Theatre admissions unit

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Why have I been given this leaflet?

You are due to be admitted for your operation through the Theatre Admissions Unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

This leaflet aims to give you some information about this process.

If, however, you have any questions on the day of your admission, please do not hesitate to speak to any of the nurses on the unit.

The unit is currently open from 7am – 8.30pm Monday to Friday. Telephone 01273 696955 ext. 67591.

Where is the Theatre Admission Unit (TAU)?

Theatre Admissions Unit (TAU) is located on Level 4 in the Thomas Kemp Tower

Please see map at the end of the booklet.

Directions:

From LMB Main Entrance:

• take the lift to Level 6
• pass through the bridge connecting to Thomas Kemp Tower
• take another lift going to Level 5
• use EACU entrance next to the RVS shop, via stairs or lift at the far end of EACU.

From North Car Park or Multi-Storey Car Park:

• cross the road going to Thomas Kemp Tower Pathology (Level 6), either use the stairs or lift going to Level 5
• use EACU entrance next to the RVS shop, via stairs or lift at the far end of EACU.

From A&E Main Entrance:

• keep going through the main corridor (with vending machines far end on your left) until you find the EACU double doors.
• use EACU entrance next to the RVS shop, via stairs or lift at the far end of EACU (Emergency Ambulatory Care Unit).

What happens when I arrive at reception area?

The reception will book you in at the reception area on Level 4 at 7am or by the time indicated in your appointment letter. TAU does not let patients and carers in before 7am as this area is unsupervised then.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, you can bring someone with you. We are sorry that because we only have a small waiting area:

• they can only stay with you for one hour
• patients will take priority for the use of chairs

What should I expect when I arrive for my operation?

The nurse who attends your admission will take you through the theatre journey.

After you have checked in with the receptionist you will go through a short admission process.

The process includes:

• checking readings of your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, respiratory rate and temperature.
• one of the nurses will go through the questions in the admission booklet and your pre-op assessment details, if you’ve had one.
• before your operation, you will be seen by your surgeon and anaesthetist and given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
  

Be aware that:

• after you have been admitted, you may be taken back to the reception area to wait.
• numerous patients are admitted at the same time; this is to prevent delays in theatre caused by the surgical team leaving theatres frequently to see patients in the unit.

The nurse will give you a contact number for your relative or friend to phone when your operation is finished. We will suggest a time for them to call.

You may have a long wait before going to the theatre, please bring something to read or to keep you occupied on the unit.

Staff in the unit will try to keep you updated.

Will I go home after the operation?

Yes. If you are having your operation as a day case, you will also be discharged from this unit.

The person who comes with you needs to check in at reception with you. Please make sure they can use their own car or a taxi, as they must be able to pick you up on short notice, after your operation.

If there are any problems or time restrictions about this, please let your admitting nurse know.

The person picking you up will need to come to the unit to discuss with the team your discharge information because the anesthetic might affect your memory right after the operation.

What can I bring and what shall I leave at home?

We are unable to store large amounts of property, so please only bring your current medications including any painkillers and any essential medical equipment that you may need (CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure equipment, stoma bag etc.).

We would ask that your family and friends bring other belongings for example nightwear, toiletries for you when they visit you on the ward. Please do not bring any valuables with  you.

If you have any special requirements (for example religious beliefs or an allergy or disability) please contact the unit.