If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will be transferred to a
recovery area, where you will be monitored until you are sufficiently
recovered to be transferred to the ward.
In the ward
area, the nurses will continue to monitor your condition. When you are
fully recovered you will be offered a drink and snack. You will usually
have to stay for at least a couple of hours after your procedure.
If
your nurse is happy with your progress, you will be advised of how to
look after yourself when you are at home and you will be discharged.
When you leave hospital
Before you leave hospital, staff will help you to plan your departure and will give you advice on how to take care of yourself.
You may need details about your condition, medication and the treatment that you will need once you are back at home. Depending on your diagnosis, dieticians, occupational therapists and physiotherapists may be available to help before you leave the hospital.
Staff will also tell you about follow up appointments, rehabilitation and support services that can help with problems you may have after leaving hospital. Sometimes patients need help with health and social care after leaving hospital. A social worker will visit you if you have additional needs once you are back at home.
Don’t forget to ask your nurse for any medical certificates you need and any valuables you handed in for storage before you go.
We also recommend that if you are a day patient and having any form of sedation that you arrange for someone to take you home.
Appliances
The hospital loses thousands of pounds each year through patients not returning appliances. If you are supplied with a walking aid, wheelchair or crutches, please return these to the Outpatient Department when you have finished with them.
