Chedworth Suite

We care for males undergoing a variety of surgical procedures including colorectal, vascular surgery, urology and general surgery. Chedworth Suite also plays host to a variety of outpatient clinics including pain management.

The unit is staffed by qualified nurses who are supported by healthcare assistants. Cathryn Braithwaite is the Senior Sister, supported by Sister Laura Cummings. The unit is overseen by a Modern Matron. Student nurses also have placements and care for patients under the guidance of qualified nurse.

Chedworth is open weekdays from 7:30am to 9:00pm.

The unit is located in Centre Block at the back of the hospital and can be accessed via the Good Samaritan statue entrance. The unit is on the first floor and can be reached using the stairs or lift. The nearest car park is the Sanford Park Lido car park.

What to expect on your arrival

On arrival at the Chedworth Suite, please report to reception. The receptionist will take your name and let the nurses know you have arrived. You will be asked to have a seat in the waiting room until the nursing staff is ready to call you through. Day surgery patients will be asked to arrive on the unit between 7:30-8:00am or between 12:00 midday-1:00pm.

Once you have been allocated a trolley, a nurse will come and introduce themselves and prepare you for theatre. This is the person responsible for your care, who you can ask questions of and who will support you through the day. If your nurse goes off shift, they will introduce you to the nurse taking over responsibility for your care. The nurse will also inform you where you are on the theatre list and give you a rough estimate of when you will go to the theatre. An exact time cannot be given as procedures vary in length. There are several theatre lists running at the same time but in different theatres so do not be concerned if you see other patients go to the theatre before you. An anaesthetist will come and see you before you go to theatre to explain the anaesthetic and how they will care for you during surgery. The surgeon or a member of their team will come and see you explain the procedure and ask you to sign the consent form

Due to Covid restrictions and the need for elective patients to isolate prior to surgery we do not currently allow friends or relatives onto the unit unless for exceptional circumstances for which prior arrangement must be made with the Senior Sister. No babies or children are allowed in the unit, so please ensure that childcare arrangements have been arranged prior to admission.

When you are admitted to our Unit

Once you have been allocated a trolley, a nurse will come and introduce themselves and prepare you for theatre. This is the person responsible for your care, who you can ask questions of and who will support you through the day. If your nurse goes off shift, they will introduce you to the nurse taking over responsibility for your care.

If you have not attended a pre-assessment clinic, the nurse will ask you some questions about your past medical history and take details of your next-of-kin and take details of the person collecting you after surgery. A name band will be put around your wrist so that all staff can identify you. A red allergy band will also be applied if you have any allergies. Any rings and piercings that cannot be removed will be covered by tape. Dentures must also be removed prior to surgery if you are having a general anaesthetic. If you are having a local anaesthetic you may keep your dentures in. You will be given a hospital gown to change into and shown where to leave your belongings and clothes.

Preparing for your surgery

• You will receive fasting information in your appointment letter. If you attend pre-assessment, written instructions will be given to you there. If this advice is not clear, please phone the ward for advice.
• Bring comfortable clothes to wear home, a dressing gown and slippers, and something to keep you entertained, like a book or magazine.
• Remove any nail varnish, jewellery or make up before you arrive.
• Leave all valuables at home, including watches, jewellery, phones and wallets. Our security facilities are limited.
• Only bring medicine you need to take while you’re with us. If you have not been to a pre-admission clinic, bring a list of your medicine with you.
• Organise for someone to pick you up after your surgery, and stay with you overnight.

Food and drink

We do not serve hot food on the day unit. You will be offered hot and cold drinks and biscuits or sandwiches when you return to the unit after surgery. If you have any specific dietary requirements, i.e. coeliac, please arrange to bring in your own food as we have a limited selection which is not gluten-free and cannot guarantee a vegetarian selection of sandwiches.

There are two restaurants as well as vending machines and the RVS shop in the hospital that provide facilities to visitors.

Going home

Please be aware that we have different surgeons operating on the same day in different theatres. Patients come to the unit for a variety of procedures and other patients will be having different procedures for you. Therefore please do not worry if you see other patients going to the theatre before you, or getting up and going home before you. This is quite normal.

Before you can go home, we will ensure you are comfortable and check your dressings. Most patients will also be required to walk out to the toilet and pass urine before discharge. This is entirely normal so do not worry if a nurse asks you to do so. We will then call the person collecting you to pick you up and give them details of where to park.

You will be expected to have painkillers at home after your procedure, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, if you are prescribed stronger painkillers these will be provided by us. They will also give you discharge instructions to follow at home. You will have received a leaflet about your operation when you attended pre-assessment, and the nurse will explain what to expect when you go home. The nurse will be able to answer any questions you have and give you the details of who to contact if you require further advice or information once home.

You may be asked to take a seat in the waiting room once you have been discharged. This is so we can prepare the unit for other patients coming in after you.

Ward Staff

General Surgeons

• Mr. Neil Borley
• Mr. Anthony Goodman
• Mr. Damian Glancy
• Mr. Mark Peacock
• Mr. James Bristol
• Mr. Keith Poskitt
• Mr. Mark Whyman
• Mr R Bulbulia
• Mr. Richard Hunt
• Miss. Eleanor Massey
• Mrs. Asmaa Al-Alak
• Miss F Court

Urologists

• Mr. Hugh Gilbert
• Mr. Okeke
• Mr. Ord
• Mr. Patel
• Mr. Eaton
• Miss. Davenport
• Mr. Henderson

Find out more about your stay with us

Questions?

Please contact the unit if you have any questions about coming in for surgery. There is a staff nurse on duty Monday to Friday 7.30 to 9pm. If you wish to speak to the ward manager or sister please phone the unit for information.