Information for adults having planned surgery
Eating and drinking
It is very important you follow these instructions so that you can proceed with general anaesthesia as safely as possible. Fasting for longer than the recommended times is of no benefit and we would encourage you to eat and drink until the times stated below.
If your operation is in the morning you can:
- Eat until midnight the night before
- Have a cup of black tea or coffee before you leave for hospital (no milk)
- Sip water until the time of your surgery so that you are comfortable (still water only, no fizzy/carbonated water)
If your operation is in the afternoon you can:
- Eat breakfast and finish by 7am
- Have a cup of black tea or coffee before you leave for hospital (no milk)
- Sip water until the time of your surgery so that you are comfortable (still water only, no fizzy/carbonated water)
If you are having your operation under general anaesthesia or sedation you must follow the instructions above. If you do not, your surgery may need to be postponed or cancelled.
Should I take my regular medication?
You should take all your regular medicines on the morning of your operation unless you have specifically been told not to. This will have been discussed with you in the preassessment clinic or by your surgeon. Taking medication you have been asked not to may result in your operation being cancelled. Please bring all your medication in to hospital on the day of surgery.
What to expect on the day?
You will have been sent an admission letter informing you of the details of the time and place of your planned admission. It is important you arrive on time. Please note this is NOT the time of your surgery. All patients for the morning or afternoon theatre list are asked to come in at the same time in order for us to run the list most efficiently. You may be waiting for a few hours for your surgery and we apologise for this.
Please remove nail varnish before you come in for your operation as it can interfere with monitoring. We would also request that you leave your jewellery at home.
Once you arrive
There are lockers available to store your personal belongings in, but please do not bring anything valuable. You may want to bring in some reading material to pass the time.
You will be seen by a nurse who will check your details, carry out some basic observations and show you where you can get drinking water. You will also be provided with surgical stockings and a theatre gown to wear. The gown should be put on back-to-front, so it opens at the back. You may be able to leave your underwear on as long as it is cotton. Your nurse will let you know if you need to remove this before surgery.
Your anaesthetist and surgeon will also see you before your operation. The anaesthetist will discuss the anaesthetic plan including providing you with information on how you can control your pain after the operation. Your surgeon will discuss the details of their plan, ask you to sign a consent form if you are happy to proceed and mark the site of surgery.
Can my relative/friend stay with me?
The theatre complex is limited in space and relatives and family are not allowed in this area. We also do not allow visitors in the postoperative ward area in order to ensure the privacy and dignity of patients recovering from surgery. If you are a carer of someone with special needs, please speak to the reception and nursing staff who will find an appropriate area for you both.
When can I go home?
You will need to stay in hospital until your medical team decides it is safe for you to be discharged. If you are going home on the day of surgery, you will need to make sure you have a suitable adult who can take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after discharge. If you do not have a responsible escort, your procedure may be cancelled on the day.
It is a good idea to have simple painkillers at home like paracetamol and ibuprofen in preparation for discharge. You may also need some help with cooking, shopping and cleaning for the first few days after your operation.
If you are unwell
If you have had diarrhoea or vomiting in the 72 hours before your operation, please contact us on the number provided on your admission letter. Your procedure will need to be rescheduled. You should also inform us if you have had a temperature or flu like symptoms in the few days before your planned operation. It may be safer to postpone your operation until you are better.
Information for adults having planned surgery
This leaflet contains general information about what to expect when you are admitted for planned surgery. You may be given different advice by your medical team or at your preassessment appointment. In this case, please follow their advice as it will take your particular medical history and planned procedure into account.
Please ask a member of staff if:
- You or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing
- You need information about your care and treatment in a different format (such as large print, braille or audio) due to disability, impairment or sensory loss
Contact information
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm:
Preassessment Clinic: 020 3315 8966
Surgical admissions: 020 3315 3299 (option 6)
Out-of-hours:
Bleep the duty Site Manager via switchboard: 020 3315 3000
West Middlesex University Hospital
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm:
Preassessment Clinic: 020 8321 5853
Day Surgery Unit: 020 8321 5886/5064
Out-of-hours:
Richmond Ward: 020 8321 5343/5340