Pre-operative Fasting Guidelines

1. Fasting instructions for patients having a general anaesthetic
   • Adult patients
   • children
2. Fasting instructions for patients attending the Minor Procedure Unit (MPU)
3. Fasting instructions for patients having a local anaesthetic

Fasting instructions for patients having a general anaesthetic

Fasting instructions for patients having a general anaesthetic

1. Please note: the time of admission is provisional and subject to change.
2. Do not eat for 6 hours before surgery. You can drink clear, non-fizzy drinks* up until you go to theatre for surgery. Clear fluid means: water, cordial or black tea or black coffee. (No Milk)
3. Continue taking your regular medication as usual, unless instructed otherwise.
4. If you are a diabetic or taking weight loss medication please see the following link on the website for more information regarding taking diabetic medications before surgery,
5. Please bring the following with you:
   • An up-to-date list of your medications.
   • Your medical card and / or health insurance details.
   • Your spectacles and hearing aid.
6. Follow your consultant’s advice on taking your blood thinning medication before surgery.
7. If your medical history has significantly changed since your procedure was booked, please notify your consultant’s team.
8. Driving: Do not drive yourself to the hospital as you cannot drive, until advised, after the procedure.
9. You must arrange to be accompanied home and have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Fasting instructions for a child having a general anaesthetic

1. Please note: the time of admission is provisional and subject to change
2. Please follow the fasting instructions in the table below
   

   SOLID FOOD	6 hours
   CLEAR FLUIDS *	Sips up to surgery (150mL)
   BREAST MILK	4 hours

3. Your child should continue taking their regular medication as usual, unless instructed otherwise.
4. If your child is a diabetic please see the following link on the website for more information regarding taking diabetic medications before surgery,
5. Please bring the following with your child:
   • An up-to-date list of their medications.
   • Your child’s medicines in their original containers.
   • Your child’s medical card and / or health insurance details.
   • Your child’s spectacles and hearing aid if he/she wears them.
6. See our website, www.rveeh.ie for further information on hospital services.
7. Driving: We do not have parking facilities at the hospital. There is on street pay and display parking only.
8. Child Protection: RVEEH is committed to ensuring and promoting the safety of all children attending the hospital.
   Further information is available in our Child Safeguarding Statement, which can be viewed in our hospital waiting rooms, children’s ward, and on the website,

Fasting instructions for patients having a local anaesthetic

1. Please note: the time of admission is provisional and subject to change.
2. You can eat a light meal up to two hours before surgery.
   You can drink clear, non-fizzy drinks* up until you go to theatre for surgery. Clear fluid means: water, cordial, or black tea or black coffee. (No Milk)
3. Continue taking your regular medication as usual, unless instructed otherwise.
4. Please bring the following with you:
   • An up-to-date list of your medications.
   • Your medical card and / or health insurance details.
   • Your spectacles and hearing aid.
5. Follow your consultant’s advice on taking your blood thinning medication before surgery.
6. If your medical history has significantly changed since your procedure was booked, please notify your consultant’s team.
7. Driving: Do not drive yourself to the hospital as you cannot drive, until advised, after the procedure.

Fasting instructions for patients attending the Minor Procedure Unit (MPU)

1. Please note: the time of admission is provisional and subject to change.
2. You do not need to fast before the procedure.
3. Continue taking your regular medication as usual, unless instructed otherwise.
4. Please bring the following with you:
   • An up-to-date list of your medications.
   • Your medicines in their original containers.
   • Your medical card and / or health insurance details.
   • Your spectacles and hearing aid.
5. If your medical history has significantly changed since your procedure was booked, please notify your consultant’s team.
6. Driving: You may not be able to drive or cycle after the procedure.
   We do not have parking facilities on the hospital grounds. There is on street pay and display only. Your driver may need change for the parking metre.