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Before your surgery

Being ready for your surgery can help your recovery go more smoothly. This page explains what to bring, how to get to and from the hospital, where to park, and how to keep yourself as fit and healthy as possible before your operation.

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Pre-operative assessment

Before your operation, you will be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment. This is the first step in your surgery journey at West Suffolk Hospital. It helps us make sure you are safe and ready for your anaesthetic and operation. This reduces the risk of problems and helps you recover sooner, so your hospital stay is as short as possible.

You will get a letter with your appointment date and an automated phone call to remind you. The appointment may take between 45 minutes and up to three hours.

If you cannot attend, have an infection, or no longer need your procedure, please call the Pre-Admission Unit (PAU) on 01284 712810 as soon as possible.

If you have an upcoming appointment or procedure booked, please make sure you are registered with the Patient Portal. You’ll need your NHS App login details to sign up. Through the Portal you can view information such as test and laboratory results, radiology and pathology reports, your health records, allergy details and any procedures linked to your care.

Visit the Pre-Admission Unit (PAU) page to find out more about your pre-operative assessment.

What to bring for your surgery

  • Your appointment letter, if you have one
  • Medicines or tablets you are currently taking in their original containers (these must be given to the ward staff when you arrive, do not continue taking them unless asked to do so)
  • Any medical devices you are using e.g. inhaler or CPAP machine
  • Toiletries (also available from the shops in the main concourse)
  • Period pads or tampons
  • Nightwear and day clothes (only a few light clothes as storage space on the wards is limited)
  • Clean underwear
  • Well-fitting shoes or slippers with a gripped sole
  • Glasses, hearing aids or mobility aids if needed
  • Something to read or something to do whilst in the hospital
  • The telephone number of the person responsible for taking you home.

Please note that the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust does not accept responsibility for the loss of patients’ property or valuables. If you choose to bring items of value to the hospital, then you are to keep them at your own risk.

What to leave at home

  • Remove jewellery such as rings, bracelets, earrings, etc. before admission as operative procedures require these items to be removed
  • Please do not bring large amounts of cash or valuable items into the hospital if it can be avoided.

Looking after yourself before your surgery

In the weeks before your operation, there are simple steps you can take to help you be fitter and recover more quickly. Even small changes can make a difference.

If you have not had a recent medication check at your GP, book an appointment before your surgery to review conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

If you become unwell in the week before your surgery — for example, if you develop a heavy cold, chest symptoms, sickness/diarrhoea, or are prescribed antibiotics for an infection — please call the Pre-Admission Unit for advice: 01284 712810

You should also contact us if you have a flare-up of a long-term condition, such as asthma.

Visiting

If you will need to stay in hospital after your operation, please see our visiting information for details about visiting times and rules.

Let your family and friends know your surgery date as soon as possible. This will give them time to arrange any time off work or other plans so they can be with you if needed.

Transport

Normally transport will not be arranged for you by the hospital unless it is necessary because of your medical condition. Unless otherwise informed by staff or you see the words ‘transport arranged’ on your admission letter, you will need to make your own way to the hospital.

Patient transport number: 0300 999 5555

Public transport

A bus service runs to and from the Bury St Edmunds bus station. For bus timetables please visit www.suffolkonboard.com or contact 0345 606 6171. Trains run direct from Ipswich and Cambridge to Bury St Edmunds rail station. A taxi service is available directly outside the rail station or there is a bus service which runs from the rail station to the town centre bus station, connecting with services to the hospital.

Travel refunds

Patients with low income may be eligible for assistance with their travelling arrangements in accordance with the NHS Travel Expenses Reimbursement Scheme. If eligible, the Trust will reimburse the cost of up to two hours’ parking and a nominated rate per mile for a return journey to the hospital. Please enquire at the general office by calling 01284 713168.

Car parking

Find parking information

Check accessibility information