Day Surgery Unit
Day Surgery Units at Weymouth and Dorchester Hospitals are self–contained units with their own theatres and ward areas.
The nursing and medical staff rotate between the two units to maintain skills and enthusiasm. This also ensures uniformity of standards of care for patients.
Information about the unit and the surgical procedures undertaken.
Contents
Also in this section:
- Advice for carers
Advice for carers of patients undergoing surgery at our unit.
General information
Our aim in the Day Surgery Unit is to make your stay as comfortable as pleasant as possible. Please read this information carefully, it is important you take note of any instructions.
There is a possibility that you will be nursed in a mixed sex unit. Please be assured your privacy will be respected and we will be sensitive to your needs.
If you have any questions or worries regarding your admission please contact us on 01305 254500.
The unit is staffed between 8am and 6pm. If you call between these hours a member of staff will be happy to talk to you.
If you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible so that another patient may benefit.
Any person under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent of guardian. The relative or friend accompanying you to the unit will be asked to call at a specific time later in the day to be given a time when you can be collected. Depending on the extent of the procedure this may be overnight. If you are unsure about this please telephone the unit for advice.
Preparing for your day
- Remember to follow the special instruction on your admission letter regarding restrictions on eating and drinking.
- Please take a bath or shower before coming to hospital.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home or take you home in a taxi.
- Arrange for a friend or relative to stay with you for 24 hours ater your operation if you are having a general anaesthetic or sedation.
- It is unwise to smoke or drink alcohol for 24 hours before your operation.
- Please remove nail varnish and excess make–up before admission.
Please bring the following items with you:
- Any medication prescribed by your GP.
- Dressing gown and slippers if you have them.
- Small change for telephone calls.
Please do not bring anything of value to the unit. If you must, please follow this advice on valuable property.
About your day
When you arrive at the unit you will be greeted by a member of staff who will direct you to the ward where your nurse will prepare you for theatre. Before you are taken to the theatre area you will be asked to sign a consent form by the doctor if you haven’t already done so.
The nature of your anaesthetic, whether simply sedation, local or general, has been chosen with your procedure in mind. You may be taken to the recovery area before being transferred back to your ward. When fully recovered you will be offered light refreshments.
Pain killing drugs will be given to you to take at home if the doctor thinks they are necessary. If you require any other tablets or medicines the doctor will write you a prescription which can be collected from a chemist.
The nurse will give you a leaflet which explains about your wound care. Any follow–up appointments will be made before you leave our unit.
The hospital car park is now pay and display. Further information on parking, and how to get to the hospital.
After your stay
For at least 24 hours after your anaesthetic or sedation do not:
- Drive a care, ride a bicycle or travel on public transport;
- Take any important decisions or sign legal documents;
- Operate machinery;
- Drink alcohol;
- Take sleeping tablets.
Please comply with any other instructions or precautions given by the staff of the unit prior to your discharge.
When you leave the unit a nurse will give you details about your operation and who to contact should you have any worries.
Other information
Theatre Manager: Mo Randall
Clinical Director: Dr. Andy Ball
Sister: Gilly Brown
Contact numbers
Dorchester Day Surgery: 01305 254500
Weymouth Day Surgery: 01305 762666
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