My role and my responsibilities in helping to improve my recovery This patient leaflet has been designed, tested and evaluated by patients for patients in order to give practical step by step advice to anyone prior, during and after surgery. It can be used alongside existing patient information to support key messages and encourage patients to take an active role in their preparation and recovery from surgery. (April 2012)

1. HEALTHY STEPS TO THERE IS ALWAYS FOR FURTHER NHS
It might be useful to keep
IMPROVE MY RECOVERY SOMEONE TO CONTACT a diary or log so you can INFORMATION
WHEN I LEAVE HOSPITAL AND FURTHER track your daily feelings
INFORMATION AVAILABLE and goals to help you on
PLEASE VISIT
RECOVERY DOES NOT STOP the road to recovery
BECAUSE I LEAVE HOSPITAL
How am I feeling? NHS Choices –
QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK? Add your useful contacts and Your health, Your choices
• WHEN CAN I HAVE A SHOWER OR BATH? information here
• WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN? Information from the
• WHEN SHOULD I GO BACK TO WORK?
What are my goals? National Health Service
• WHEN AM I ABLE TO RESUME INTIMATE on conditions, treatments,
RELATIONS?
• WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? How much am I eating local services and healthy
and drinking? living.
STAY IN TOUCH - SUPPORT
IS THERE FOR YOU AT EVERY www.nhs.uk
SINGLE STEP BUT DO
, How active have I been? MY ROLE AND MY
YOU KNOW WHO TO
CONTACT?
RESPONSIBILITIES
How much sleep and IN HELPING TO
rest have I had?
The Enhanced IMPROVE MY
Recovery Partnership RECOVERY
What am I proud of Steps to a successful
www.improvement.nhs.uk/
achieving? recovery start before
enhancedrecovery my operation
GETTING BETTER SOONER
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

2. HEALTHY STEPS TO
WHAT THIS MEANS MY ROLE IN MY HEALTHY STEPS PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE MY RECOVERY
FOR ME ENHANCED RECOVERY... TO IMPROVE MY SUPPORT MY RECOVERY WHILST STILL IN HOSPITAL
“I didn’t know I had a role” RECOVERY BEFORE I NEED TO...
says Nick (patient) MY OPERATION Set up your plans for going home before you
Planning and actively participating in the come into hospital. The time you will be in • Take an active part in my • Go easy, this is exercise to
steps to success before and after your FOOD & DRINK hospital is not long. recovery - follow the help with my recovery
advice and instructions of not to add more fatigue.
operation can help you to: Eat well, your body This information might be useful to talk through with a
my clinical team I need to keep practicing
friend, carer or family member to ensure that you have
needs fuel to repair. the practical support in place to support your recovery.
• Be positive about my moving my arms, legs,
recovery doing my exercises,
SLEEP REST & PLAY
, • Start to eat and drink - walking, before and after
• LEAVE HOSPITAL, SOONER “I had always thought my role before MY TO DO LIST my body needs fuel to my operation
Staying physically active before your repair (don’t be surprised • Set myself a daily goal...
