Admission for Surgery

Ward Information

If you are coming in for surgery, you will be admitted to Anwen Ward West 3, located on the ground floor of Llandough Hospital.

Ward Contact Number: 02921 824353

Please prepare for your surgery by following the fasting instructions given, taking/omitting your medication as advised and bringing your medications in with you.

We advise you bring in comfortable loose-fitting clothing/night wear, preferably with a front opening top, non-slip slippers and a dressing gown. Please don’t wear any make-up, nail varnish or jewellery, including body piercings, however if you prefer not to remove a wedding ring, we can cover this with tape on your admission.

If you are unwell in the two weeks before surgery, contact the Breast Care Nurses for advice as in some cases it is safer to postpone surgery and may prevent you being cancelled on the day of surgery.

Before You Come In

Fasting

No food or chewing gum from midnight but you can drink water. This is so your stomach is empty when you have the anaesthetic.

Medication

Take or omit your medication as advised in pre-assessment.

 Hygiene

Please shower or bathe before coming in with non-perfumed soap and avoid any body lotions, talc or deodorant.

What to Bring

• All of your medications
• Bag with personal items, comfortable clothing/night ware & slippers, toilet bag, no jewellery
• Entertainment items eg. book, tablet, phone. If you are going to listen to radio/music, please bring ear buds or headphones so you don't disturb other patients.

When You Arrive on the Ward

When you arrive at the ward the nurses will confirm your details and show you to your bed.

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown, your observations will be taken, and they will go through the questions on the pre-op checklist.

Your surgical team and anaesthetist will come to see you to explain the procedure, answer any questions you have and go through the consent procedure if this hasn’t already been done.

When it is time for your operation one of the nurses will walk with you to the theatre or take you in a wheelchair if required.

After Your Operation

On your return from theatre the nurses will regularly check your observations and wound. They will also ask how you are feeling and if you have any pain or discomfort so they can give you appropriate analgesia/medication.

Most people will be able to go home the same day, but this will depend on your operation, place on the theatre list, your recovery and home circumstances.

Before you are discharged the nurse will give you advice re wound care etc, dressing, any medications required and an appointment to be seen in the Breast Clinic, some patients also require a referral to the District Nurses.

Pre Assessment

Before having surgery or other treatment you will be asked to have a pre-assessment.

Contact Details

Pre-assessment Nurse: Claire Thomas
Contact Number: 02921 825735

 You will have an appointment in the Breast Centre, where the following will be discussed:

• Your general health, physical activity & medical history.
• Allergies & medication (prescribed and over the counter) and what to take or omit on the day of your operation or in some cases days or weeks before.
• Previous operations & anaesthetics including any problems you or your family members have experienced.
• Smoking/vaping, alcohol & recreational drug history and habits.

You will also have your observation, height & weight taken and possibly blood tests and an ECG.

Additional Assessment

If you have complex or many medical conditions or are on certain medications you may need a notes review or require an appointment with an anaesthetist to discuss your anaesthetic, associated risks and ways to reduce any risks before your operation.