Our Centre treats patients who do not need to stay in hospital overnight.

Information for patients and carers

Day Surgery Centre

www.kch.nhs.uk

Confirming your identity

Before you have a treatment or procedure, our staff will ask you yourname and date of birth and check your ID band. If you don’t havean ID band we will also ask you to confirm your address.

If we don’t ask these questions, then please ask us to check.Ensuring your safety is our primary concern.

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ContentsGetting to King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill 3Admissions contact information 4Getting ready for your procedure 4What to expect during your stay 7Who do you contact to find out when I can be taken home? 9What happens before your procedure? 9What happens after your procedure? 11Leaving the Day Surgery Centre 12When you get home 12Advice for carers 13Who can I contact with queries and concerns? 14

Please take some time to read this booklet. It aims to make your visit to the centre as comfortable and safe as possible and has important information about:

• howtoprepareforyourtreatment• whattoexpectduringyourvisit• yourdischargehome• theresponsibilitiesofyourcarer–thepersonwhoisgoingto

take you home and look after you if you need support after your procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please phone the Day Surgery Centre on 020 3299 3483.

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Getting to King’s College Hospital, Denmark HillPublic transportWe have good public transport links so please consider travelling to King’s by train or bus. The hospital is about a five-minute walk from Denmark Hill railway station and a number of buses stop directly outside the hospital.

We are on bus routes: 35, 40, 42, 45, 68, 176 (24-hour), 185, 345 (24-hour), 468, 484, N35, N68.

For more information about getting to King’s by public transport, visit the Transport for London (TfL) website: www.tfl.gov.uk

ParkingThere is limited parking in the main hospital car park on Caldecot Road and in the local area. There is a small drop-off/pick-up point near the main entrance of the Day Surgery Centre but no other parking.

For more information about getting to and around King’s, visit our website: www.kch.nhs.uk

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Admissions contact informationPlease phone the Admission’s Officer appropriate to your procedure on one of these direct line numbers:

Anaesthetics/Pain Admission: 020 3299 1027Breast Admission: 020 3299 3085Dental, Adult Admission: 020 3299 3783/5025Dental, Children Admission: 020 3299 3783/5025Endoscopy, Children Admission: 020 3299 3075General Surgery, Adult Admission: 020 3299 3170General Surgery, Children Admission: 020 3299 7731Gynaecology Admission: 020 3299 4045/3733Orthopaedic Admission: 020 3299 4609 (upper limbs) 020 3299 3122/3303 (lower limbs)Ophthalmology Admission: 020 3299 3606/2861Urology Admission: 020 3299 1155Vascular Admission: 020 3299 7634/2509Paediatric Gastroenterology: 020 3299 5633Respiratory, Children Admission: 020 3299 3024

If you do not come in for your procedure or do not phone usbeforehand to tell us you cannot make your appointment, you risk being taken off our waiting list.

Getting ready for your procedureOn the day of your operation – fasting/nil-by-mouth instructionsYou must fast (go without food or drink) for a set period of time before your surgery. This includes eating mints or chewing gum. If there is food or liquid in your stomach when you are given the anaesthetic it could come up to the back of your throat and enter your lungs and cause severe injury. Your operation will be cancelled if you do not follow these instructions. We will explain exactly what to do if you need to fast, including when to start.

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If you are having a general anaesthetic, IV sedation or a block:• Formorning surgery, coming to hospital for 7.30am: do not eat after 1.30am. You can drink clear, still (not fizzy) water only

until 5.30am.

• Forafternoon surgery, coming to hospital for 12.30pm: have a light breakfast of toast or cereal with tea or coffee before 7.30am and do not eat afterwards. You can drink clear, still (not fizzy) water only until 11am.

If you are given a different time to come into hospital for morningor afternoon surgery, you must still follow these fasting guidelines.

If you are having a local anaesthetic:

Have a light meal (such a toast, cereal, sandwich or soup) two hours before your appointment time. Eat or drink nothing else after that.

If your nurse has any further fasting instructions for you, they will be noted here:

It is important to follow the instructions below, depending on when you are due to have your surgery.

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You must not smoke on the day of your operation.

Please keep taking all of your usual medications with a small sip of water before 5.30am, unless the nurse at your pre-assessment has told you otherwise.

Stop taking the following medications:

It is very important to follow all the instructions we give you. If you do not, we may have to cancel your procedure on the day.

Please remember to:• arrangearesponsibleadulttotakeyouhomebytaxiorcar,not

public transport.• arrangearesponsibleadulttolookafteryouafteryourprocedure.• provideacontactphonenumberfortheresponsibleadultwhois

going to take you home, so that we can contact them if necessary.• arrangechildcareforyourchildren.

Before you come in you must:• haveashowerorabath• removeallmake-up,nailvarnish,piercingsandartificialnails.

