My stay in hospital

All questions

• Will I have my own room?

  In the majority of cases, on your return from theatre, you will enjoy the comfort of your own room, though in some facilities you may have shared areas or bathrooms. Each room also has access to WiFi, so feel free to bring your laptop with you.

  A member of our housekeeping team will service your room every day, and we will provide towels. A member of the catering team will also visit you daily to discuss your meal requirements. As our chefs cook and prepare all of the food on the premises, we are able to adapt menus to suit any special dietary needs.

• What are the risks of a general anaesthetic?

  General anesthesia is medicine you get before some types of surgery or other medical procedures, which puts you in a sleep-like state and prevents you from feeling pain.

  The use of modern anaesthetic has made many types of surgery possible. For most people, the benefits are much greater than the disadvantages. However there is still the risk of side effects and complications. 

  General anaesthetics have some common side effects. Your consultant anaesthetist will discuss this with you prior to going for surgery. Most side effects do not last long and happen immediately after your operation. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting or drowsiness.

  If you have any queries or concerns, please speak to your anaesthetist or nurse.

• What is a local anaesthetic?

  Local anaesthetic stops you feeling pain without putting you to sleep. It blocks the way nerves carry pain signals to your brain. Local anaesthetic drugs are usually only used for short, simple operations such as stitching a wound or removing a mole. Depending on the drug used, the numbing effect can last from about two to eight hours. You don’t need to make any special preparations to have treatment under a local anaesthetic. You will usually be allowed to eat and drink as normal before you arrive for your treatment. If you are unsure about this, please call the hospital.

• What is a spinal anaesthetic?

  Your consultant anaesthetist will discuss the choice of anaesthetic with you pre-operatively before your operation. For some operations, a spinal anaesthetic may be a preferred choice. Spinal anaesthesia involves an injection into your back, which will make you feel numb from the waist downwards. This means that you won’t be able to feel the operation being done. During your spinal anaesthetic, you will either be fully awake, sedated (drugs will be given to make you feel sleepy) or fully anaesthetised. This will be discussed with you and your consultant anaesthetist will be able to tell you about the options suitable for the surgery you are having and your medical condition.

• What happens if my health needs change when I'm in hospital?

  Spire is dedicated to looking after you for your care and treatment, and will therefore carefully assess you to ensure that we can provide the level of care that you need. In the unlikely event that your health needs change and are more than anticipated, we may arrange to transfer your care to another hospital. This will usually be the NHS, and very occasionally may need to be for intensive care. We would only transfer your care if this was absolutely necessary for your wellbeing and care requirements.