Preparing for Surgery
What to do before your procedure and on the day itself
Use this guide to prepare properly for surgery, understand what to bring, and avoid the common issues that can delay or complicate treatment on the day.
Surgery Preparation
Prepare early so the day itself runs smoothly
From fasting and medication to arrival and discharge planning, the aim is to make sure you come in ready and informed.
Day
Case Care
1:1
Nursing Support
Private
Recovery
On-Site
Pharmacist
Before The Day
The key things to sort before you arrive
Preparation matters. Fasting, medication planning, practical arrangements, and following your consultant instructions all help keep the procedure safe and avoid cancellation.
Follow all pre-operative instructions from your consultant carefully.
Bring all of your current medication in original packaging if advised to do so.
Make sure your journey home and any post-procedure support are arranged in advance.
What to expect when you arrive
The hospital team will guide you through the admission process, clinical checks, consultant review, and final preparation before treatment.
Arrival and check-in
On arrival, the nursing team will welcome you, confirm your details, and guide you into the pre-operative process.
Pre-operative assessment
Your vital signs and relevant checks are completed, and any final questions about medication or symptoms can be raised.
Consultant and anaesthetic review
Your consultant and, where needed, the anaesthetist will review the procedure and make sure you understand the plan before consent is confirmed.
Procedure and recovery
After treatment, you recover under nursing supervision and receive discharge guidance before going home.
Pathway Support
Useful reminders
Bring any instructions, letters, or medication details you were asked to bring.
Ask questions before the procedure if anything is unclear.
Do not drive yourself home after sedation, anaesthesia, or invasive treatment.
The preparation details that matter most medically
Bring current medication
Bring all current medication with you if asked, including original packaging, so the team can review it safely.
Follow fasting instructions exactly
Failure to follow fasting guidance can mean your procedure cannot go ahead, even if you otherwise feel well.
Important medication alert
If you are taking blood-thinning medication or anything you think may affect surgery, please contact your GP or call us before the day of your procedure. This is important for your safety and may affect planning.
Before you come in
Remove all jewellery before arrival
Remove nail polish, gel nails, and make-up
Do not wear contact lenses into theatre
Remove watches, spacers, and hair extensions
Arrange for someone to accompany you home
Follow all fasting instructions exactly as given
Arrange someone to take you home
If sedation, anaesthesia, or invasive treatment is involved, you should not plan to travel home alone or drive yourself home.
Questions Before Surgery?
If anything about your preparation is unclear, call +44 (0) 28 7116 5790 and our team will help you check the right next step before the day of your procedure.