Patients FAQs
SWLEOC follows the national target guidelines for waiting times. After your GP refers you to SWLEOC, you can expect to wait up to 18 weeks for a routine operation.
The waiting times can vary between consultants and to help reduce your wait, we also offer the option to transfer your care to another consultant who may be able to schedule your surgery sooner.
You need to talk to your anaesthetist just before your surgery. There are various ways in which your anaesthetic can be changed to reduce your chance of suffering sickness.
This can vary depending on the patient and the procedure, but on average you should be able to drive after 6 weeks and fly after 3 months. You can speak to your consultant regarding this information.
You will come to SWLEOC on the day of your operation.
About 3 to 4 days before your surgery, a member of our pre-theatre team will call you to confirm your admission details and your arrival time. These details are also included in the Patient Information Pack you received before your Pre-Assessment.
The order of surgeries is arranged based on medical needs, case mix, and whether patients are suitable for same-day discharge. This determines if your surgery will be in the morning or afternoon.
Please plan to arrive at reception at the time given by the pre-theatre team.
No. Your anaesthetist ensures you don’t (unless you want to do so!)
Patients are set a number of goals to ensure they are fit and safe to be discharged. Most patients go home on the same day or 1 day after their operation. You will be ready to go home when our Physiotherapy Team assesses you as being able to walk safely using an appropriate walking aid, manage the stairs, if needed, and you are managing your personal care independently. The Nursing and Medical staff ensure that you are fit for discharge.
Provided that your wound is healing well and is not red and oozing, it is best left alone. We will give you a couple of spare dressings, in case you need them. We will help you make an appointment to see the nurse at your GP Surgery 10 to 14 days after your operation, so that any stitches or clips can be removed and your wound can be checked.
Some patients do require on-going physiotherapy support after their discharge. If it is required, we will organise this for you on an 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.
We provide transport services for patients attending appointments or surgery within specific catchment areas served by our partner hospitals, including Epsom, St Helier, St George’s, Croydon, and Kingston.
Our transport covers the following Integrated Care Boards (ICBs):
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Bromley
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Chiltern
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Croydon
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Hammersmith & Fulham
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Hounslow
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Kingston
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Lambeth
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Merton
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Richmond
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Southwark
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Surrey Downs
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Sutton
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Wandsworth
If you live outside these catchment areas, please contact your GP to assist with arranging transport.
Our transport team will contact you the day before your appointment or surgery to confirm your pick-up time.
Yes, interpreters are available for all types of appointments and surgeries to ensure clear and effective communication. This service is provided at no extra cost and is designed to support patients who need assistance with language to fully understand their care and treatment.
If you require an interpreter, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements to support you throughout your surgical journey.