Day Case Surgery

A day case patient will come into hospital, have their operation or treatment and go home the same day.

Preparing for Your Admission Date and Time

These instructions must be followed – it is important that you arrive at the time stated on your admission letter. Read carefully the instructions telling you when you may last eat or drink.

It is important that you contact us if anything has changed since you last attended hospital about your day case procedure, e.g.

• Weight gain
• Any new medicines you are taking
• If you no longer have an escort or transport home

If there is anything you wish to discuss, please call the phone number on your appointment letter.

If your child is having an operation please find specific child and family information on the children's theatres section of the website.

Patients with Special Needs

If you have any special needs, please tell us prior to admission so that we can do our best to provide the most appropriate help.

What to bring with you 

• Inhalers, tablets or medicines you are taking.
• Slippers (non-slip), socks and dressing gown.
• Glasses and case / contact lenses and case (if worn)
• Hearing aid (if worn)
• Toiletries, if you wish
• Newspaper or book
•  Income support/ family credit book (if you need to claim travel fees)

Please try to avoid bringing valuables or large sums of money into hospital. We cannot be held responsible for valuable property.  

Discharge Home

• It is important that you take it easy for the rest of the day, as you may feel tired due to the effects of the anaesthetic. It may take several days to get over certain operations.
• You may have a light meal after your operation unless you are feeling sick.
• You may experience a feeling of sickness or vomiting after a general anaesthetic. If so, rest and drink clear fluids only.
• Avoid alcohol for the next 24 hours, due to the effect the anaesthetic will have.
• Do not drive for the following 24 hours, as your insurance may not cover you for accidents.
•  Do not operate machinery or anything that requires concentration, as this may be impaired due to the anaesthetic drugs.

If anything untoward happens, e.g. severe pain or bleeding, please contact the number on your discharge advice sheet or you own GP.

Additional Information

The Hospital Car Service
Available to patients on the basis of medical need. If you feel you need a hospital car, contact your family doctor.

Refreshments and Shops

For details of refreshments, shops and facilities visit the Refreshments page.