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What process should I follow when a Patient presents with an infected wound?
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Take a wound swab
Contact the Operating Consultant via his Secretary, for an outpatient appointment.
Do not start Patient on antibiotics.
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Why does Pre-Assessment take so long? |
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Pre Assessment takes four to five hours. This may seem a long time but many things are happening during that time, such as your patients education classes by the Physios and Pharmacists. Your patient will have a thorough check by the Advanced Nurses to insure that they are fit for your surgery. These checks include taking a medical history, a blood and urine test, X-ray, heart rhythm trace and planning your patients discharge from the centre, so that they can take an active part in their own recovery from the beginning of our partnership.
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How long does my patient have to wait after their operation before they can drive or fly? |
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This can vary on patient and procedure, but on average you should be able to drive after 6 weeks and fly after 3 months.
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Can your patient eat on the day that they come for their Pre-Assessment? |
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Your patient must eat on the morning that you come in for Pre-Assessment, and bring a healthy snack with them. (We provide water, tea and coffee.) This is not to be confused with coming in for Surgery, when they must not eat on their Surgery day. The theatre staff will advise your patient of these details when they phone two days prior to their surgery.
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What time shouild your patient come in for their operation? |
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Your patient comes in to the Centre on the day of their operation. 24 to 48 hours before their planned surgery date, a member of the Theatre team will call your patient between 3pm and 6pm to go through their admission details. These details can be found in the Patient Information Pack which yourpatients are given when they come for their Pre-Assessment.
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When will my patient go home after their operation? |
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Most patients go home between three to five days after their operation, when the Therapy team assess them as being able to walk safely using an appropriate walking aid, manage the stairs if needed and managing their personal care independently. The nursing and medical staff ensure that your patients are fit for discharge.
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What arrangements are made for the patient on discharge?
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The discharge co-ordinators make referrals to Intermediate Care teams, Social Services, Age Concern, Warfarin Clinics etc as appropriate. If there are any issues, contact:
Discharge Coordinators
Derby Ward
Sara Sargent and Dawn Clifford, available 0800 until 1600, Monday to Friday on 01372 735840.
Oaks Ward
Kaye Benjamin and Jacquie Kenney, available 0800 until 1600, Monday to Friday on 01372 735850
Physiotherapy
Derby Ward
from 0800 until 1600 on 01372735843
Oaks Ward
from 0800 until 1600 on 01372735853.
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Who is responsible for wound care on discharge? |
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So long as the wound is healing well and is not red and oozing, it is best left alone. We will give your patient a couple of spare dressings in case they need them. Your patient needs to make an appointment to see the nurse at your surgery 10 to 14 days after their operation so that she can remove their stitches or clips, and check their wound.
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Will Physiotherapy be required after discharge? |
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Some patients do require ongoing physiotherapy after their discharge. If it is required we will organise this on a local outpatient basis in your area. Some patients who have done very well post operatively just need a home exercise programme set by our Physio team.
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