Preparing for hospital

Being prepared for your hospital stay will help make the whole process less stressful. Below are some things to think about in the time leading up to your operation.

Be informed
Before going for an operation it's useful to know exactly what's going to be done. Knowing what to expect will help you plan for your recovery, and may reduce any worries you have about your operation. And you'll be better placed to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or surgeon.

Have a look at our health information pages www.bupa.co.uk/health. We explain the key facts on more than 400 medical and health topics in plain English.

Medicines
In the run-up to any surgery, make sure that you follow your doctor's advice and take any medicines that you have been prescribed. If you do smoke and are having surgery, now is a good time to give up

Stop smoking
If you do smoke and are having surgery, now is a good time to give up.

Stop smoking
You probably already know that smoking can cause lung disease, heart disease, cancer and early death. Giving up is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health.

Smoking may also affect your recovery from an operation. Smokers who have surgery are more likely to develop a wound infection, or to have heart or lung complications during recovery. Smoking also slows down your healing process.

If you do smoke and are having surgery, now is a good time to give up: as well as all the other benefits quitting brings, it will help make your recovery quicker and easier.

Pre-operational assessment
You may be asked to go in for some tests before you have your surgery. This is called a pre-operation or "pre-op" assessment. It will usually happen a week or two before your operation.

The type of tests you have depend on your age and the type of surgery you're having. They might include a blood test, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a urine sample. The tests will help your anaesthetist and surgeon plan your surgery, and check that you are well enough to have it. You can discuss the operation and recovery process during this assessment and ask any questions you might have about it.

Fasting
If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will be asked to follow fasting instructions. Typically you must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anaesthetic. However, some anaesthetists allow occasional sips of water until two hours beforehand.
good preparation makes the experience easier

Children and hospitals
If your child is going into hospital it can be a worrying time

Children
If your child is going into hospital it can be a worrying time, but good preparation can help make the experience easier for you both.

It's a good idea to explain as much as he or she can understand about what is going to happen, and why. It's probably best to do this a few days before the operation is due. Use simple language, and be honest. If it's going to hurt, don't hide it, but explain how the doctors and nurses will be looking after him or her.

Make sure your child knows that the stay will only be temporary. Playing games about going to the hospital, and then coming home, will help. There are also children's books about hospital stays that are very useful for explaining what's going to happen.

Young children may only be able to understand the idea of going to hospital in very simple terms. To check that he or she understands, ask your child to explain it back to you. Ask him or her if they have any questions or if they are worried about anything. When you pack, do it together - it helps to prepare you both.

Most hospitals with paediatric wards (wards for children) will be happy to help you with any questions you have about how best to prepare your child for an operation, so don't be afraid to give them a call if you have any concerns.

Illness
If you get a cough, cold, sore throat or virus, telephone the hospital for advice before you go in; the date of your appointment may need to be changed.

Next steps

Call us

If you have any questions about what’s included in your cover call the Bupa helpline on: 0845 60 90 777* if you have a Bupa By You policy and 0845 60 90 111* for all other policies.
Search for a hospital

Use our facilities finder to find a hospital.
Hospital stay check list

Before you go in to hospital, have a look at our checklist to make sure you're fully prepared for your visit.