Introduction to Theatres

Your journey into theatre

Welcome to our online guide to help you prepare and understand your journey into surgery.

This site has been created to help guide you through surgery at Bradford Royal Infirmary. You will have received information through the post regarding your admission, which will include fasting instructions. It is aimed at providing you with the necessary detail so you know what to expect and to help allay any anxieties you may have.

The films we have created explain each stage of your journey from admission, going down to theatre, being in recovery and heading back to the ward prior to discharge. We hope these videos support you in understanding what to expect, who you might meet and how we look after you during your stay.

OTS logo

Outstanding Theatres Service

Our hospital supported an improvement programme in theatres to continually improve the service for both staff and patients. This microsite has been developed as part of this scheme.

Coming into hospital and admission

In this film we explain who you will meet when you come to the ward and what their roles are in relation to your care. Ward 20 is the elective day case surgical admission ward. Our contact number is 1274 364361.

Occasionally you may be placed on another ward within the Hospital if the intention is for you to remain overnight. Below are some links to help you find your way round the hospital and car parking areas.

Where to come to?

See our Getting to the hospital page.

What can I bring?

• Your admission letter
• Any medicines or inhalers that you are currently taking
• Dressing gown and slippers
• An overnight bag if required, things you might want to include are toiletries, nightwear, appropriate indoor footwear, dressing gown, sanitary products. Please try to keep these to a minimum due to storage space on the ward.

Valuables
You are responsible for your own property whilst you are on the ward. When away from the ward your property will be locked away by the nursing staff and given back to you on your return to the ward. Please do not bring in valuables such as large sums of money, expensive jewellery or credit cards.

How do I give my patient consent to surgery?

As part of the process of being ready for surgery you will be required to give your consent.  This may be in written form or electronically.  To learn more about the electronic consent process see our digital patient consent website.

Fasting information

If your operation is due to take place on a morning list-

  • It is essential that you have NOT eaten (food, sweets or chewing gum) or had milky drinks from midnight onwards. However, we would encourage you to drink clear fluids (water, squash, black tea or coffee) until 6am  on the day of your operation. Nothing more to drink after 6am.
  • Depending on your planned surgery and any health conditions you may be permitted to drink more once you are in hospital and awaiting surgery. This will be communicated to you once you are seen by the anaesthetic and surgical teams.

If your operation is due to take place on an afternoon list

  • We would encourage you to eat a small light breakfast (such as toast or cereal) before 7am, You can drink clear fluids (water, squash, black tea or coffee) until 11am on the day of your operation. It is essential that you do not eat beyond these times. 
  • Depending on your planned surgery and any health conditions you may be permitted to drink more once you are in hospital and awaiting surgery. This will be communicated to you once you are seen by the anaesthetic and surgical teams.

These are the basic fasting instructions to follow as a starting point when preparing to come in for your surgery. Depending on your procedure and/ or specific circumstance, your surgical team may give you further specific instructions, and it is important you follow these.

Learn about the anti-embolism stockings

Going down to theatre

Here we explain a patients journey down to theatre and the anaesthetic options available for being put to sleep. Once you make your way to theatre you could be anaesthetised in the anaesthetic room or in the operating theatre. Please be aware that if you are anaesthetised in theatre there will a number of staff, including your surgeon and anaesthetist around preparing for the operation and ensuring that the environment is safe and ready for your surgery. Some of the individuals you will meet are:

Theatre transfer nurse

A friendly member of our team who will ensure you get from the ward to theatre safely.

Anaesthetist

This doctor will help you to feel comfortable and administer medication prior to your operation. This may include general anaesthetic, spinal and/or local anaesthetics.

Theatre Staff

This team of individuals will support your anaesthetic and operation during your procedure.

Surgeon

This doctor performs your surgery and may be accompanied by other surgical colleagues who you may have met on the ward.

Recovery Nurse

Once your surgery is finished, this staff member helps you wake up safely and stays with you before transferring you back to the ward.

Porter

These members of staff will assist the recovery nurse in transporting you back to the ward.

Learn about the different types of anaesthesia (RCoA)

In recovery and back to the ward

Once your surgery is complete you are transferred to a recovery room where staff will help you wake up. Once you have recovered from your anaesthetic you will be transferred back to a ward.

The recovery nurse will outline your care to the ward nurse, ensuring any additional requirements for your full recovery are met.

Day Case patients

If you are expecting to just be in and out of hospital on the day of your operation then please watch this film

Inpatients

If you have been advised that your operation will require you to stay overnight in hospital after the procedure then please watch this film.

Leaving hospital

Depending on your surgery and circumstance you may remain in hospital on the ward or discharged the same day. On discharge the ward staff will ensure that you receive the relevant information, documentation and any required medication.

Should you be in a position that you require hospital transport this will be discussed with you by the ward staff. We hope you have found this site useful and that when you and your child come into our hospital for surgery you have a great experience. We’d welcome your feedback. You can leave us your comments as well as finding out about more of our support for patients by completing our feedback form below:

More information

More about our Enhanced Recovery Service (ERAS):

Hear from one of our nurse specialists along with some of your questions answered as well.

1. What in a sentence does ERAS offer patients?

ERAS offers patients the chance to be involved in their care pre and post operatively, it gives them voice to advocate for themselves and be proactive in their recovery using the knowledge provided in pre-assessment and from specialist nurses.

2. Which patients have access to ERAS?

Currently, this service is specifically for those patients undergoing colorectal, gynae and urology treatments (only cystectomy for urology).

3. How do I get in contact if I want to know more about ERAS?

Contact Sophia Kitson by email at sophia.kitson@bthft.nhs.uk or Laura Howorth on laura.howorth@bthft.nhs.uk. You can also ring us during daytime working hours on the ERAS office number: 01274 382262.