Recovery does not end when you leave hospital. The days after discharge, close to your treating team, are often the most important part of your trip.
How long to stay
Your surgeon decides when you are fit to fly. As a rough guide, many patients stay one to two weeks after keyhole surgery and two to four weeks after major surgery such as heart, joint or spine operations. Transplant patients stay two to three months. Our cost guide shows typical stays for each procedure.
Before you fly, ask your doctor
- Am I fit to fly, and from which date?
- Do I need compression stockings or blood thinners for the flight?
- Should I request a wheelchair or extra legroom?
- Which warning signs mean I should see a doctor urgently?
Airlines may ask for a fitness-to-fly letter after recent surgery. Ask the hospital for one, and tell the airline about wheelchair needs when you book.
What to take home
- Discharge summary and operation notes
- All test results and images from your stay
- A list of medicines with doses and how long to take them
- Enough medicine to last until you can see your doctor at home
- Written recovery and physiotherapy instructions
- Contact details for follow-up questions
Follow-up at home
With your permission we share your discharge papers with your doctor at home, and arrange video follow-up with your treating team where the hospital offers it.