going into hospital before an operation operation will help you get better,
I KNOW MY DATE I HAVE
FOR GOING HOME REMEMBERED TO to find a cup of tea and a little steps go a long way
• MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER, SOONER was to give myself up to other people faster. Try to relax. Try not to worry and TAKE MY snack box available in the
MEDICATION WITH recovery room straight DONT BE AFRAID TO
and to shut off my mind to what is get together with family and friends. I HAVE TOLD THE RIGHT ME after your operation) ASK QUESTIONS AND
PEOPLE WHERE I WILL BE FOR INFORMATION TO
happening to me... if I knew what I SMOKING & ALCOHOL I HAVE CHECKED I BE REPEATED. IF YOU
• RETURN TO NORMAL LIVING, If you do drink or smoke, use this as I HAVE ARRANGED MY HAVE THE RIGHT
EXAMPLE OF GOALS ARE NOT SURE... SAY SO
SOONER know now, I would have taken more of TRANSPORT FOR GETTING EQUIPMENT AND
YOU MIGHT SET
an opportunity to stop or cut down. THERE AND BACK SUPPORT AT HOME
a role in my recovery.” This will help your recovery and reduce BUT REMEMBER,
I HAVE PACKED A SMALL WHAT ELSE DO I MY GOALS WE ARE ALL
the risk of complications. BAG WITH THE RIGHT NEED TO ASK? INDIVIDUALS,
STUFF (e.g. CLOTHES, DAY OF DAY DAY DON’T WORRY IF
READING MATERIAL) SURGERY ONE TWO YOU DON’T REACH
DON’T BE AFRAID, • SIT OUT • SIT OUT • WALK YOUR GOAL EVERY
IF NOT SURE, ASK! • DRINK • WALK • SHOWER DAY... A FEW STEPS
• EAT • EAT • DRESS ALSO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

3. HEALTHY STEPS TO
WHAT THIS MEANS MY ROLE IN MY HEALTHY STEPS PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE MY RECOVERY
FOR ME ENHANCED RECOVERY... TO IMPROVE MY SUPPORT MY RECOVERY WHILST STILL IN HOSPITAL
“I didn’t know I had a role” RECOVERY BEFORE I NEED TO...
says Nick (patient) MY OPERATION Set up your plans for going home before you
Planning and actively participating in the come into hospital. The time you will be in • Take an active part in my • Go easy, this is exercise to
steps to success before and after your FOOD & DRINK hospital is not long. recovery - follow the help with my recovery
advice and instructions of not to add more fatigue.
operation can help you to: Eat well, your body This information might be useful to talk through with a
my clinical team I need to keep practicing
friend, carer or family member to ensure that you have
needs fuel to repair. the practical support in place to support your recovery.
• Be positive about my moving my arms, legs,
recovery doing my exercises,
SLEEP REST & PLAY
, • Start to eat and drink - walking, before and after
• LEAVE HOSPITAL, SOONER “I had always thought my role before MY TO DO LIST my body needs fuel to my operation
Staying physically active before your repair (don’t be surprised • Set myself a daily goal...
going into hospital before an operation operation will help you get better,
I KNOW MY DATE I HAVE
FOR GOING HOME REMEMBERED TO to find a cup of tea and a little steps go a long way
• MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER, SOONER was to give myself up to other people faster. Try to relax. Try not to worry and TAKE MY snack box available in the
MEDICATION WITH recovery room straight DONT BE AFRAID TO
and to shut off my mind to what is get together with family and friends. I HAVE TOLD THE RIGHT ME after your operation) ASK QUESTIONS AND
PEOPLE WHERE I WILL BE FOR INFORMATION TO
happening to me... if I knew what I SMOKING & ALCOHOL I HAVE CHECKED I BE REPEATED. IF YOU
• RETURN TO NORMAL LIVING, If you do drink or smoke, use this as I HAVE ARRANGED MY HAVE THE RIGHT
EXAMPLE OF GOALS ARE NOT SURE... SAY SO
SOONER know now, I would have taken more of TRANSPORT FOR GETTING EQUIPMENT AND
YOU MIGHT SET
an opportunity to stop or cut down. THERE AND BACK SUPPORT AT HOME
a role in my recovery.” This will help your recovery and reduce BUT REMEMBER,
I HAVE PACKED A SMALL WHAT ELSE DO I MY GOALS WE ARE ALL
the risk of complications. BAG WITH THE RIGHT NEED TO ASK? INDIVIDUALS,
STUFF (e.g. CLOTHES, DAY OF DAY DAY DON’T WORRY IF
READING MATERIAL) SURGERY ONE TWO YOU DON’T REACH
DON’T BE AFRAID, • SIT OUT • SIT OUT • WALK YOUR GOAL EVERY
IF NOT SURE, ASK! • DRINK • WALK • SHOWER DAY... A FEW STEPS
• EAT • EAT • DRESS ALSO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

4. HEALTHY STEPS TO
WHAT THIS MEANS MY ROLE IN MY HEALTHY STEPS PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE MY RECOVERY
FOR ME ENHANCED RECOVERY... TO IMPROVE MY SUPPORT MY RECOVERY WHILST STILL IN HOSPITAL
“I didn’t know I had a role” RECOVERY BEFORE I NEED TO...
