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Preparing for your Procedure Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA) Surgical Day Ward Going home

Surgical Day Ward

If you are attending the Hospital for a relatively minor procedure and are likely to go home on the same day, you may be admitted to the Surgical Day Ward. In Beaumont this is Finbar’s Ward. In St Joseph’s Hospital the Surgical Day Ward is located in Unit 1.  Your surgeon will let you know where your procedure will take place during your last out-patient appointment before the procedure.

Where should I go on the morning of my surgery?

You will receive a phone call from our scheduled care office during the week before your planned surgery. This is to confirm your admission is going ahead, and to confirm the time you should come to the hospital.

When you arrive, please check in with the admissions office opposite main reception, where we will take some details and direct you to the day surgery ward (Finbars in Beaumont, or Unit 1 in St Joseph’s Hospital).  A nurse will welcome you on arrival, make you comfortable and complete all the necessary pre-surgery paperwork. You will need to change into a theatre gown.  Before going to theatre you will meet a member of your surgical team who will answer any questions you might have. When the time comes for your surgery, a nurse will accompany you to the theatre.  

After your surgery, you will spend some time in the recovery area of theatre before you come back to the day ward to recover fully before you are discharged later that same day. You will be seen by the surgical team before you are discharged, where you can ask any questions you may have. 

Can someone come with me?

A friend or relative can accompany you. Remember, you might need someone to take you home if you have had an anaesthetic or other sedation medication – the Hospital does not provide transport home.  Due to limited space we have to ask that you bring only one person with you.

We may need to ask your relative or friend to wait outside the Day Ward during peak admission times. Your relative or friend will be given the phone number and location of the ward where you will be admitted to, so that they can find you after your operation.  There are lots of amenities close to the Hospital where your companion can spend a few hours and we will phone them once you are ready to leave the Hospital.

How should I prepare before coming to the hospital?

  • Please have a shower or bath before you come to the hospital.
  • Please do not put on any make up. Remove nail varnish, false nails, fake tan, false eyelashes contact lenses, jewellery or piercings.
  • Do not eat or drink after 12 midnight – unless otherwise instructed.
  • If you have been given any specific instructions from your surgeon or nurse specialist, please ensure you follow them prior to surgery.

What should I bring with me?

  • Reading glasses / hearing aids / dentures / prosthesis.
  • All your current medication in the original packaging (tablets, eye drops, inhalers etc.). Your medications will not be required once you are admitted to your ward after surgery and should be given to your companion.
  • Please do not bring any valuables and only bring minimal belongings with you. The Hospital does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage of patients’ valuables.
  • You may bring reading material while waiting for your procedure.
  • If you have a mobile phone or a tablet with you, please give them to your friend or relative until after your surgery is complete.
  • Your belongings will be labelled and transferred to the ward by a porter when you have gone for your surgery.
  • Dressing gown and slippers (you will be walking to theatre, if you are able).

Going to theatre

The theatre staff will contact the Day Ward to let them know when they are ready for you. A nurse will escort you to the theatre. If you are unable to walk we will provide a wheelchair/trolley. The theatre staff will greet you and go through the surgery details with you again.  

After the surgery you will stay in a recovery room for some time where you will be made comfortable before we transfer you back the ward to recover fully. The surgical team will see you again before you are discharged later that day.

Going home

Here is a checklist of things to think about before your discharge.

  • Have you arranged for a friend or relative to bring you home? 
  • If you have a wound, have you asked what care is needed?
  • Have you asked if you have stitches or clips that need to be removed by your GP?
  • Can you bathe and shower independently when you go home?
  • If there are any problems when you are discharged, who do you contact?
  • Have you got your prescription to be able to get your medication after you are discharged?
  • Have you someone who can get the medication for you?
  • Do you know what the medication is for, how often and for how long should you take it? Ask your nurse or doctor and they will explain.
  • Have you got a letter for your doctor or public health nurse?
  • Do you need an outpatient appointment or any follow-up care?
  • Do you need a medical certificate for your employer?
  • Have you got all your belongings?

How can I contact the day ward

If you are unable to attend for your day procedure or are delayed please contact the admission office on 01 809 2944/2176/3355.

  • Finbars Day Ward in Beaumont Hospital can be contacted at 01 8092826
  • Unit 1 in St Joseph’s Hospital  can be contacted at (01) 877 4916

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