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After an operation

Easy read information about what happens after you have been for an operation.

Patient is brough around by two theatre staff in theatre recovery room

Once you get out of theatre

When your operation is over you will be taken to the recovery room:

  • You will still feel sleepy
  • You may not remember being in this room
  • You will still be on a theatre trolley
  • You may stay in recovery for about 30 minutes or longer if needed
  • Your supporter can be with you
Ward bed

Your recovery

After you have woken up a little:

  • You will be taken to a ward
  • You will be covered with a blanket to keep you warm
  • The Nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate, respirations (how fast you are breathing) and your temperature
Ward bed buzzer

If you need anything

When you are in bed on the ward you may still feel sleepy.
You will be given a call buzzer. Your buzzer might look like the one in the picture.
Press the button if you need anything.
You must not try to get out of bed on your own.

Patient stays in a bed in hospital while nursing staff speak to them.

Checks

The nurse will keep checking to make sure you are okay.

Nurse gives patient a drink and pain medication in ward bed

Pain medication

The nurse will ask if you are in pain.
You can be given some medication to stop the pain if it is needed.

Patient is given food and drink while on ward

Food and drink

A nurse will tell you when you can have a drink and something to eat.

Patient uses the hospedia system to watch TV, make calls and listen to the radio

Entertainment

You will need money to buy a card to be able to watch the television or use the phone.
The radio is free.
You may have to stay in hospital overnight or for a few days.

Patient is shown discharge letter and information in ward bed

Getting told you can go home

When your doctor has said you can go home:

  • The nurse will talk to you about going home, organise your discharge letter, and talk this through with you
  • The nurse may give an information leaflet to you and your supporter
  • If you need a fit note or a letter for your employer, ask your nurse who can advise you how this is done
Patient is given medication to take home

May be given medication

You may be given some medication to take when you go home:

  • Your nurse will explain to you how to take them and what they are for
  • This will also be written on the bottle or box of medication
Patient is transported to discharge lounge so they can go home

Getting discharged

You may be taken to the discharge lounge where you can wait for your lift home, either by a car or taxi.

Patient is given a cup of tea in discharge lounge

Refreshments

Having a drink while you wait.

two people walking down a corridor

Leaving the hospital

Getting to go home.

Patient is checked over by a GP practice nurse

After care

You may have to go to your GP practice to see the nurse.
The nurse might need to take out stitches or change dressings.

Patient and carer outside of entrance to outpatients

Hospital appointment

You might have to go back to the hospitals outpatient department to check that the operation has made you better.

black phone

Contact number for learning disability advisor

Learning disability nurse advisor

Telephone: 01642 624477

Day: Monday to Friday

Time: 8am to 4pm

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