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Preparing for your Procedure Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA) Surgical Day Ward Going home

Going home after your day procedure

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 back to the day ward where 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.

You will usually be visited by the surgical team and once they or the nursing staff in the ward are 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 are ready to 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 will be seen by your Surgeon or a member of his team before we let you go home.

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 staff 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.

Here is a checklist of things to think about before your discharge.

  • Have you arranged for a friend or relative to bring you home – we do not provide transport? 
  • If you live alone you might want to arrange to have a relative or friend stay with you overnight after your discharge
  • If you have a wound, have you asked what care is needed?
  • Have you asked if you have stitches or clips that need to be removed by your GP?
  • Can you bathe and shower independently when you go home?
  • If there are any problems when you are discharged, who do you contact?
  • Have you got your prescription to be able to get your medication after you are discharged?
  • Have you someone who can get the medication for you?
  • Do you know what the medication is for, how often and for how long should you take it? Ask your nurse or doctor and they will explain.
  • Have you got a letter for your doctor or public health nurse?
  • Do you need an outpatient appointment or any follow-up care?
  • Do you need a medical certificate for your employer?
  • Have you got all your belongings?
  • Dont forget that you can always phone the ward over the few days following your discharge if you have any worries or concerns. 

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