Patients FAQs

​SWLEOC works in accordance with the national waiting list target guidelines. Once your GP has referred you to the SWLEOC, you can expect to wait up to 18 weeks for a routine operation.

​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 come into SWLEOC on the day of your operation. 4 days before your planned surgery date, a member of the pre-theatre team will call you between 3pm and 6pm to go through your admission details. These details can be found in the Patient Information Pack, which you are given prior your Pre-Assessment.

​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.