Kemerton day surgery unit and surgical admissions suite

We care for females undergoing a variety of surgical procedures including gynecological, breast, vascular surgery, urology, colorectal and general surgery. In times of escalation, Kemerton may be used to house inpatients and in these times female patients will be contacted to attend a different unit.

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 nurses.

Kemerton is open weekdays from 7:30am to 9:00pm. The unit is located in Centre Block at the front of the hospital and can be accessed via the Main Pillars entrance on Sanford Road. The unit is on the first floor and can be reached on the same level as the main entrance. The nearest car park is the main Sanford Road car park.

What to expect

On arrival to Kemerton, 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. An anaesthetist will come and see you before you go to the 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

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.
• Any rings or piercings that cannot be removed will need to be covered with tape.
• Bring comfortable clothes to wear home, a dressing gown and slippers, and something to keep you entertained, like a book or magazine.
• 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 that is not gluten-free and we 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

Before you can go home, we will:

• check you’re comfortable and check your dressings
• check you can walk to the toilet and pass urine (pee)
• give you painkillers and tell you how often you need to take them
• explain what to expect when you go home
• give you a follow-up appointment at an outpatient clinic, if needed

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