number on the letter immediately.
3. Phone on the day
On the day you are due in please telephone the Admissions office to check that a bed is still available. Please follow instructions on your admission letter.
If you fail to do this a bed may not be available when you arrive.
Please note if you are a weekend or a Bank Holiday admission, then please telephone the Clinical Site Manager on bleep 0111 via the hospital switchboard, telephone 020 8746 8000 to check bed availability about 11am to 11:30am.
Patients for admission to HIV/GUM services will be telephoned by the Directorate's bed manager or a member of the ward staff.
Benefits, pensions and allowances
Patients who receive benefits should inform their local branch of the DWP of their admission to hospital as it may affect the rate payable.
If you receive a pension, a relative or friend may deal with your pension affairs and cash orders on your behalf while you are a patient. If you are in hospital for more than eight weeks you must inform your local DWP office.
