Preparing for your surgery or stay

If you are coming to the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC) as a patient, we advise that you bring the following to help make your stay more comfortable.

Clothes - Light day clothes, nightwear and a dressing gown, slippers and underwear.

Toiletries - Bring the toiletries that you would normally use, such as hairbrush, comb, shampoo, soap, shaving equipment, tissues and towels. Please make sure you bring a toothbrush and toothpaste and any additional oral hygiene products that you use to look after your dentures (if you have any) including denture cleaner and holder.

Other items – you should also bring any other aids you use, such as walking sticks, glasses and a case, hearing aid and batteries. Please bring medical details (including anti-coagulant book) and a supply of any medicines you usually take.

You may also want to bring entertainment items such as a book or tablet.

Do not bring large sums of money or valuables into the hospital with you - you will only need a small amount of change for newspapers etc.

Please check in at the main reception desk on the ground floor and they will direct to your ward. 

During admission, tell the staff if you:

• are taking any medicines, including any herbal medication or supplements.
• need somebody to deal with your pensions or benefits.
• need a medical certificate.
• have any special dietary requirements or food allergies.
• have any special communication requirements (e.g. difficulty hearing, or needing an interpreter).

This is also a good opportunity to tell the nurse about any worries or concerns you may have about your stay or treatment.

Please bring any medication (including anti-coagulant) that you take regularly so that you can continue to take them.

We may also give you other medicines during your stay, these can include:

• Pain relief - this is used to help you feel more comfortable. Pain relief is given into veins in measured doses by pumps. These are often used with sedatives.
• Sedatives - are used to keep you in a deep sleep or, in smaller doses, to keep you calm while awake. This can help you to cope with the tubes and equipment that may be attached to you. These are also given through pumps.
• Inotropes – these are drugs to help the heart work more effectively.

The amount of time you spend in hospital will depend on the operation/procedure or treatment that you are having.

The average stay in hospital following heart surgery is five to ten days. However, your stay may be as short as four to five days depending on your recovery and general health. 

If you have any questions, please speak with your consultant.

There is a range of medical equipment you might see during your stay or visit at The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC). 

To find out more visit Equipment you might see.

We take infection prevention and control very seriously and constantly work to control the risk of infection to patients, visitors, and staff. 

There are sinks and alcohol hand gel dispensers close to every bed. Please wash your hands or use the gel each time you leave or return your bed. 

Visitors are not allowed to sit on beds.

Please do not bring in real flowers as they can be a source of infection.

To find out all guidance for friends and family, see Information for families and friends.