Summary of
Discharge Information Given Verbal y to Patients
  •  Wound dressings are changed prior to discharge from the ward.
•  See your own GP for a wound review ONE-week post-operation.
o  Patients who have “non-absorbable stitches” follow same advice re:
GP, but wil  need to make appointment for removal of stitches (this
can be done by Practise Nurse).
o  Patients with “Absorbable stitches” should stil  see GP one-week post-
operation.
•  If before the ONE week mark – patient sees signs of “redness or any offensive
ooze from wound” - Seek GP Immediately
•  Patients can shower with the waterproof dressing on, and that can be
removed 5 days post-discharge (or before if starts to peel). This dressing
doesn’t need a replacement.
o  Post-showering especially with stitches – pat wound sites dry and
avoid direct soap on site until fully healed and stitches removed.
o  ‘non-stitches’ cases – can shower as normal
•  Take pain relief/ analgesia as prescribed if needed
•  Can eat and drink as normal
•  Generally stay off work for at least one week, and if needing further time off
discuss with the GP at the one-week review.

Document Outline