Day Surgery Unit
Anaesthetic
Anaesthetic
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Local & General Anaesthetic
Whether you are having a local or general anaesthetic, you will be seen by the operating surgeon before going to theatre.
You may feel that you have to answer the same question several times, however this is very important to ensure your safety.
Local Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic will be administered by the surgeon.
You will be awake in the operating theatre but there will be a member of staff assigned to care/chat with you. It may sound strange but it is quite a relaxed atmosphere.
General Anaesthetic
You will be greeted in the anaesthetic room by the anaesthetist and the anaethetist's assistant. You will be asked various questions; this will enable us to confirm your identity, the procedure you are about to have and that you have been properly consented.
If you have any questions at this time please feel free to ask, we are here to care for you.
We will also check that all safety precautions have been taken i.e. you have not eaten for 4-6 hours prior to surgery. Once we are satisfied with our questions the anaesthetist will insert a small tube into the back of your hand. Please see patient info sheet.
You may feel that you have to answer the same question several times, however this is very important to ensure your safety.
In Theatre
In theatre a multidisciplinary team will look after you. There may be up to 7 staff in theatre just looking after you.
Your dignity and confidentiality are very important to us; we treat all patients as if they were our own family.
Waking up
After your operation you will be taken to the Recovery Ward. Here you will 'come to' if you have been asleep. The nurses here are highly specialised and trained in this area of nursing.
Initially they will observe you and record your vital signs every 5 minutes, They will also ensure that you have the required painkillers and are ‘comfortable and safe’ before you return to the ward.
Patient Information
Please contact us on 01225 82441 if you need this information in easy read, large print, braille or audio format
If you need a General Anaesthetic