Our small day surgery unit provides a very personal, friendly but professional service, mostly to the patients of Essex and Hertfordshire.
The department is utilised by both The Princess Alexandra Trust and the Primary Care Trust and is staffed by a highly dedicated and experienced team.
All the planned operations and procedures are performed under local anaesthetics, so the patient remains awake and can chat, if they wish, throughout their experience.
There is a small waiting area for a relative, carer or a friend.
Patient information
Detailed information about the procedure and a health questionnaire will be sent to the patient with their appointment. A contact telephone number will be displayed, if you have any questions prior to your procedure date. A member of the team will be happy to help with any concerns.
For some procedures the patient should not drive to and from the unit. This will be documented in the advice sheet.
The Health Questionnaire should be completed before coming to the Day Theatre, to save the patients waiting time, especially regarding medication. The patient should bring this on the day of the procedure to give to the admissions practitioner.
All our patients have to change into an operating theatre gown, so we ask that they bring a dressing gown for their own dignity. There are two changing rooms with toilets, one with disabled facilities. Clean indoor shoes (e.g. slippers) are necessary, to wear, to walk into the operating theatre. This is to minimise any bacteria entering the theatre.
Valuables should be left at home as only a very small locker is provided
Patients will have to wait in turn for their procedure, so should bring something to read or a personal music player with headphones to listen to.
Following the procedure, a drink and some biscuits are offered to the patient. A qualified member of staff sits with the patient to read the discharge advice, so the patient fully understands how to care for themselves for the next 24 - 48 hours. Any questions will be answered, regarding the visit. Once the patient has dressed, into their own clothes, they can go home immediately.
Any questions should be directed to:
01279 827240 for Flexible Cystoscopy, JJ stent removal or Plastic Surgery.
01279 827520 for Podiatry Surgical Department