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Please bring with you:• anytablets,medicinesorinhalersthatyouaretaking/using• somethingtohelpyoupassthetimesuchasabook,magazines,

crossword puzzles or knitting• yourglasses/contactlensesandcase• dentalpotstotakeoutanyfalseteeth.

Please bring only essential items with you to hospital for your belongings storage space is limited.

For your own comfort, you may like to bring with you a dressinggown and slippers and toiletries to freshen up after your surgery.

ValuablesPlease do not bring in valuables, jewellery, large sums of money or credit cards or electronic devices, as we do not have the facilities to lock them away. If you cannot avoid bringing in valuables, please ask your relative or friend to look after them for you.

Mobile phonesYou can use them for essential calls only and they should be kept onsilent mode at all times.

What to expect during your stayHow long will I have to wait for my procedure once I arrive?The order of the operating list is not decided until the day you are admitted and you might have to wait some time before you have your procedure.

You should expect to spend most of the day with us as you will need some time to recover after your procedure.

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Is there single-sex accommodation?We have open-plan wards with single-sex accommodation. The bed spaces are separated by curtains to give you some privacy.

If you want to discuss your treatment in a more private place, please ask a senior member of staff.

Can someone stay with me during my visit?Unfortunately your relative/friend will not be able to accompany you beyond reception.

Relatives, friends and escorts are welcome to use the waiting areas in the Golden Jubilee Wing, opposite the Day Surgery Centre. We also have a number of restaurants and cafes. See King’s College Hospital’s site map at the back of this booklet for more information.

Carers can stay during your visit if they are directly involved with your daily care, for example, if you have learning difficulties and/or a disability. The carer must leave the ward while you are in theatre.

Who do you contact to find out when I can be taken home?Please ask the person who is taking you home to phone the DaySurgery Centre on 020 3299 3483 to check when you will be readyto be picked up.• Formorningappointments,theyshouldphoneafter11.30am• Forafternoonappointment,theyshouldphoneafter3.30pm.

We may ring them before these times if you are ready to go home earlier. When they arrive, they must first report to the reception desk.

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What happens before your procedure?We will give you a specific time to arrive for your procedure –pleasebeontime.

When you arrive, come to the Day Surgery Centre reception area. One of our receptionists will check and confirm your personal details. You may spend a little time in the reception area before being seen by one of our nurses.

The nurse will take you to an admission area to fill in a checking/safety questionnaire.

They will give you a hospital identity bracelet to wear. This has your name and details on it. If you are allergic to anything such as certain foods, medications or latex, please tell the nurse and they will give you a red bracelet.

You must wear the identity bracelet all the time you are in the Day Surgery Centre. They are important parts of our safety procedures and help us to do things such as checking that you are given the right medicines.

The nurse may weigh you, and will take your temperature and blood pressure. If needed you will be given stockings to wear - these will help prevent you getting clots in your legs.

You will be asked to put on a cotton hospital gown. Depending on the procedure you are having, you can keep your underpants on. Please let us know if your religion requires you to keep your head covered.

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You will be asked to remove all jewellery, body piercings and contact lenses.Youcankeepyourweddingringon–thiswillbecoveredwith tape. Hearing aids can be worn, if needed.

Your surgeon and anaesthetist will then examine you and explain your procedure. If you are having an operation on a particular part of your body, they may mark it with an arrow.

The nurse will double check your personal details before taking you to the operating theatre.

ConsentWe must by law obtain written consent to any operation and many other procedures beforehand. Staff will explain all the risks, benefits and any alternatives before they ask you to sign a consent form. If you are unsure about any aspect of the treatment proposed, please do not hesitate to ask to speak to a senior member of staff again.

All of our patients are important to us and we will always make time for you. Please feel free to ask questions at any time and tell us if anything is troubling you.

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What happens after your procedure?If you had a general anaestheticYou will be taken to the recovery area, where you will start to wake up. Your pulse and blood pressure will be taken regularly and someone will be watching over you.

At first you will feel drowsy. You may also feel sick and, depending on the type of procedure you have had, you may feel a bit sore around the site of your operation.

Your throat may feel a little dry and a bit sore because you had atube put into it to help you breathe while you were asleep. Once youare awake and alert, you will be taken back to the ward area. You will be able to fully wake up and have a hot drink and biscuits before going home.

How long it takes to recover varies. It could take anywhere between one–sixhours.Thenursewilladviseyouwhenitissafeforyoutoleave.

If you had a local anaestheticYou will be taken back to the ward area. You will be offered a hot drink and biscuits before going home.

Rarely, you may be admitted to the main hospital because you need help managing pain or because there were problems during your procedure.

Please note: how long you need to spend recovering depends on you and the procedure you have had. Our nurses will advise you when you are safe to leave.

