Our day surgery unit has 14 separate bays. Each one has:

• iPads on request
• WiFi
• Air conditioning and temperature control
• Lockable drawer for valuables

Pre-operative assessments

Your Consultant may schedule an assessment before your operation, known as a 'pre-op'. These take place in our Outpatient Department with a fully qualified registered nurse, and you will be contacted by the pre-operative assessment team to arrange an appointment.  You may also need to be screened for MRSA.

Doing all of this in advance will allow for a smooth admission on the day.

Do you have any special requirements, such as wheelchair access?

If you have any special requirements, hearing difficulties, or visual impairments, please let our Admissions team know on 020 8949 9010.

We can also arrange a wheelchair during your stay, for yourself or visitors. All of our entrances and exits are designed for wheelchairs.

Need an interpreter to help with your admission?

Please arrange to have one with you when you arrive here or contact us in advance to arrange one on your behalf.

Chaperones

For your dignity, you will be offered a chaperone during any treatments of an intimate nature.

Food, drink and smoking

Your admission information will explain whether you need to fast before your operation. Staying well hydrated before surgery is beneficial to your recovery, and we advise you drink plenty of water until your given fasting times. Please do not drink alcohol or smoke in the 24 hours before your admission.

Taking medication

Unless a healthcare professional or your Consultant has advised otherwise, please continue to take your prescribed medication.

It is vital to bring all the medicines you are taking, including oral contraceptives, HRT, vitamins and natural supplements. This allows us to make sure that they are compatible with any medication we plan to give you.

Please bring medication in its original packaging. Pre-loaded 'days of the week'-type boxes will not be accepted. We will store your medicines safely for you during your stay.

Pre-operative washing

To prevent surgical site infections, our operating theatre colleagues will prepare your skin with antiseptic. This works better if your skin is already clean.

Ideally, please bathe/shower on both the night before and the day of your surgery. If this is not possible, you must bathe/shower on the day of your surgery.

1. Wash thoroughly for five minutes, paying special attention to the area where your surgery will be performed. Do not scrub your skin too hard.
2. Do not shave the area which will undergo surgery. Why? Any new cut, abrasion or rash will need to be evaluated and could delay your procedure.
3. If you wash your hair, use your normal shampoo.
4. Rinse your hair and body thoroughly to remove any residue.
5. Pat yourself dry with a fresh, clean, soft towel after each bath/shower.
6. Do not apply any lotions, perfumes or powders after bathing/showering.
7. Put on clean clothes or pyjamas.
8. Use freshly laundered bed linen for the night before surgery.
9. Remove nail polish or false nails.

All patients

• All of your medications in their original pharmacy labelled bottles or blister packs.
• If possible, wear glasses instead of contact lenses, as these will need removing before any operation.
• Magazines, books, laptops, phones and chargers.
• Comfortable clothes to wear for when you leave the hospital.

Overnight patients

• Dressing gown. Slipper socks are provided.
• Pyjamas / nightdress.
• Toiletries, including a facecloth or baby wipes.

In-person visitors are welcome, as we appreciate coming into hospital can be an anxious and distressing experience.

• To minimise the risk of infection, we request no more than two guests per visit.
• We recommend that very young children – especially those who have not been immunised – wait until you leave hospital and are feeling better before they visit you.
• If you would like your visitors to eat with you in your room or bay, this can be arranged for an additional charge.
• We kindly request that the noise levels are kept low, whether talking in person, over the phone or video calls.
• If you do not wish to receive visitors or telephone calls, please inform your nurse.

Day Unit

If you would like a visitor in the Day Unit, please discuss this during your pre-operative assessment. Note that you will be required to complete a health questionnaire.

Overnight Patients

Our visiting times are 10am – 9pm.

In exceptional circumstances, you may wish to have someone stay with you overnight. This can be requested prior to your admission during the pre-operative assessment stage.

This may be possible if:

• The relative or friend is acting as a carer / interpreter / chaperone.
• You are under 18 years of age.