Your admission

We understand that hospital visits can be worrying, especially right now. We’ll do everything we can to make your stay with us as safe and comfortable as possible.

Our guide for inpatients (PDF)

What should I do before my surgery?

You’ll be contacted a week before your procedure to go through any fasting instructions, what you should bring and your admission time. This may include:

Any specimens that you have been asked to provide such as a urine sample
Any medicines that you are currently taking on prescription, over the counter, herbal or homeopathic remedies, or any medicines that you only take when you need to, such as indigestion tablets or painkillers. It is important that you bring all medicines in their original packaging
Your dressing gown, slippers and comfortable clothing including shoes for wearing indoors and outdoors
Toiletries, tissues, wet wipes and sanitary towels if appropriate. Bath and hand towels are provided
Books and magazines or a personal tablet such as an iPad for your own entertainment. There can sometimes be extended periods of waiting in hospital
The name and telephone number of a relative or friend who will be driving you home after your operation

If you’re a day case patient, your nurse will give you an indication of your discharge time so that you can arrange for someone to drive you home. You should also ensure that someone can stay with you overnight following your procedure, otherwise your operation will have to be cancelled.

If you’re staying overnight, please make sure that someone is available to pick you up. Your nurse will advise you, on the day of discharge, when to expect to be discharged.

COVID-19 guidance for patients attending a procedure or surgery

If you’re attending the hospital for surgery, you may be required to undergo a PCR screening test for COVID-19, if it’s necessary for the treatment you’re having. This will be arranged for you around 72 hours before your procedure. This applies even if you’ve been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

Before your COVID-19 swab

Please avoid eating for an hour beforehand and bring a bottle of water and some tissues with you in case you would like a drink after your swab.

On arrival for your COVID-19 swab test

Please do not go to our main reception. As you approach the hospital, our designated COVID-19 screening station will be clearly marked 'C19' and signposted from the access roads. This is a convenient drive-through site.

The blue arrows indicate the direction to the COVID-19 testing station.

Directions to Benenden Hospital's COVID-19 testing centre

Our nursing team will guide you through the test as you remain safe in your car. You will be required to perform your own swab. If you feel unable to do this please arrange for someone to accompany you in your vehicle on the day.

This short video explains more about the test.

After your COVID-19 swab test

Once completed, you can return home and start your self-isolation period up until your date and time of admission.

Please follow social distancing and hand hygiene measures for 14 days before admission and self-isolate from the day of the COVID-19 swab until the date and time of your procedure. Self-isolation means staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people. This will include the people in your household unless they are also self-isolating.

Avoid using public transport where possible. If this is not possible then please follow advice from public health.

In addition:

During this time patient visiting is not recommended
If you consider yourself at greater risk of COVID-19 or would have a poorer outcome if you contracted it, you may wish to self-isolate for 14 days prior to your procedure

You should also read the consent form which we'll ask you to sign upon admission.

Your results

Unless you hear from us, please attend your surgery or procedure as normal. We'll only notify you by phone if your test result is positive.

What should I do when I get to the hospital?

You should arrive at the time detailed on your confirmation letter and report to Main Reception who’ll advise you where to wait.

Next step: your stay with us