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Leaving the Day Surgery CentreA responsible adult must take you home by car or taxi when you are readytobedischargedfromKing’s–publictransportisnotsuitable.

Please read the patient information leaflet given to you at your pre-assessment appointment for advice on aftercare and what to expect over the next few days. If you do not have this leaflet, please ask one of our nurses for a copy.

We will give you a copy of your discharge letter. Your GP should receive a copy electronically.

You will be given written discharge advice to take home with you after your procedure. If you or your relative have any questions before you leave for home, please speak to one of our nurses.

Your medicinesIf we prescribe you any tablets or medicines, we usually give you enoughforthree–sevendays.Ifyouneedtocontinuetreatment,we will advise you to visit your GP to arrange this. The letter to your GP will contain details of the medications we have given to you. Please have a supply of regular pain relief tablets at home.

Follow-up outpatient appointmentIf you need an outpatient appointment after your procedure, either we will give you an appointment date and time before you leave or post the appointment letter to you.

When you get home – general adviceYou may feel tired, so only do as much as you feel able. Please follow the specific advice we give you about taking your prescribed medication, including painkillers.

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Try to arrange help with bathing or showering as you may feel light-headed when getting out of the bath or unsteady on your feet in the shower.

If you had a general anaesthetic:• donotusemachineryordriveacarforthefirst48hours• drinkplentyoffluidsandeatlightmealsbutdonotdrinkany

alcohol for at least 24 hours• donotmakeanyimportantdecisionsorsignanycontractsfor at least 24 hours.

If you have had a local anaesthetic:• wewilladviseyouwhenitissafetodriveacarorusemachinery,

and when it is safe to start drinking alcohol• drinkplentyoffluidsandeatlightmeals.

Can I fly after my procedure?Please ask your surgeon for advice.

Can I drive after my procedure?Please ask your surgeon for advice

Advice for carersA responsible adult must take you home and care for you if you have had a procedure and a general anaesthetic in the Day Surgery Centre. But you may not need someone to take you home if you have had a local anaesthetic. One of our nurses will tell you whether or not someone needs to take you home.

The type of care you need at home depends on the type of surgery you had. It is important that the person looking after you (carer) understands what they need to do to make sure you are safe and well at home.

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Your carer needs to:•takeyouhomebycarortaxi,notpublictransport•staywithyoufor24hoursinyourortheirhome•helpyouwithhouseholdactivities,suchascookingandcleaning•giveyouplentyoffluidstodrinkbutnoalcohol•helpyouwithwashing/bathingandgettingdressed•makesureyoutakepainkillersregularly,asprescribed/advised•runerrandsforyou• knowcommonproblemsaftersurgeryandwhattodo,suchas

bleeding, oozing, signs of infection. Please refer to your discharge information or discuss with your nurse/surgeon.

After24–48hoursyoushouldbefeelingmuchbetterandwillneedless support and help; your carer may not need to stay overnight. You may find it useful to have their help during the daytime with things such as shopping, cooking, vacuuming and washing your hair.

Who can I contact with queries and concerns?If you have any queries or concerns after your procedure, please contact your GP. Alternatively, contact the Day Surgery Centre Tel: 020 3299 3483 7.30am–7pm,MondaytoSaturday

For urgent advice out of hours, phone NHS 111. If you cannot get through, contact your own GP or nearest Emergency Department/A&E.

Tell us what you think about our serviceWe hope that your hospital visit is pleasant. Unfortunately, there may be times when our service is not as good as it should be. If so, we need to know what went wrong so that we can put things right. We also welcome your views on what you like about our service.

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Our How Are We Doing survey helps us to improve our service for you and other patients, so please fill one in before you leave the Day Surgery Centre. Alternatively, fill in our online form on our website,www.kch.nhs.net. Search for Have your say.

If you have a comment, suggestion or complaint while you are at the Day Surgery Centre, please talk to one of our members of staff and they will try to sort things out as quickly as possible.

If you are still not satisfied or if you want to discuss an issue after you have left the hospital, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

Our staff will treat you and your visitors with respect and courtesy at all times. In turn, they expect to be able to carry out their duties without fear of verbal, physical or racial harassment or abuse. We will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour and we may refuse treatment or ask you to leave.

PALSThe Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers support, information and assistance to patients, relatives and visitors. They can also provide help and advice if you have a concern or complaint that staff have not been able to resolve for you. The PALS office is located on the ground floor of the Hambleden Wing, near the main entrance onBessemerRoad–staffwillbehappytodirectyou.

Tel: 020 3299 3601Email: kch-tr.PALS@nhs.net

You can also contact us by using our online form atwww.kch.nhs.uk/contact/pals

If you would like the information in this leaflet in a different language or format, please contact PALS on 020 3299 1844.

Day Surgery

Day Surgery Centre

PL361.10 July 2018 Urgent & Planned CareReview date July 2021 Corporate Comms: 0289