Post-operative wound care
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Date: Name: Hospital number: |
We have given you an outpatient appointment.
Wound stitches
Your stitches will need to be removed on _________________________________.
Make an appointment with your GP or Practice Nurse to have your stitches removed.
Your stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. Most dissolvable stitches disappear between 40 to 120 days (depending on the type used).
Wound dressings
Dressings are splash-proof only. Do not soak them in the bath.
Leave any dressing in place until your stitches are removed by your GP or Practice Nurse.
If you have dissolvable stitches, leave any dressing in place until you see your GP or Practice Nurse for a wound review.
Remove the pressure dressing/bandage in 24 to 48 hrs, or sooner if it causes discomfort. If you remove it because of discomfort and the wound continues to bleed, go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
We have used a pack (absorbent material) in your wound to prevent bleeding and help healing. Remove the pack in 24 hours. This may be easier to do if you soak in a bath first. Do not worry if the pack falls out before 24 hrs.
Contact information
Day Surgery Unit Advice Line, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm
Out of hours and weekends, calls diverted to Kingston Hospital Alex Ward
NHS emergency and urgent care service, call 111
You can also contact your GP or come to the Kingston Hospital Emergency Department (A&E)