Before the operation
You might have been told by a doctor that you need to come in to hospital for treatment or for an operation.
He will talk to you to explain why and will talk to you about consent.
Letter through the post
You have now received a letter telling you about your operation and it may also have a leaflets in it with more information.
The letter should tell you what time you need to stop eating and drinking before your operation.
It might also suggest packing a bag if you will be staying in the recovery ward.
Coming to hospital for your operation
Your letter will tell you which hospital to need to come to for your operation.
Health checks
A Nurse will make sure nothing has changed since your last hospital visit.
Your blood pressure (BP) will be checked again.
Getting ready for surgery
A name band will be put on your wrist. You will also have a red wristband if you have any allergies (a bad reaction to some food or medicines).
Checking your consent
The staff will:
• Talk to you about your operation.
• Check your consent form with you.
• Tell you rougly what time your operation will be.
Waiting to be taken for surgery
Waiting with your supporter.
Going to your operation
Walking to the operating theatre with a Nurse.
Your supporter can go with you if you want.
Getting dressed
You will be helped to get on a theatre trolley.
You will be covered up with a blanket to keep you warm.
Your supporter can still be with you.
A theatre Nurse will also be with you.
Taken to anaesthetic room
Being taken on the trolley into the anaesthetic room.
Your supporter can still be with you.
What will happen
In the anaesthetic room the anaesthetist will talk to you before your operation.
Going to sleep
You will be given some drugs to make you go to sleep.
A small tube will be put into your hand or arm and this will be where staff give you medication.
Your supporter will go back to the waiting room.
Taken into theatre
When you are asleep, you will be taken into the operating theatre.