says Nick (patient) MY OPERATION Set up your plans for going home before you
Planning and actively participating in the come into hospital. The time you will be in • Take an active part in my • Go easy, this is exercise to
steps to success before and after your FOOD & DRINK hospital is not long. recovery - follow the help with my recovery
advice and instructions of not to add more fatigue.
operation can help you to: Eat well, your body This information might be useful to talk through with a
my clinical team I need to keep practicing
friend, carer or family member to ensure that you have
needs fuel to repair. the practical support in place to support your recovery.
• Be positive about my moving my arms, legs,
recovery doing my exercises,
SLEEP REST & PLAY
, • Start to eat and drink - walking, before and after
• LEAVE HOSPITAL, SOONER “I had always thought my role before MY TO DO LIST my body needs fuel to my operation
Staying physically active before your repair (don’t be surprised • Set myself a daily goal...
going into hospital before an operation operation will help you get better,
I KNOW MY DATE I HAVE
FOR GOING HOME REMEMBERED TO to find a cup of tea and a little steps go a long way
• MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER, SOONER was to give myself up to other people faster. Try to relax. Try not to worry and TAKE MY snack box available in the
MEDICATION WITH recovery room straight DONT BE AFRAID TO
and to shut off my mind to what is get together with family and friends. I HAVE TOLD THE RIGHT ME after your operation) ASK QUESTIONS AND
PEOPLE WHERE I WILL BE FOR INFORMATION TO
happening to me... if I knew what I SMOKING & ALCOHOL I HAVE CHECKED I BE REPEATED. IF YOU
• RETURN TO NORMAL LIVING, If you do drink or smoke, use this as I HAVE ARRANGED MY HAVE THE RIGHT
EXAMPLE OF GOALS ARE NOT SURE... SAY SO
SOONER know now, I would have taken more of TRANSPORT FOR GETTING EQUIPMENT AND
YOU MIGHT SET
an opportunity to stop or cut down. THERE AND BACK SUPPORT AT HOME
a role in my recovery.” This will help your recovery and reduce BUT REMEMBER,
I HAVE PACKED A SMALL WHAT ELSE DO I MY GOALS WE ARE ALL
the risk of complications. BAG WITH THE RIGHT NEED TO ASK? INDIVIDUALS,
STUFF (e.g. CLOTHES, DAY OF DAY DAY DON’T WORRY IF
READING MATERIAL) SURGERY ONE TWO YOU DON’T REACH
DON’T BE AFRAID, • SIT OUT • SIT OUT • WALK YOUR GOAL EVERY
IF NOT SURE, ASK! • DRINK • WALK • SHOWER DAY... A FEW STEPS
• EAT • EAT • DRESS ALSO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

5. HEALTHY STEPS TO
WHAT THIS MEANS MY ROLE IN MY HEALTHY STEPS PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE MY RECOVERY
FOR ME ENHANCED RECOVERY... TO IMPROVE MY SUPPORT MY RECOVERY WHILST STILL IN HOSPITAL
“I didn’t know I had a role” RECOVERY BEFORE I NEED TO...
says Nick (patient) MY OPERATION Set up your plans for going home before you
Planning and actively participating in the come into hospital. The time you will be in • Take an active part in my • Go easy, this is exercise to
steps to success before and after your FOOD & DRINK hospital is not long. recovery - follow the help with my recovery
advice and instructions of not to add more fatigue.
operation can help you to: Eat well, your body This information might be useful to talk through with a
my clinical team I need to keep practicing
friend, carer or family member to ensure that you have
needs fuel to repair. the practical support in place to support your recovery.
