A pre-surgery phone call can clarify practical details before a planned operation. Prepare a short question sheet and keep the latest hospital instructions beside you. Your own surgical team must confirm preparation requirements for your procedure.
1. Confirm who is calling
If the call is unexpected, verify the department using the hospital’s official contact details before sharing sensitive information. Note the caller’s name, role and callback number. Ask which team handles questions that arise after the conversation.
2. Check arrival arrangements
During the pre-surgery phone call, confirm the hospital building, department and arrival time. Ask whether you need any assessment, test or document before attending. Record who will arrange anything still outstanding and how you will know it has been confirmed.
If two messages disagree, read the details back and ask which instruction is current. Do not choose the version that seems most convenient.
3. Clarify individual preparation instructions
Ask the responsible clinical team to explain any directions about food, drink and medicines. Tell them about unclear wording or difficulty following the plan. Do not use another patient’s fasting schedule or independently stop a medicine.
Keep a current personal medication list available so you can describe prescriptions, nonprescription products and supplements accurately. Mark uncertain details for professional clarification rather than guessing.
4. Ask what to bring
Confirm whether the visit is expected to involve an overnight stay and which belongings the ward requests. Use the hospital bag checklist to organise approved personal items without overpacking.
Ask separately about specialist equipment or temperature-sensitive medicines. These need specific arrangements; a general packing list cannot establish the correct storage or handling procedure.
5. Confirm transport and the contact plan
Ask about any escort, transport or supervision requirements relevant to the planned treatment. Explain if your intended helper is unavailable. A transport booking is useful only when it meets the care team’s instructions.
Finish the pre-surgery phone call by repeating the next steps in your own words. Request written confirmation of changed instructions and note whom to contact if you become unwell or cannot attend. Tell the hospital promptly about concerns; the team should advise what happens next.
Official resource: NHS guidance on preparing for surgery.