The Day Surgery Unit, which was opened in July 2011, has three operating theatres. There is  a reception area, admission rooms and recovery area with a space for 24 trolleys. The theatres are suitable for procedures requiring general and local anaesthetic. The post operative recovery area is split in to four bays which each have en-suite facilities.

Every patient who requires a general anaesthetic will have had a pre-assessment which will have been checked by the Pre-Assessment Nurse Practitioner who will check that the patient is suitable for day surgery. Patients who are not fit or patients that are undergoing procedures that are not suitable for day surgery will be admitted in surgical admissions via the inpatient pathway.

The Day Surgery Unit is open from 7am to 10pm in order to facilitate the discharge of the day surgery patients.

There are many types of condition that are suitable for day surgery. This list provides a cross-section of examples – it is by no means exhaustive:

• Orchidopexy
• Circumcision
• Inguinal hernia
• Femoral hernia
• Epigastric hernia
• Umbilical hernia
• Breast biopsy
• Excision gynaecomastia
• Microdochectomy
• Lateral sphincterotomy
• Diathermy warts
• Excision anal fistula
• Rubber band ligation
• Excision anal skin tags
• Surgery of varicose veins
• Excision lipoma
• Limited haemorrhoidectomy
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
• Zadek’s operation toenail
• Ingrowing toenail
• Excision skin lesions
• Revision scar tissue
• Pilonidal sinus excision
• Central line insertion
• Excision hydrocele
• Excision epididymal cyst
• Laparoscopy
• Laparoscopic hernia repair
• Vasectomy
• Flexible cystoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Laparoscopic sterilisationHysteroscopyDilatation and curettageInsertion of coilTVTDental surgery

When you arrive, the receptionist will confirm your name and address and then you will be asked to wait in the reception area.

The Nurse will then call you through to a private room where you operation details will be confirmed and your blood pressure will be recorded. If you are having a general anaesthetic the nurse will also check that you have made arrangements for a responsible adult to escort you home and stay with your overnight. If you have not made these arrangements your surgery may need to be postponed.

To ensure your safety, you will be seen by the Anaesthetist who will discuss your anaesthetic with you and the surgeon who will confirm your consent for your operation.

Your length of stay on the unit will depend on your admission time, type of surgery and how long it takes you to recover from your surgery.

Please be aware that you may need to stay on the unit for half a day if your operation is under local anaesthetic or the full day if you are having a general anaesthetic.

The Admission Nurse will be able to give you more advice on your admission.

Every Thursday, the unit is open from 07.00-21.00 to provide care for children undergoing planned surgical procedures. Please be aware that the time you are asked to attend the unit is not your operation time but your booking in time. This is a requirement so that your child can be seen by the various healthcare professionals involved in their care. Please be aware that we have mixed sex facilities for children. We ask that parents do not eat/drink in the waiting room.

During the admission process, your child will have routine observations carried out such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature. A local anaesthetic cream is usually applied to both hands.

The unit waiting room is used as a play room with a variety of activities for children of all ages. Our Play Specialists use pictures and props to explain what your child should expect on the day, accompany children into the anaesthetic room to provide distraction and provide play activities throughout their stay.

Following your child’s operation, recovery times vary depending on the type of operation performed. Children react to anaesthetic in different ways so sometimes require a longer recovery period. This may mean transfer to the Children’s Ward for possible overnight stay. If this is the case there is provision for a parent/guardian to stay with them.

We are a research active unit and you may be invited to participate in relevant research studies.

Following you operation, you will recover in the ward area which has separate male and female facilities. The time that you take to recover will depend on the type of operation that you have had. The Nurse that is looking after you will be able to advise you.

Following your operation, you will be able to have something to eat and drink. A selection of sandwiches and hot and cold drinks are available.

Before you are able to go home and in order to ensure your safety, the Nurse will need to confirm the following:

• You have had something to eat and drink
• Your pain is under control
• There are no problems with your wound
• Your mobility is back to normal
• You have a responsible adult to escort you home
• You have made arrangements for a responsible adult to be with you overnight

A discharge pack will be given to you to take home which will include, a copy of your discharge letter for you own records, medication and dressings if appropriate.

The Nurse will also inform you of any further follow-up that has been arranged following your discharge.