• Be positive about my moving my arms, legs,
recovery doing my exercises,
SLEEP REST & PLAY
, • Start to eat and drink - walking, before and after
• LEAVE HOSPITAL, SOONER “I had always thought my role before MY TO DO LIST my body needs fuel to my operation
Staying physically active before your repair (don’t be surprised • Set myself a daily goal...
going into hospital before an operation operation will help you get better,
I KNOW MY DATE I HAVE
FOR GOING HOME REMEMBERED TO to find a cup of tea and a little steps go a long way
• MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER, SOONER was to give myself up to other people faster. Try to relax. Try not to worry and TAKE MY snack box available in the
MEDICATION WITH recovery room straight DONT BE AFRAID TO
and to shut off my mind to what is get together with family and friends. I HAVE TOLD THE RIGHT ME after your operation) ASK QUESTIONS AND
PEOPLE WHERE I WILL BE FOR INFORMATION TO
happening to me... if I knew what I SMOKING & ALCOHOL I HAVE CHECKED I BE REPEATED. IF YOU
• RETURN TO NORMAL LIVING, If you do drink or smoke, use this as I HAVE ARRANGED MY HAVE THE RIGHT
EXAMPLE OF GOALS ARE NOT SURE... SAY SO
SOONER know now, I would have taken more of TRANSPORT FOR GETTING EQUIPMENT AND
YOU MIGHT SET
an opportunity to stop or cut down. THERE AND BACK SUPPORT AT HOME
a role in my recovery.” This will help your recovery and reduce BUT REMEMBER,
I HAVE PACKED A SMALL WHAT ELSE DO I MY GOALS WE ARE ALL
the risk of complications. BAG WITH THE RIGHT NEED TO ASK? INDIVIDUALS,
STUFF (e.g. CLOTHES, DAY OF DAY DAY DON’T WORRY IF
READING MATERIAL) SURGERY ONE TWO YOU DON’T REACH
DON’T BE AFRAID, • SIT OUT • SIT OUT • WALK YOUR GOAL EVERY
IF NOT SURE, ASK! • DRINK • WALK • SHOWER DAY... A FEW STEPS
• EAT • EAT • DRESS ALSO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

6. HEALTHY STEPS TO
WHAT THIS MEANS MY ROLE IN MY HEALTHY STEPS PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE MY RECOVERY
FOR ME ENHANCED RECOVERY... TO IMPROVE MY SUPPORT MY RECOVERY WHILST STILL IN HOSPITAL
“I didn’t know I had a role” RECOVERY BEFORE I NEED TO...
says Nick (patient) MY OPERATION Set up your plans for going home before you
Planning and actively participating in the come into hospital. The time you will be in • Take an active part in my • Go easy, this is exercise to
steps to success before and after your FOOD & DRINK hospital is not long. recovery - follow the help with my recovery
advice and instructions of not to add more fatigue.
operation can help you to: Eat well, your body This information might be useful to talk through with a
my clinical team I need to keep practicing
friend, carer or family member to ensure that you have
needs fuel to repair. the practical support in place to support your recovery.
