• Ideally you will need an MRI before your appointment. If you have difficulty getting this through your GP please contact us to discuss alternative options
• We will need to access the images at your appointment. If your MRI was done anywhere other than the Hermitage Clinic or an Affidea centre, you will need to bring a CD with the images to your appointment.
  
  

NOTE: the report alone is not enough, we need access to the images for your review

Private surgeries are performed at the Hermitage Clinic

Public surgeries are performed at Beaumont Hospital

Some procedures have to be done at Beaumont Hospital regardless whether you are a private or public patient. This will be discussed with you if this is the case.

• I DO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE – You will be given an information leaflet and procedure codes to check the level of your cover with your insurance provider
• I DO NOT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE – In this case, if you would like to consider paying for your surgery a, quote can be issued for you to consider. If you cannot proceed with surgery at the Hermitage, Mr. Husien will discuss listing you for surgery at Beaumont Hospital.
  
  

PROCEEDING WITH SURGERY AT THE HERMITAGE

• Your details will be sent to bookings and pre-assessment 2-4 weeks ahead of your surgery date
• You will be contacted by the pre-assessment unit at the Hermitage Clinic to arrange an appointment 1-2 weeks before your planned surgery date
• Admission is arranged for the morning of surgery
• You will be notified of your admission time 2-3 days before your admission
• You will be seen by your consultant before you are discharged following your surgery
• If you are having spinal surgery, you will be seen by the physiotherapist before you are discharged

• You will be unable to drive for 1-2 weeks following spinal surgery. This can be further clarified with your consultant before discharge, taking into account your normal daily activities and work commitments
• You need to avoid sitting or standing in the one position for prolonged periods for the first two weeks after your surgery, you can walk and lie as much as you like
• Physiotherapy will give you further advice before you are discharged
• Recovery is generally 4-6 weeks. Depending on your job, you may be able to return to work 4 weeks after surgery, you can discuss this further with your consult before you are discharged from hospital

• You will receive a post-op appointment for 6-8 weeks after surgery
• A follow up physiotherapy review will be arranged for you following spinal surgery. This can be arranged locally if our suggested options do not suit you, but it will need to be arranged with a chartered physiotherapist.