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Day Case Surgery
See also: Frequently Asked Questions for In-Patient Surgery
I haven’t had a pre-assessment. What should I do?
If you have not completed a health screening or health assessment questionnaire anywhere regarding your admission, then please contact the Cherwell Unit on 01793 64 60 10.
If your surgery is intended to be done under a local anaesthetic, then a full pre-assessment is not required.
Will I need to complete any forms?
You will need to complete a health questionnaire which will be reviewed by a nurse. From the answers you give we can determine what tests (if any) that you need.
Why do I have to have tests?
You may need tests to help us to establish if you are fit to have day surgery or if you need an inpatient stay rather than day surgery. Blood tests are needed before certain operations. The nurse will explain the procedure to you following your assessment.
Where do I go to have these tests?
Following your day surgery assessment you may be asked to return to Cherwell Unit at a later date to have the necessary tests. If this is required an appointment will be made for you and either posted or telephoned through to you. The tests may be carried out at your GP surgery or at the hospital. For tests at your GP surgery, the instructions and appropriate forms will be posted to you.
Do I need to bring any medications?
Yes, please bring any medications and inhalers with you on the day of surgery.
Can I bring someone with me to the Day Surgery Unit?
Due to the amount of space available in the day surgery unit, we do ask that you are dropped off at the reception area. Relatives may accompany you until this point. A member of staff will contact your relative when you are safe to go home. One parent may remain in the department for patients aged 16 and under.
What will happen if I have nobody to look after me after my operation?
You will need a responsible adult to stay with you at home for 24 hours after the operation. If you don’t have anybody to stay with you it may mean that you will have to stay in hospital overnight.
What happens if I do not have private transport to take me home?
You need to be taken home by a responsible adult who can stay with you for 24 hours. You cannot go home on a bus.
What medications do I need to stop taking before my operation?
If you need to stop any medications prior to your operation you will be advised of this before your admission.
What if I am on warfarin or am a diabetic?
Warfarin and diabetic medication are generally the only medications that need to be stopped prior to surgery but a nurse will advise you of this following your assessment. Diabetic information (PDF file)
What happens if I have high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure we may ask you to get this checked by your GP prior to your surgery. If you are known to have high blood pressure you should have it monitored by your GP regularly especially if you are going to be having an operation.
When should I stop eating and drinking?
This depends if your operation is in the morning or afternoon. Fasting instructions can be found on the day surgery patient information leaflet (PDF file).
When is my operation going to be?
You will be given a date for your surgery by the bookings officer. This will either be by letter or a phone call. If your operation is routine the current waiting time is about 18 weeks from the time your GP referred you.
Who should I contact, if I no longer wish to have surgery?
You can contact the bookings officer or your consultant’s secretary.
Where can I get more information about Day Surgery?
More information is available in the Day Surgery patient information leaflets . Adult day-surgery information (PDF file). Children's day-surgery information (PDF file).
My friend had an MRSA screening at pre-assessment. I did not. Why?
This is generally only required for inpatients that will be on a ward for longer than just the day. We do not routinely screen day surgery patients for MRSA.
Where is the Day Surgery Unit?
The Day Surgery Unit is not in the same location as the Cherwell Unit. It is located in the main hospital building – the Great Western Hospital – on the first floor at the West End entrance.
What happens when I arrive at Day Surgery Unit?
Once you arrive onto the department, a member of staff will advise your escort that the department will contact them once it is safe for you to go home. You will then be shown to the waiting area, where a nurse will come and complete all the relevant paperwork for your admission. You will be seen by the consultant and the anaesthetist prior to the operation list starting.
Patients are then asked to wait in the waiting area until their operation. Just before you are escorted to theatre you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. The average wait for theatre is between 1 and 4 hours depending on what position you are in on the theatre list.
The average recovery time for patients attending the day surgery unit is between 1 and 5 hours. Please keep in mind that this is very individual and may vary.
What hours are the day surgery unit open?
The department is open between 07.30 and 21.00 hours.
Are there any lockers to keep my valuables?
Patients are able to safely stow possessions in a locker. However patients are asked not to bring any valuables into hospital.
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