Surgery Day
Know what to expect on the day of your operation: arrival, what happens step‑by‑step, being dropped off and collected, and discharge.
Surgery Day
Know what to expect on the day of your operation: arrival, what happens step‑by‑step, being dropped off and collected, and discharge.
Hour‑by‑Hour (Typical)
- Arrival and check‑in at reception
- Admission checks, change into gown, consent confirmation
- Meet anaesthetist and consultant
- Transfer to theatre for anaesthesia and surgery
- Recovery room monitoring
- Return to room prior to safe discharge, with instructions
Dropping Off & Collecting You
Someone is welcome to come with you to drop you off, and to collect you and take you home. They will not be with you in the clinical area. While they wait, there is a relaxing reception area, and local amenities include a Morrisons within walking distance and shops and cafes a short drive away.
Discharge Process
- Review of medications and pain control
- Wound and dressing care explained
- Aftercare instructions and emergency contacts provided
- Follow‑up appointments arranged
- Escort home arranged (no driving yourself)
Before You Go Home
Before you leave, the nurse looking after you will make sure you have everything you need, including:
- Your painkillers, the nurse will go through them with you
- Your follow-up appointment card and our contact details
- Wound care and garment guidance for your procedure
- Someone to take you home, and a responsible adult with you for the first night
Checklist
- Arrive one hour before your surgery, at the time given in your admission letter
- Wear comfortable, loose‑fitting clothing
- Remove all jewellery and piercings
- Follow fasting instructions
- Gynaecomastia patients: your compression vest is included and provided by the hospital
- Someone can come with you to drop you off and collect you, and to take you home (they will not be with you in the clinical area)
What to Expect
- Admission and checks
- Meet your anaesthetist and consultant
- Transfer to theatre and surgery
- Recovery area monitoring
- Return to room prior to safe discharge
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I be in hospital?
Waterfront is a day surgery hospital, so you go home the same day. How long you are with us varies by procedure; the team will tell you your approximate discharge time.
Can someone stay with me?
Someone is welcome to drop you off and collect you, but they will not be with you in the clinical area. They can wait in our reception area or use the local amenities nearby, and we will let them know when you are ready to go home.
What should I wear home?
Loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on, such as front‑opening tops and elasticated waistbands.
Next Steps
- Fast as instructed and arrive at the time in your admission letter
- Bring your medicines in their original packaging (gynaecomastia patients: your compression vest is provided)
- Go home with your responsible adult, who stays with you overnight
- Follow your discharge instructions; call the nurse advice line with any concerns in the first days
Need Help?
For the first days after your surgery or procedure, for advice only. Day surgery, closed overnight.
Continue to the next stage:
Post-Surgery