Preparing for Your Admission at Kinvara Private Hospital

Proper preparation helps your admission day proceed safely and without delays. Below covers what to pack, fasting requirements, personal care on the day, and getting home afterwards.

What to Bring with You

Pack a small overnight bag with essentials, whether for a day case or longer stay. Include all current medications in their original containers so staff can review them accurately and avoid any interactions.

Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for discharge, plus nightwear, underwear, non-slip slippers, and a dressing gown. Pack basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant.

Bring any mobility aids you use, such as a walking stick or crutches. A book, magazine, or tablet with charger helps pass recovery time. If relevant, include your insurance authorisation letter. Keep items to a minimum - we provide towels and bedding.

Leave valuables at home, including cash, jewellery, or expensive electronics. Kinvara Private Hospital cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Fasting Before Your Procedure

Fasting ensures your stomach is empty, which is essential for safety under general anaesthetic, sedation, or certain regional anaesthetics. Your pre-assessment nurse provides personalised fasting instructions - always follow those exactly.

As a general rule, avoid solid food and milky drinks for at least six hours before your admission time. You can usually have small amounts of water up to two hours beforehand, unless advised differently. We tell you at pre-assessment whether to take regular medications on the day with a sip of water.

Contact us straight away if you feel unsure about your instructions or if something changes, like developing a cold or stomach upset. Not following fasting rules can lead to your procedure being postponed.

On the Day of Your Admission

Bath or shower with plain soap. Avoid moisturiser, body lotion, talcum powder, or perfumes, as these can interfere with monitoring equipment or increase infection risks.

Remove all make-up, nail varnish, and gel/acrylic nails so staff can check your circulation and oxygen levels through skin colour and nail beds. Take off all jewellery and piercings.

Do not shave the surgical site yourself unless instructed, as this can introduce bacteria. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior.

Smoking and Your Procedure

Stopping smoking well in advance benefits your recovery. We advise quitting at least four weeks before surgery where possible, as smoking reduces blood oxygen, slows healing, and raises complication risks like wound infections or breathing issues.

On the day itself, do not smoke. We may perform a simple nicotine test if required for certain procedures. For support to quit, speak to your GP or our staff.

Planning Your Journey Home

Arrange transport home in advance - you will not be fit to drive after most procedures. For any treatment involving general anaesthetic or sedation, a responsible adult must collect you and stay with you overnight at home.

Avoid driving, operating machinery, signing important documents, or making major decisions for at least 24 hours afterwards. Taxis or public transport alone are not suitable for these cases, because you need supervision in case of drowsiness or other effects.

If your procedure is under local anaesthetic only and your consultant confirms it is safe, driving may be possible - check with us first.

Our team is here to answer any last-minute questions and we look forward to supporting you through this process with clear, attentive care.