Before surgery, your consultant will:

• Carry out a physical check-up to ensure you're fit for surgery

• Discuss the procedure with you, including risks and expected outcomes

• Provide a consent form for you to sign (this is required for surgery and anaesthetic)

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If anything is unclear, ask questions — we’re here to help.

Before your surgery, you will have some pre-admission checks. These checks help make sure you are safe for surgery and allow the team to plan your care.

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You may be contacted by:

• The anaesthetist or their team

They will talk with you about your health and medical history. You may be asked to come in for an appointment or have extra tests.

• A pre-assessment nurse from Grace Hospital

They will ask about your health, previous surgery or anaesthetic experiences, and explain what will happen on the day of surgery.

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You may also need some routine tests, such as:

• Blood tests

• A urine test

• An ECG (heart tracing) or X-ray, if needed

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Please make sure you tell them about:

• Any medicines you take (including inhalers, creams or patches)

• Blood-thinning medicines

• Vitamins, herbal or natural supplements

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Some medicines may need to be stopped or adjusted before surgery. If this applies to you, you will be given clear instructions.

To support your recovery, we recommend:

• Staying well and avoiding illness before surgery

• Stopping smoking at least two weeks prior

• Reducing or stopping alcohol, which can affect anaesthesia

• Treating any infections (including dental issues) before admission

• Managing your weight as best as you can, especially if mobility is limited