Advice for patients whose operation may be delayed by COVID-19 restrictions
Who is this advice for?
This page is for patients who unfortunately may have had their operation delayed as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The news that your operation may be delayed will no doubt be upsetting and disappointing. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly. We ask that you use this time to keep as well as possible and to make a positive change to your health and wellbeing. This may be challenging as you might be experiencing pain or discomfort. But we want to assure you that even a few small changes can really have a helpful effect now and after your operation.
What can I do to help me prepare for my future operation?
You can make changes now that will improve the success of your operation and also improve your long-term health. Patients who lead healthy lifestyles usually recover quicker from their operation and suffer fewer complications.
Leading a healthy lifestyle will:
- Improve the success of your surgery
- Mean that your operation is more likely to take place, once re-scheduled
- Reduce your recovery time
- Speed up your discharge from hospital
- All of the above will help the NHS recover after the pandemic
Top tips
- Look after your general mood and wellbeing.
- Keep moving and active
- Eat Well
- Drink enough fluid, especially water
- Keep within the Government guidelines of below 14 unit of alcohol per week
- Stop smoking
For more information, please download these documents:
Please follow this link for information for patients who have been diagnosed with other conditions