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You can use your phones to keep them updated until you go into the theatre area. During this time, if your Next of kin needs to be updated, the medical staff in theatres will do this.
 
After your procedure your belongings will be returned to you and you will be able to contact them to keep them updated.

If you are expecting to be admitted to the high dependency unit afterwards, the nursing staff can also assist with keeping your Next of kin updated.

A member of the anaesthetic team will introduce themselves to you on the day of your surgery. They will ask you some questions and explain what will happen. They may also be working with other anaesthetic colleagues so you may also meet more than one member of the team.

They will be available to answer any queries related to anaesthetics that you may have

If you're staying in hospital, you may wish to pack:

-a nightdress or pyjamas/dressing gown/slippers

-day clothes and underwear

-toiletries � soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, sanitary towels/tampons

-small amount of money

-medicines you normally take, and a list of the doses for each medicine

-glasses or contact lenses with case

-mobile phone & charging device

It is vital you have someone to collect you and stay with you after day surgery during the first 24 � 48 hours after your surgery.

The reasons for this are:

-You may be in pain and have limited ability to perform tasks you would otherwise normally be able to do.
-You may need to carry out wound care that may not be possible by one person alone.
-You may still be under the effects of anaesthesia and may not be able to care for yourself as normal.

You need to be fasted for 6 hours for food and 2 hours for clear fluids

Fasting is very important in order for us to carry out your procedure safely. If you have anything in your stomach whilst under anaesthetic, there is a chance it could come back up when unconscious and inadvertently go into your lungs. We minimise this risk by advising the rules on fasting prior to any anaesthetic.

Please bring all relevant documentation with you, including proof of ID so that we can confirm this in person when you come with the patient for their POA appointment.

Please ensure you are able to make decisions on behalf of the patient which means having evidence of lasting power of attorney for health and welfare or are the next of kin of the patient. This is because you may be asked to sign consent forms or take part in meetings with healthcare professionals regarding making plans which are in the best interest of the patient.

If you are not the next of kin or LPA, please contact the relevant people and arrange for them to be there at the POA appointment.
If the patient does not have either a next of kin or an LPA, please notify the hospital so that an independent mental capacity advocate (IMCA) can be arranged to attend the appointment.

 
Please contact us well in advance if you are aware of any issues or think the patient may have difficulties complying with aspects of the appointment such as blood taking, ECG or blood pressure measurement, or around healthcare anxiety, so that a plan can be made to make this as smooth a process for them as possible.

Please bring all medical correspondence, regular medication and healthcare equipment that is regularly used.