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Preparing for Admission to hospital

  • Updated

To achieve the best possible outcome from your journey with us please  follow this guidance.

Medications

For your safety, our clinical team needs to know about all medication that you are currently taking. This includes prescribed and over the counter (not prescribed) medication. On the day of admission, please bring along all your  medication including the packaging.

 

You may get written advice regarding medications at your pre-operative assessment, please ensure you follow any direct requests from the clinical team.

 

If you have any questions about stopping your medication please contact your GP for advice.

 

If you are on blood thinning medication like Warfarin, you may need to stop  this for a short period before your procedure - please contact your GP prior to your appointment.

 

Before You Come In

Please follow all preoperative fasting instructions provided in your admission letter prior to coming in,     failure to follow these will result in your surgery being cancelled.

  • If you drink alcohol, refrain from doing so for 24-48 hours before your admission. If you need further advice or help with this, please discuss with your GP
  • If you smoke, it is strongly advised that you stop smoking as soon as you have a date for Advice to help you stop smoking is available on request. Please be aware, there is a strict Smoke-Free policy in operation in Kingsbridge Private Hospital and its grounds (e-cigarettes and vaping are also prohibited)
  • Please ensure that you have let us know about medications that you take, and that you have followed the advice of your Consultants or GP, especially if you are taking blood thinning medication or are on oral contraception
  • You will need support from a family member or friend for getting home from hospital following discharge, please organise before you come into hospital
  • You may need support at home in the days following your discharge, please organise this in advance of your coming into hospital, especially if you live alone
  • Let us know if you require specialist services and/or equipment (including an interpreter)

 

For Your Safety

The following items must be removed before surgery:

  • All types of jewellery including rings from fingers and toes
  • Contact lenses
  • Make-up
  • Nail polish/gel nails
  • All piercings including body piercings
  • Chains/necklaces
  • All hair extensions g. “micro-loop” (metal bead) hair extensions
  • Watches
  • Bracelets
  • Spacers
  • Bangles
  • Religious/sacred medals

 

It is important to follow the above instructions regarding the removal of jewellery, make-up and hair extensions. This is to prevent burns, choking or other injuries to patients and staff. Failure to remove items listed above may  result in your surgery being cancelled.

 

 

Infection Prevention and Control

Handwashing is the single most important action you can take in the prevention and control of infection in hospitals and in the community.

Please ensure that you and anyone accompanying you, including your visitor’s complete handwashing. There are handwashing facilities in each ward  area and patient bedroom. Alcohol hand gels are provided throughout the hospital, inside and outside of each patient bedroom. Hands must be washed before entering and leaving ward areas and patient bedrooms.

 

To help reduce the risk of post operative infection, it is important that you have a shower or bath on the morning of your operation. It is important that the area to be operated on is clean and the skin intact.

 

Do not use body lotions, perfume, aftershave, make-up, false tan, deodorant, or talc on your body before you come to hospital. Please do not shave the area to be operated on.

 

Patients undergoing surgery may be asked to attend for infection screening (e.g., MRSA screening) prior to admission, this is for your safety and further information will be provided as required.

 

Please follow the infection prevention guidance provided to you in relation to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic. For further up to date information, please visit our website to view information on Keeping You Safe.

 

Please Contact Us As Soon As Possible If:

•          You have been given a course of antibiotics for any reason in the four weeks  prior to admission.

•          You are experiencing any of the following symptoms in the three days leading up to your admission – Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Cough, Cold/Flu like symptoms, generally unwell.

•          You think you may have been exposed to an infection prior to admission (e.g. Chickenpox)

 

Things You Can Do To Help:

· Adhere to handwashing guidance

· Bring moist hand wipes (for handwashing if you are unable to get up to use the wash hand basin)

· Always wash your hands before and after meals and after using the toilet

· Keep your room free from clutter to allow our domestic staff to clean your room properly

· Wear something on your feet when walking around the hospital

· Follow guidance from Nursing Staff regarding visiting. Visitors MUST not attend if they are feeling unwell and/or experiencing symptoms vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, cold/flu like symptoms, generally unwell.

 

 

 

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