Recovery at home
If you are a day case patient you must arrange for someone to escort you home and stay with you for 24 hours. Your escort will be contacted by day ward staff and advised when to collect you after your operation.
You will receive written instructions on how to look after yourself and what to do in an emergency. We will send your General Practitioner (GP) a letter detailing your treatment and you will also receive a copy. Arrangements will be made for any follow up appointment.
Advice following a general anaesthetic
Anaesthetic drugs remain in the body for 24 hours and gradually wear off during this time therefore your judgement and natural reactions which ensure your safety will not be as quick as usual. Only leave the unit when you have been discharged by the nurse to be accompanied home by a responsible adult who is able to stay with you overnight.
- Do not drive a car or ride a bicycle for 24 hours
- Do not make important decisions or sign important documents for 24 hours
- Do not taking sleeping tablets the first night after your operation
- Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours
- Make sure you have access to a telephone
- Do not lock the bathroom door or make yourself inaccessible to the person looking after you
Medication
If you require any medication to go home with, the nurse will try to ensure it is ready for you in good time and give you instructions on how and when to take it. Further information is available in the leaflet below.
Wound care
You will get surgery specific wound care advice from the nurses when you are ready for discharge. This will include when and how to get your wound checked and your stitches removed (if they are not dissolvable).