Introduction
This booklet is designed to provide you with some information about the Day Surgery Units/Wards at our Trust.
Day/Inpatient surgery is for patients dealing with a variety of surgical conditions and treatments. Every effort will be made to nurse male and female patients in separate areas.
When you are admitted, a member of staff will be assigned to take care of you. All staff will have an identification badge and should introduce themselves to you. The whole team will try to ensure that your stay is as pleasant as possible.
Please note that the cancellation of an operation is rare and will only happen in unexpected circumstances.
If you are unable to keep your surgery appointment or operation date for any reason, i.e. having a cold/flu/covid symptoms or any other circumstances, please contact us for advice as soon as possible.
COVID-19 affects people in different ways. The severity can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, tiredness and loss of taste or smell.
Your safety is very important to us and we need to ensure that all patients attending the hospital site for planned procedures do not have coronavirus (COVID-19)
Patients who are admitted for elective surgery should have appropriate screening for COVID-19 which will be discussed at Pre-Assessment, we ask following any screening and for the three days prior to surgery that you minimise your exposure risk during this period.
We understand that patients coming into hospital worry about infection. We do everything we can to provide a clean and safe environment for our patients. We value good practice in infection prevention and control.
Preparation for Admission
Fasting Guidelines
If you are having a general anaesthetic (being put to sleep for your operation), a spinal anaesthetic or an epidural (involves injections that numb a larger or deeper part of the body, you stay conscious and free from pain) you must follow these instructions:
- It is important not to eat six hours before the anaesthetic.
- We advise you to drink clear fluids which include water, squash (without bits in), and tea/coffee without milk in up to two hours before the anaesthetic.
- Do not use chewing gum, suck on sweets, or smoke on the day of surgery.
Morning Operation
Please do not eat or have milk after 2.30 am
You must not have fizzy (carbonated) drinks after 2.30am.
You are advised to have clear fluids which include water/squash (without bits in) and tea/coffee without milk between 5.30-6.30am.
Afternoon Operation
Please do not eat or have milk after 7.30 am
You are advised to have a light breakfast (nothing fried) with tea or coffee to finish by 7.30am
You must not have fizzy (carbonated) drinks after 7.30 am.
You are advised to have clear fluids, which include water/squash (without bits in) and tea/coffee without milk between 10.30-11.30am.
Before you arrive
Please bathe or shower the morning of your admission but do not apply body lotion or creams. During surgery some patients may require a dressing to be applied to their wound which will need to be kept dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Your nurse will advise you when you may be able to bathe or take a shower and remove any dressing. Please also remember to remove all make-up, including nail polish/acrylics, and jewellery/piercings (with the exception of a plain banded wedding ring).
What to Bring with you:
- Your admission letter.
- All your medications, including tablets & inhalers.
- The name, address and contact details of your next of kin.
- Your record card if you are taking steroids, anticoagulation therapy or other medications such as methotrexate.
- Your record card if you have diabetes.
- A dressing gown and a pair of slippers. Slippers need to be non-slip and well fitting.
- If you are an inpatient bring an overnight bag
- You may wish to bring a book, magazine or newspaper with you and spectacles if required for reading.
Medication
It is important to follow the instructions of a doctor or pre-assessment nurse with regards to continuation of your regular medications.
Some medications might have to be stopped before your operation (e.g. blood thinning tablets such as Warfarin/Clopidogrel) and sometimes may be replaced with alternative medication.
On the Day of Admission
Please book in at the reception desk where you will then be shown where to wait and be prepared for theatre.
All staff will introduce themselves and explain all procedures and tests that may be performed, for example having your blood pressure taken.
Do not hesitate to ask if there is anything that you are uncertain about.
Information Related to Your Stay
Infection Control
Do not be afraid to ask whether a member of staff who needs to examine you or perform a procedure has washed their hands or used an alcohol rub or gel beforehand.
Visiting Times
If you are to stay overnight the ward staff will advise you about visiting times. Due to the clinical environment on the day surgery unit, it is not possible to allow relatives or visitors. However in certain circumstances if required this can be arranged with the ward manager prior to admission.
Catering
On the Day Surgery Unit / Ward, you will be offered tea/coffee and biscuits/sandwiches/toast after your operation or procedure as appropriate.
No Smoking
All hospitals and other premises operated by Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust are smoke free. Please do not smoke 48 hours before your surgery. For help and advice regarding stopping smoking please contact “Healthy Lifestyle Service” telephone 01724 298212
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones may be used at the discretion of the ward manager.
Car Parking
Patient/Visitor only car parking is available in the car parks outside the main hospital buildings and around the sites.
Please ensure your vehicle is locked and that valuable items are not left in view.
At Scunthorpe General Hospital the pay stations are located at the Cliff Gardens and Church Lane entrances.
At Diana, Princess of Wales and Goole & District Hospital the pay stations are located at the main entrance.
There is a tariff system in place which is subject to change.
Patient’s Property & Monies
During your stay please keep the amount of cash and valuables that you have in your possession to a minimum.
Patients are reminded that the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to patient’s personal belongings.
Enquiries
We ask that one member of your family or a friend is nominated to ring and then pass on the information to others.
If you are having a General Anaesthetic
For 24 hours after your surgery please do not:
- Drive a car or ride a bike
- Make any important decisions, or sign any legal documents
- Operate any sort of machinery – that includes basic domestic tasks
- Drink alcohol
- Go out unaccompanied
- Have sole charge of children
- Take any drugs other than those prescribed for you by your own GP or hospital doctor
- Return to work
Going Home
Please arrange for someone to collect you from hospital. You will not be able to go home by public transport, with the exception of taxis, nor will you be able to drive yourself. If you have had a General Anaesthetic you should arrange for a responsible adult to be with you for 24 hours after your operation.
It is important that you do not leave until you have spoken to a trained nurse and have received your discharge advice.
Contact Details
If you are having problems after you surgery please contact the Day Surgery Unit/ward. Contact the number below of the hospital that you attended for treatment.
Scunthorpe General Hospital Day Surgery Unit
Tel: 03033 302023 – (7.30am – 7.30pm) Monday to Friday.
Goole & District Hospital Ward 7
Tel: 03033 304123 – (8.00am – 8.00pm) Monday to Friday.
Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby Day Surgery Unit
Tel: 03033 303506 – (7.30am – 8.30pm) Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, Your own GP (out of hours).
Any Comments, Compliments, Concerns or Complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact nlg-tr.PALS@nhs.net
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at nlg-tr.interpreters@nhs.net
Review information
Date of issue: June 2022
Review period: May 2025
