Preparing for surgery
We aim to provide the best possible care to all of our patients undergoing surgery or procedures. We hope to help our patients make the best choices to get fit for surgery and recover faster. To help us achieve this and to have a meaningful benefit, work needs to start ahead of admission to hospital.
There are five areas that are important in successfully recovering from a procedure: stopping smoking, undertaking physical activity, achieving a healthy body weight, reducing alcohol consumption and managing ongoing medical problems.
We hope you can use the resources provided to give you the best chance of successful surgery and a quick recovery. Our aim is to get you back home fitter and faster, but we can’t do this without your help.
Some patients are also referred to our dedicated Prehabilitation Service for people living with cancer and due to undergo surgery as part of their treatment. The service offers a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing and can inspire you to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Cancer pathway patients may want to access the Nottingham Macmillan Information and Support Service based at Nottingham City Hospital and Queens Medical Centre. The service provides a free and confidential drop-in service for anyone affected by cancer. Macmillan Information and Support Service | NUH
You may also want to access a useful leaflet and video produced by The Royal College of Anaesthetists to help patients prepare for their surgery.
Preparing for surgery – Fitter Better Sooner | The Royal College of Anaesthetists (rcoa.ac.uk)