Preparing for your stay in hospital

Your admission date

We'll send you an admission letter, either through the post or on MyCare, depending on your preferences. This will include:

  • the date you need to come into hospital
  • details about where to go

You may see a different clinician or surgeon for your treatment. Occasionally, we may need to change your appointment or surgery date but we will always give you as much notice as possible.

Please contact us

Please contact us within 3 days of your admission date, if you have a current infection or illness, such as:

  • a cold or cough
  • diarrhoea (runny poo) or been sick (vomited)
  • a condition you are taking antibiotics for

Please use the telephone number on your admission letter to contact us.

If you cannot attend

If you're unable to attend for any reason, please tell us as soon as possible.

You can cancel your planned admission by calling the number on your admission letter. For some services, you can also use our patient app, MyCare.

If you do not contact us, and do not attend this will affect your position on our waiting list and you may be discharged back to the care of your GP in line with our Patient Access Policy.

Patient Information Leaflets

Being well-informed about your procedure and anaesthetic helps you feel more prepared and confident. Our patient information leaflets provide clear guidance on what to expect before, during, and after your treatment.

Our library includes leaflets on general and local anaesthetics, common procedures like knee replacement surgery, and many other treatments. These have been written by our clinical teams to give you accurate, up-to-date information about your care.

Access our Patient Information Leaflet library. 

Relatives and friends

Remember to let your relatives and friends know that you are going to hospital. They can contact you on your mobile and you can give them our hospital telephone switchboard number, 01483 571122. 

Don't forget to tell them which of our wards you'll be staying in.