Your stay in hospital
The prospect of going into hospital for treatment or a surgical procedure is daunting for everyone. Apart from the treatment itself, being unsure just what to expect from your stay in hospital can be a worry. At The New Victoria Hospital you can depend on all of our staff to make the whole experience as comfortable and as free from stress as possible. As part of the process, we believe that it will be of great help to you to have all the basic information about the preparations for your surgery/treatment and the care you can expect afterwards, before you come into hospital. We hope that the information which follows will help you to approach your stay at The New Victoria Hospital in a calm and positive frame of mind.
Pre-admission assessment
All patients are asked to complete a Health Questionnaire - please ensure this is returned at your earliest convenience, prior to your admission date. Failure to do so may result in your surgery/treatment being cancelled. Your consultant may wish you to have a pre-admission assessment in advance of your operation or you may need to be screened for MRSA. This assessment ensures that all pre-operative tests are completed before admission, allowing for a smooth admission on the day. Preadmission assessment is undertaken at The New Victoria Hospital by a fully qualified registered nurse.
Before coming to the hospital
Medical concerns: If you have any medical concerns relating to your admission, please contact your Consultant’s secretary.
Medication: Please continue to take your medication as prescribed, unless you have been advised otherwise. Some drugs may have to be stopped prior to surgery; please discuss this with your Consultant. The New Victoria Hospital is responsible for the safe storage of drugs during your stay. It is of vital importance that you bring all the medicines that you are taking into the hospital with you; including oral contraceptives, HRT, vitamins and natural supplements. This ensures that medicines given to you while you are in hospital do not interact with your own medicines and, therefore, compromise your surgery/treatment or safety.
Fasting: You may need to fast before your operation and you will be advised of this in your admission letter. Do not drink alcohol or smoke for 24 hours before admission.
Special needs: If you have hearing difficulties, are partially sighted or have any other special requirements, please contact The New Victoria Hospital’s Bed Booking Manager on 020 8949 9010, so that we can make necessary arrangements prior to your admission. If you are likely to need an interpreter to help you with your admission, please arrange to have one with you when you arrive at the hospital. Should this not prove possible, please notify us in advance and we will endeavour to make suitable provisions.
Arrangements for going home: You will need to make arrangements for someone to collect you by car after your surgery/treatment, or ask them to accompany you in a taxi. It is unsafe to travel by public transport after an anaesthetic/sedation, even if you are feeling well. You should also ensure someone is with you at home for at least the first 24 hours.
What to bring with you
All patients
- Please ensure you bring all relevant x-rays and scans
- If possible, you should wear glasses instead of contact lenses, which would need to be taken out before your operation
- Please bring all medications with you in pharmacy labeled bottles or blister packs
Overnight patients
- Dressing-gown and slippers
- Pyjamas / nightdress
- Toiletries, including a facecloth or baby wipes
Valuables
Please bring the minimum of valuables or cash as The New Victoria Hospital cannot accept responsibility for damage and loss. There is however a lockable drawer in your room for your use.
Do not wear any make up, nail varnish or jewellery (other than a wedding band).
