A day case patient will come into hospital, have their operation or treatment and go home the same day.
Derriford Hospital has two day case facilities. The Freedom Unit which treats adults and Plym Children and Young People's Theatre Unit which treats children.
Opening Hours
Freedom Unit
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm
Saturday 7.30am – 5pm
The Freedom Unit is more easily accessed from the back of the hospital where it is clearly signed and there is a drop off area for patients arriving in vehicles.
Plym Children and Young People's Theatre Unit
Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm
Advantages of Day Case Treatments
• Most operations can be carried out sooner
• Admission dates are less likely to be cancelled
• Minimal time spent in hospital away from the family home
• Less disruption to daily routines
• Advances in anaesthetics and surgical techniques make day surgery as safe as staying in hospital
Who Can Have a Day Case?
Many surgical procedures can now be carried out on a day basis, provided:
• A careful assessment of your general health has been made before you attend.
• You live within an acceptable distance from the hospital.
• There is a responsible adult to accompany you home in a taxi or private car (public transport is not suitable) and remain with you for a minimum of 24 hours.
• You have access to a telephone.
• You have appropriate toilet facilities.
• You are registered with a family doctor.
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 either the
Pre-Op Assessment Unit on 01752 792473
Or the Freedom Unit on 0845 155 8126 (for adults)
Or the Plym Children and Young People's Theatre Unit on 0845 155 8142 (for children)
Patients with Special Needs
If you have any special needs, please tell the Unit 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.
Any concerns contact the appropriate unit on:
Freedom Unit on 0845 155 8126 (for adults)
Plym Children and Young People's Theatre Unit on 0845 155 8142 (for children)
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
• Patients are provided with refreshments, but relatives and escorts can obtain refreshments from:
• Vending machines (in the main hospital and the waiting area of Freedom Day Case Unit)
• The Greenbank Restaurant on Level 7 of the hospital, open 7.30am – 8pm daily.
• The Mayflower Snack Bar on Level 6 near the main entrance of the hospital, open 7am – 7.30pm Monday top Friday and 9am -6pm at weekends.
• There are shops on level 6 including newsagents, mini market, fruit and flower shop and a Body Shop outlet. There is also a 24hour cash point machine.
Smoking
Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust became smokefree on National No Smoking Day 2012.
All smoking shelters have been removed from the Derriford Hospital site and smoking is not permitted on any of the Trust's sites.
The NHS Smoking Advice Service is able to help patients and their relatives to give up smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy is free to patients wanting to stop or for withdrawal relief while in hospital.
How to Find Us
Freedom Unit – has its own entrance around the back of the hospital. To reach the unit through the hospital, take the lift/stairs down to level 2. On leaving the lift area, take left corridor and follow signs. If using the stairs, turn right out of the stairwell and follow signs.
By car, the Freedom Unit is more easily accessed from the back of the hospital where it is clearly signed and there is a drop off area for patients arriving in vehicles.
Plym Children and Young People's Theatre Unit - has its own entrance to the left of the hospital’s main entrance as you approach the hospital.