On the day of your treatment
Welcome to Sulis Hospital - Your Surgery Journey
We understand that coming in for surgery can feel overwhelming, and we want to reassure you that from the moment you arrive, you’ll be in safe, caring hands. Our experienced and compassionate team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery
Please make sure to refer to your letter for your specific medication instructions and arrival time.
When you arrive at Sulis Hospital, please head to the main reception at your scheduled time. All patients arrive ahead of the morning or afternoon operating period so that you can meet their Consultant Surgeon and Consultant Anaesthetist and be admitted.
• Morning patients – 7:00 a.m.
• Afternoon patients – 12:00 noon
Our friendly reception team will check you in and then guide you to the Day Case Unit, where your journey begins.
You’ll be admitted by a nurse, who will make sure you’re comfortable and prepared for surgery.
You’ll meet your consultant and anaesthetist, who will go over your procedure and answer any last-minute questions.
Once everything is in place, you’ll be taken to the theatre.
After surgery, you’ll be moved to the Recovery Area, where you’ll be monitored closely.
Depending on your procedure:
- If you’re a day case patient, you’ll return to the Day Case Unit and aim to be discharged by 8:00 p.m. the same day.
- If you’re staying overnight as an inpatient, you’ll be taken to the ward for continued care. We aim to discharge you by 11:00 a.m. on your departure day.
Please be aware that surgery lists are predetermined, so there may be a wait for your procedure. The nursing team will keep you updated on your estimated surgery time.
During your stay, you’ll be supported by your nurse, physiotherapist, and pharmacist, who will help prepare you for a safe and smooth recovery.
Preparing for Your Surgery
You may bring one person with you for support, but they will be asked to leave during your preparation for surgery to give our clinical team space to work safely.
If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will need to organise the following:
- Someone to collect you on discharge
- Someone to stay with you for 24 hours
- You cannot travel home alone, even in a taxi or on public transport.
Medication
Please bring all your current medications in their original, labelled packaging (please do not bring a dosette box). If you have an up-to-date prescription list, please bring that as well.
Please Do Not Bring or Wear:
Gel nails, nail varnish, acrylic or fake nails
Eyelash strip lashes
Makeup (please bring your remover, if needed)
Jewellery (you will be asked to remove all jewellery before surgery)
Metal hair bands, bobby pins
Valuable electronics
Large amounts of personal items.
Family & Visitor Information
Visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Parking is available outside the hospital free of charge.
At Sulis Hospital, we are committed to making your experience as calm, reassuring, and safe as possible. Our teams are here to support you, so if you have any concerns or questions on the day of your surgery, please don’t hesitate to ask.
We look forward to welcoming you.
FAQs
To help you feel prepared, we’ve put together a list of answers to common questions about your treatment day. If there's anything else you'd like to know, our patient enquiry team is always happy to help. You can call them on 01761 422 288 or fill in the form on our enquiry page.
We know how important it is that your friends can visit you in hospital. That's why we try not to restrict visiting hours however our official hours are 8am to 8pm daily.
Visitors are welcome at any time, and the hospital is open 24 hours a day. To help you rest and recover, we do suggest that visits take place between 8am and 8pm, ensuring you get plenty of time to relax.
Yes, there is a car park located directly in front of the hospital. This is free of charge for you and your visitors.
Yes. Our 30 private bedrooms are furnished to a high standard, featuring an en-suite, walk-in shower room and pull-out guest bed - so we’re well-equipped for a partner or parent to stay overnight.
If you’d like a visitor to stay overnight, please arrange this with us in advance. There is a charge for the overnight stay and any meals provided for your visitor.
When your appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive an appointment letter. Please make sure that you read this thoroughly, as it includes important information about how to prepare for your procedure. For example, you may need to fast before your surgery.
You’ll also receive a health questionnaire. Please complete and return it as soon as possible using the provided self-addressed stamped envelope.
When you arrive we’ll check your personal and health information and go over the procedure again to make sure you feel fully informed. We'll answer any last minute questions you may have.
Your consultant surgeon will talk you through your procedure and help you complete a consent form if you haven’t done so yet. If you’re having a general anaesthetic, your consultant anaesthetist will also visit you before your procedure to discuss your anaesthetic and pain relief options.
To make your stay more enjoyable, you may like to bring some entertainment you enjoy, such as magazines, books or a tablet.
Please bring all your current medications in their original, labelled packaging (please do not bring a dosette box). If you have an up-to-date prescription list, please bring that as well.
To help you feel more comfortable, we recommend packing the following:
• Clothes you feel most comfortable wearing
• Daytime and nightwear
• Dressing gown
• Enclosed slippers
• Toiletries
• Books or magazines
• Blanket or something warm
• Light entertainment (e.g., tablet or phone – if this is your preference)