• Be positive about my moving my arms, legs,
recovery doing my exercises,
SLEEP REST & PLAY
, • Start to eat and drink - walking, before and after
• LEAVE HOSPITAL, SOONER “I had always thought my role before MY TO DO LIST my body needs fuel to my operation
Staying physically active before your repair (don’t be surprised • Set myself a daily goal...
going into hospital before an operation operation will help you get better,
I KNOW MY DATE I HAVE
FOR GOING HOME REMEMBERED TO to find a cup of tea and a little steps go a long way
• MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER, SOONER was to give myself up to other people faster. Try to relax. Try not to worry and TAKE MY snack box available in the
MEDICATION WITH recovery room straight DONT BE AFRAID TO
and to shut off my mind to what is get together with family and friends. I HAVE TOLD THE RIGHT ME after your operation) ASK QUESTIONS AND
PEOPLE WHERE I WILL BE FOR INFORMATION TO
happening to me... if I knew what I SMOKING & ALCOHOL I HAVE CHECKED I BE REPEATED. IF YOU
• RETURN TO NORMAL LIVING, If you do drink or smoke, use this as I HAVE ARRANGED MY HAVE THE RIGHT
EXAMPLE OF GOALS ARE NOT SURE... SAY SO
SOONER know now, I would have taken more of TRANSPORT FOR GETTING EQUIPMENT AND
YOU MIGHT SET
an opportunity to stop or cut down. THERE AND BACK SUPPORT AT HOME
a role in my recovery.” This will help your recovery and reduce BUT REMEMBER,
I HAVE PACKED A SMALL WHAT ELSE DO I MY GOALS WE ARE ALL
the risk of complications. BAG WITH THE RIGHT NEED TO ASK? INDIVIDUALS,
STUFF (e.g. CLOTHES, DAY OF DAY DAY DON’T WORRY IF
READING MATERIAL) SURGERY ONE TWO YOU DON’T REACH
DON’T BE AFRAID, • SIT OUT • SIT OUT • WALK YOUR GOAL EVERY
IF NOT SURE, ASK! • DRINK • WALK • SHOWER DAY... A FEW STEPS
• EAT • EAT • DRESS ALSO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

7. HEALTHY STEPS TO THERE IS ALWAYS FOR FURTHER NHS
It might be useful to keep
IMPROVE MY RECOVERY SOMEONE TO CONTACT a diary or log so you can INFORMATION
WHEN I LEAVE HOSPITAL AND FURTHER track your daily feelings
INFORMATION AVAILABLE and goals to help you on
PLEASE VISIT
RECOVERY DOES NOT STOP the road to recovery
BECAUSE I LEAVE HOSPITAL
How am I feeling? NHS Choices –
QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK? Add your useful contacts and Your health, Your choices
• WHEN CAN I HAVE A SHOWER OR BATH? information here
• WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN? Information from the
• WHEN SHOULD I GO BACK TO WORK?
What are my goals? National Health Service
• WHEN AM I ABLE TO RESUME INTIMATE on conditions, treatments,
RELATIONS?
• WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? How much am I eating local services and healthy
and drinking? living.
STAY IN TOUCH - SUPPORT
IS THERE FOR YOU AT EVERY www.nhs.uk
SINGLE STEP BUT DO
, How active have I been? MY ROLE AND MY
YOU KNOW WHO TO
CONTACT?
RESPONSIBILITIES
How much sleep and IN HELPING TO
rest have I had?
The Enhanced IMPROVE MY
Recovery Partnership RECOVERY
What am I proud of Steps to a successful
www.improvement.nhs.uk/
achieving? recovery start before
enhancedrecovery my operation
GETTING BETTER SOONER
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

8. HEALTHY STEPS TO THERE IS ALWAYS FOR FURTHER NHS
It might be useful to keep
IMPROVE MY RECOVERY SOMEONE TO CONTACT a diary or log so you can INFORMATION
WHEN I LEAVE HOSPITAL AND FURTHER track your daily feelings
INFORMATION AVAILABLE and goals to help you on
PLEASE VISIT
RECOVERY DOES NOT STOP the road to recovery
BECAUSE I LEAVE HOSPITAL
How am I feeling? NHS Choices –
QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK? Add your useful contacts and Your health, Your choices
• WHEN CAN I HAVE A SHOWER OR BATH? information here
• WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN? Information from the
• WHEN SHOULD I GO BACK TO WORK?
