All surgery provided by the cleft team will take place at the RVI and can only be performed at this hospital.
Before your surgery, we will send you a letter with:
- Your surgery date and time
- Where to attend on the day of surgery
- Any important information you need to know.
A waiting list officer will usually contact you by telephone before your letter arrives to confirm your surgery details.
Ward 8
Patients are admitted through ward 8 (day case) on day of surgery.
When you arrive, we will:
- Register you and confirm your details
- Check your height and weight
- Record your observations, such as your temperature, pulse and blood pressure
Before surgery, you will meet your surgeon and anaesthetist. They will make sure you are well enough for your operation and answer any questions you may have.
You may also need:
- Routine swabs
- Medical photographs
- A visit from a member of our research team if you have agreed to take part in a research study
One parent or family member can stay with the patient and accompany them to the theatre suite. Once the patient is asleep under anaesthetic, they will go into the operating theatre for their procedure.
Ward 11
After surgery, patients are transferred to ward 11 (burns and plastics) when they are medically fit.
The team on ward 11 will care for the patient until they are ready to go home.
Facilities are available for one parent to stay overnight with the patient. Other family members can visit during visiting hours.
In some circumstances, accommodation may be available for a second parent or carer at Crawford House. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and are prioritised for families with exceptional circumstances.
If you would like more information about accommodation, please speak to a member of staff when you arrive.
Ward 2A
Some patients need an overnight stay for a sleep study.
If this is required, you may be admitted to Ward 2A, the children’s respiratory ward, where the sleep study will be carried out.
