It’s completely natural to feel nervous before surgery.
Knowing what to expect and having the right support can help you feel more at ease.
We’re really looking forward to welcoming you to Kingsbridge.
In this short video, Hayley will walk you through what to expect and how to get ready for your procedure.
To help make your surgery and recovery as smooth and safe as possible, please take a moment to review and follow these important steps:
Pre-operative Fasting Instructions
To help your procedure go ahead safely, please follow the fasting guidance below. If these instructions are not followed, your surgery may need to be rescheduled.
Morning Surgery
Do not eat anything after midnight the night before.
You may drink water only until 2 hours before admission.
Afternoon Surgery
Do not eat anything after 7:00am.
You may drink water only until 2 hours before admission.
Evening Surgery
Do not eat anything after 11:00am.
You may drink water only until 2 hours before admission.
You can usually take your morning medication with a sip of water, unless you have been advised otherwise by your consultant or nurse.
Smoking
If you are a smoker it is important that you try to stop smoking at least one week in advance of your surgery.
This may help to reduce complications during and after your surgery. Many people who smoke tend to smoke even more when they’re feeling anxious.
Even if that calms your nerves in the short term, smoking increases the risk of complications after surgery, particularly related to the wound-healing process.
Starting nicotine replacement therapy one to two months before surgery can reduce the risk of complications.
Alcohol
Please do not drink alcohol the day before your visit.
Bringing alcohol into the hospital is not permitted.
Medications
For your safety, our clinical team need to know about all medication that you are currently taking. This includes prescribed and over-the-counter (not prescribed) medication.
On the day of admission, please bring along all your medication including the packaging. You may get written advice regarding medications at your pre-operative assessment, please ensure you follow any direct requests from the clinical team. If you have any questions about stopping your medication, please contact your GP for advice.
If you are on blood thinning medication like Warfarin, you may need to stop this for a short period before your procedure. Please contact your GP or Kingsbridge Private Hospital on 028 9066 7878 prior to your appointment.
Items to Remove Before Surgery
Before your procedure, certain items must be removed to keep you safe and to protect both you and our staff.
Please make sure you take off:
• All jewellery, including rings from fingers and toes
• Contact lenses
• Make-up
• Nail polish or gel nails
• All piercings (including body piercings)
• Chains or necklaces
• Hair extensions such as “micro-loop” (metal bead) extensions
• Watches
• Spacers
• Bangles
• Religious or sacred medals
It’s very important to follow these instructions, as wearing these items can cause burns, choking, or other injuries during surgery.
If these items are not removed, your surgery may have to be cancelled. If you have any questions about what you can or cannot wear, please contact us before your admission.
Preventing Blood Clots
When coming into hospital, there is a small risk of developing blood clots in the deep veins. These clots can sometimes break off and travel to the lungs.
The good news is there are simple steps you can take to lower this risk:
• Stay hydrated: drinking plenty of fluids, unless you have been advised otherwise.
• Move around: get out of bed and walk as soon as you are able to.
• Wear compression stockings: these will be provided for you – remember to put them back on after showering, as advised.
• Take your medication: if you are prescribed heparin injections, please let a member of staff know straight away if you miss a dose.
These measures all play an important part in keeping you safe during your recovery.
What To Bring
Please Do Not Bring
It is important to stay warm before surgery as this will help lower the risk of post-operative complications, however, please be advised that the hospital environment may be cooler than your own home. Please bring additional clothing to help keep comfortably warm.
When you arrive, you’ll be directed to the Admissions Office on the Surgical Ward. Our Ward Clerk will welcome you and complete your paperwork. You’ll then be shown to your private room, where your Nurse will explain what to expect during your stay and carry out an initial health check.
Outpatient Appointments
If you are coming to the hospital as an outpatient, it means you’re having a procedure or treatment but won’t need to stay overnight.
When you arrive, just check in at reception and our team will guide you through what happens next. Admission usually takes about 45 minutes, and then you’ll be taken to the theatre for your procedure.
After your surgery, you’ll return to the day ward or recovery area. If you’ve had sedation, you’ll stay with us until it’s safe for you to go home. You’ll also need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Inpatient Admissions
If you are coming to the hospital as an inpatient, it means you’ll be staying overnight after your procedure.
When you arrive, please check in at reception. You’ll then be brought to the admissions area on the ward, where a nurse will meet you and complete your admission. From there, you’ll go to the theatre for your procedure. After surgery, you’ll return to your room on the ward, along with your personal belongings, where you can rest and recover.
Before you leave, your Nurse will go over your discharge plan and answer any questions. This includes information on medications, follow-up appointments, and test results. You’ll find everything you need to know about your next steps in the sections below.
Follow-up Appointments
Following your procedure, you will be provided with a follow up appointment before you go home.
Please note, time frames for follow up appointments will differ depending on the procedure.
Test Results
We aim to have test results back to your referring clinician within 2 working days however the timeframe of this is test dependant. You will be advised by clinical staff on the day of when to expect your test results.
Medications and Prescription
Before you leave the hospital, you will be provided with enough medication to cover your immediate needs post-operatively.
A nurse or pharmacist will explain how and when to take your medicines to ensure you feel confident managing them at home.
You will also be given a copy of your discharge prescription. This can be shared with your GP to help keep your medical records up to date and support any ongoing care you may need.
If you have any questions about your medication, please don’t hesitate to ask before you leave.
To achieve the best possible outcome from your hospital stay please review our admission guides below.
A complete guide to our in-patient and out-patient services and pre-admission advice.
A complete guide to our in-patient and out-patient services and pre-admission advice.