Aftercare
Our medical team will inform you when you or your child are able to leave hospital. You will need to rest until the effects of the anaesthetic have passed. You may also need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic begins to wear off. You will need to arrange for someone to take you home and try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours after your operation.
- General anaesthesia temporarily affects your coordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for at least 24 hours afterwards. If you are in any doubt about driving, contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations and always follow your surgeon’s advice. Our team will advise you about any ongoing care before your departure and will arrange any medication and post-operative items that you or your child requires.
- You will receive a discharge pack with instructions and information to support your care and to make sure you are prepared for you or your child’s continuing recovery. Your nurse will give you some advice about caring for your healing wounds and a date for a follow-up appointment before you go home.
- You or your child will usually return for a review appointment one week after surgery, to ensure recovery is proceeding as expected and to remove any dressings and non-dissolvable stitches. We will discuss the best way to look after scars, to ensure the best possible outcome and will offer guidance if needed about a gradual return to normal activity and work or school.
We understand that you may require further information or some reassurance following you or you child’s procedure. We are always here for you and can be reached out of hours on 0739 7562 392 or 0207 467 3004 during normal working hours. If you have any questions or concerns once you return home, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