What are my goals? National Health Service
• WHEN AM I ABLE TO RESUME INTIMATE on conditions, treatments,
RELATIONS?
• WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? How much am I eating local services and healthy
and drinking? living.
STAY IN TOUCH - SUPPORT
IS THERE FOR YOU AT EVERY www.nhs.uk
SINGLE STEP BUT DO
, How active have I been? MY ROLE AND MY
YOU KNOW WHO TO
CONTACT?
RESPONSIBILITIES
How much sleep and IN HELPING TO
rest have I had?
The Enhanced IMPROVE MY
Recovery Partnership RECOVERY
What am I proud of Steps to a successful
www.improvement.nhs.uk/
achieving? recovery start before
enhancedrecovery my operation
GETTING BETTER SOONER
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

9. HEALTHY STEPS TO THERE IS ALWAYS FOR FURTHER NHS
It might be useful to keep
IMPROVE MY RECOVERY SOMEONE TO CONTACT a diary or log so you can INFORMATION
WHEN I LEAVE HOSPITAL AND FURTHER track your daily feelings
INFORMATION AVAILABLE and goals to help you on
PLEASE VISIT
RECOVERY DOES NOT STOP the road to recovery
BECAUSE I LEAVE HOSPITAL
How am I feeling? NHS Choices –
QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK? Add your useful contacts and Your health, Your choices
• WHEN CAN I HAVE A SHOWER OR BATH? information here
• WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN? Information from the
• WHEN SHOULD I GO BACK TO WORK?
What are my goals? National Health Service
• WHEN AM I ABLE TO RESUME INTIMATE on conditions, treatments,
RELATIONS?
• WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? How much am I eating local services and healthy
and drinking? living.
STAY IN TOUCH - SUPPORT
IS THERE FOR YOU AT EVERY www.nhs.uk
SINGLE STEP BUT DO
, How active have I been? MY ROLE AND MY
YOU KNOW WHO TO
CONTACT?
RESPONSIBILITIES
How much sleep and IN HELPING TO
rest have I had?
The Enhanced IMPROVE MY
Recovery Partnership RECOVERY
What am I proud of Steps to a successful
www.improvement.nhs.uk/
achieving? recovery start before
enhancedrecovery my operation
GETTING BETTER SOONER
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER

10. HEALTHY STEPS TO THERE IS ALWAYS FOR FURTHER NHS
It might be useful to keep
IMPROVE MY RECOVERY SOMEONE TO CONTACT a diary or log so you can INFORMATION
WHEN I LEAVE HOSPITAL AND FURTHER track your daily feelings
INFORMATION AVAILABLE and goals to help you on
PLEASE VISIT
RECOVERY DOES NOT STOP the road to recovery
BECAUSE I LEAVE HOSPITAL
How am I feeling? NHS Choices –
QUESTIONS YOU MAY WANT TO ASK? Add your useful contacts and Your health, Your choices
• WHEN CAN I HAVE A SHOWER OR BATH? information here
• WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN? Information from the
• WHEN SHOULD I GO BACK TO WORK?
What are my goals? National Health Service
• WHEN AM I ABLE TO RESUME INTIMATE on conditions, treatments,
RELATIONS?
• WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? How much am I eating local services and healthy
and drinking? living.
STAY IN TOUCH - SUPPORT
IS THERE FOR YOU AT EVERY www.nhs.uk
SINGLE STEP BUT DO
, How active have I been? MY ROLE AND MY
YOU KNOW WHO TO
CONTACT?
RESPONSIBILITIES
How much sleep and IN HELPING TO
rest have I had?
The Enhanced IMPROVE MY
Recovery Partnership RECOVERY
What am I proud of Steps to a successful
www.improvement.nhs.uk/
achieving? recovery start before
enhancedrecovery my operation
GETTING BETTER SOONER
GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER GETTING BETTER SOONER ©NHS Improvement 2012 GETTING BETTER SOONER