Inpatients
A few days before you come into hospital, please check your admission letter carefully. It contains important details such as where to go when you arrive, and whether you need to bring anything specific – like a urine sample.
If you are having an operation under general anaesthetic, it is essential to follow fasting instructions to prevent complications such as vomiting. The length of time you’ll need to fast will depend on your procedure and will be explained either in the patient information provided before your appointment or by the nursing team if you’re already on the ward.
If, in the three days leading up to your admission, you have experienced any of the following, please call the number on your admission letter to discuss whether it’s safe to proceed with your treatment:
- Exposure to infections such as chickenpox, measles, mumps, or rubella
- Symptoms of these or other contagious illnesses
- A cough, cold, or any breathing or chest problems
It’s also a good idea to phone the hospital ahead of time using the number on your letter to confirm that everything is ready for your arrival.
On the day, bring your admission letter and write down any questions or concerns you may have – this helps ensure we address everything that’s important to you.
Outpatients
Please check your appointment letter carefully – it will tell you which hospital to attend, which clinic to report to, and any specific instructions for your visit.
When you arrive
- Report to the reception desk shown on your appointment letter
- Present your letter or appointment card so the receptionist can check you in
- You’ll be asked to confirm your personal details—it’s important we have your correct address, postcode, and your GP’s details
Once checked in, you’ll be asked to take a seat in the waiting area until the doctor or healthcare professional is ready to see you.
To help make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible, here are a few useful tips and options:
- Bring someone with you: You’re welcome to bring a family member, friend, or carer for support during your appointment
- Flexible appointment options: In some cases, appointments can be offered by phone or video instead of face-to-face. We may also be able to reschedule your appointment for a more convenient time. Please let us know in advance if you would prefer this
- Help with travel: If you need support with travel or travel costs, you may be eligible for assistance. Find out more about patient transport
Your appointment time
Please aim to arrive no more than 10 minutes before your appointment unless your letter says otherwise. We do our best to see patients promptly—most are seen within 30 minutes of their scheduled time—but delays can sometimes occur due to:
- Emergency cases being prioritised
- Doctors needing to spend additional time with some patients
- Late arrivals or unexpected clinical issues
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the slot to another patient.
Day case patients
If you are coming in as a day patient, you will have a procedure or operation that allows you to go home the same day after a short recovery period. Our aim is to make your stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible, while ensuring your safety throughout your visit.
Before you arrive
- Check your admission letter for instructions, including where to go and any preparations needed
- Phone the hospital on the day of your admission (number provided on your letter) to confirm that your procedure is going ahead and a bed is available
- If you have a cough, cold, or recent illness, call the admissions team or ward for advice before travelling
Preparing for surgery
To help your procedure and recovery go smoothly:
- Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after your surgery. Do not use public transport
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least two days before your anaesthetic
- Follow all fasting instructions – you may be asked not to eat or drink before your operation
- Shower or bathe on the morning of your surgery
- Remove all makeup, nail polish, and jewellery. If you wear contact lenses, you may need to remove them
- Do not bring valuables with you
- If you have questions or concerns, write them down and bring them to ask your care team
When you arrive
- Go directly to the ward listed in your admission letter
- Bring your admission letter and present it at reception
- A relative or friend is welcome to accompany you during admission
After your procedure
If you have had a general anaesthetic or sedation, you will first recover in a monitored recovery area before being transferred to the ward. Once you are fully awake and feeling well, you’ll be offered a drink and snack.
You will usually stay for a few hours after your procedure. Once nursing staff are satisfied with your recovery, you’ll receive advice on how to care for yourself at home and be discharged.
A safe and smooth return to home is an important part of your recovery, read advice on preparing to return home.
Remember: You must have someone to collect you and stay with you for at least 24 hours if you have received sedation or a general anaesthetic.