Discharge

On the day of discharge our team will ensure you are ready and safe to go home, by monitoring your recovery, giving you clear post‑surgery instructions and coordinating transport with your nominated carer.

You will remain in recovery for approximately two to three hours, during which time we monitor your vital signs and offer light refreshments before you leave .
If a cannula was removed, the site may feel bruised for up to one week and the dressing can usually be removed within a few hours; if you notice any swelling, pain, redness or discharge, please contact your local GP .
You will be given personalised post‑surgery instructions on discharge, covering wound care, eye protection, prescribed medications and any follow‑up appointments .
Your carer should accompany you home by private car or taxi and stay with you overnight to assist with mobility and ensure your safety, as anaesthetic effects can persist even if you feel recovered .
Take extra care when walking, especially if one eye is covered or you are on pain relief; your carer can support you on steps, help you balance and encourage you to rest as needed .
We encourage you to resume gentle activity soon after discharge to reduce the risk of blood clots; staying mobile, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding crossing your legs can help .
Should you experience sudden severe pain or swelling in your legs, chest pain or difficulty breathing, please alert our nursing staff immediately or seek emergency care if these symptoms occur after you arrive home .
Before you leave you’ll be invited to complete a short patient satisfaction survey; your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve our care .

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of our most frequently asked discharge questions

What happens immediately after my surgery?

You will be taken to the recovery area where our nursing staff monitor your vital signs and offer light refreshments. The length of your stay depends on your procedure, but most patients remain in recovery for around two to three hours before discharge.

Will the cannula site be sore when I leave?

It is normal to feel slight bruising where the cannula was inserted. This can last up to a week. The dressing can usually be removed a few hours after surgery. If you notice any swelling, redness, pain or discharge, please contact your local GP.

Who should take me home, and how?

Following anaesthesia, you must be accompanied home by your nominated carer, who should remain with you overnight. We recommend travel by private car or taxi rather than public transport.

What instructions will I receive on discharge?

Before you leave, our team will provide personalised post‑surgery instructions covering wound or eye care, any prescribed medications and details of your follow‑up appointments.

When can I resume normal activity?

You are encouraged to begin gentle movement as soon as you get home to reduce the risk of blood clots. Staying mobile, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding crossing your legs all help prevent clotting.

What warning signs should I look out for?

If you experience sudden, severe pain or swelling in your legs, chest pain or difficulty breathing, alert our nursing staff immediately. If these symptoms occur after you get home, seek emergency care without delay.

Will I be asked for feedback on my experience?

Yes. We invite all patients to complete a short satisfaction survey before you leave. Your feedback helps us continually improve our care and services.