Information for patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
What do I need to do before my operation?
You must:
- Have a responsible adult to take you home and look after you for the first 48 hours. You must not use public transport.
- Continue to take all medication as prescribed unless otherwise instructed.
- Not drink alcohol on the day of your operation.
What do I need to do on the day of my operation?
You must:
- Eat and drink as normal as your procedure involves a local anaesthetic. You will be awake during your operation but will not be able to see your operation or feel any pain.
- Wash your feet with soap and water. Do not apply cream, perfume or talcum powder.
- Remove nail varnish and acrylic nails from all fingers and toes.
- Not bring large sums of money, jewellery or valuables in with you. We do not have the facility to secure valuable items.
- Bring all medication with you in their original containers (both prescribed and non-prescribed) and tell us of any change in your general health.
- Bring a dressing gown and slippers. You will be expected to remove all clothing other than your underwear (a gown will be provided).
- Wear loose clothing, for example, wide trousers or a skirt. Tight trousers will make dressing and undressing difficult once a large bandage or cast has been applied to your foot.
- Inform our staff before your operation if you need a sick-note.
What do I need to do after my operation?
You must:
- Follow the advice given in the leaflet ‘Foot Surgery – Discharge Advice’. A member of the podiatric surgery team will give you this leaflet on the day of your operation.
Contact numbers
University Hospital of North Tees
Podiatric Surgery
One Life,
Park Road,
Hartlepool,
TS24 7PW
Central booking office: 01429 522 471
Further information available from
NHS Choices
Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999). Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website at www.nhs.uk
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1203
Date for review: January 2027