What happens in the preparation area?
A nurse will ask you a few standard safety questions. This allows us to check your file and your preparation. You can expect the following questions:
- what is your name and date of birth?
- what procedure are you here for?
- do you have any allergies?
- when did you last eat or drink?
- is an arrow marked on the correct side for surgery (if needed)?
- are you still wearing jewellery, contact lenses, hearing aids or piercings?
Do you have anything else to tell us or any questions? Please feel free to say so. We are happy to take the time to go through everything carefully.
Additional preparation
Sometimes you will receive additional preparation in the preparation area. For example:
- a locoregional anaesthetic in a separate cubicle (for some procedures)
- an IV drip with fluids so we can give medication during the operation
If, for a specific reason, you cannot have an IV placed on one side, please be sure to tell us.
For parents or carers of children
For children, we usually place the IV in the operating theatre.
One parent or carer may accompany them in the preparation area. You will be given a green gown and a cap there, so you can go with your child as far as the operating theatre.
Sometimes it may take a little while before your child can go to the operating theatre. That depends on what is happening in the operating suite at that time.