In some centres, hotel-type facilities, with access to nursing and medical staff, provide an intermediate step between hospital care and home care during the early recovery period.

If you have undergone day surgery, you may be discharged from the hospital or clinic only when you are fully conscious and able to walk. Most facilities require that you be accompanied by a responsible adult, who either drives you home or accompanies you in a taxi. This person or another adult should stay with you for the first night.

It is common practice to advise all patients not to drive automobiles, operate equipment or make important personal or business decisions for at least 24 hours. This is because of any residual effects of drugs which might interfere with your ability to make decisions. Patients are also routinely advised about the additive effects of alcoholic beverages and sedative drugs.

Help at home

Ideally you should have someone (a relative or a friend) stay with you for a period of time after anaesthesia and surgery. One reason for this is because the effects of the operation may limit your physical activity. You may need assistance with everyday things, such as washing and dressing. Even when you are physically quite capable of attending to your own needs, you should arrange to have someone with you, in case you develop pain, vomiting, dizziness or a surgical problem like bleeding.

You should be given clear instructions as to what to do in the case of complications, such as pain, bleeding or persistent vomiting. You should also know when you are to return to see your surgeon.