Are you having surgery?

The old saying ‘Nil by mouth from midnight’ no longer applies.

Illustration of a glass and bottle of water with a tick by it and then illustrations of a sandwich, sweets, chewing gum and a glass of milk with a cross by it.

Adult patients can drink 250mls of clear, still, unflavoured water up to TWO HOURS before any procedure requiring general or regional anaesthetic.

All foods and other liquids including chewing gum and sweets must not be eaten within SIX HOURS of your operation.

Illustration of a character with three speech bubbles saying felt less irritable, quicker recovery and nice to be offered an extra drink in this heat.

Illustration of character drinking water with thought bubble saying water helps me feel better and two speech bubbles saying less headaches and dizziness and I did not feel as thirsty as I thought.

What does 250mls of water look like?

It is about a full cup….

or a large mug…..

or half a pint.

Illustration of a glass full of water, mug full of water and a measuring jug with half a pint of water.

How often can I drink water after midnight?

You can drink clear, still, unflavoured water freely until two hours before your surgery – please refer to your hospital appointment letter for your admission time.

How will drinking 250mls of water help me recover?

All the evidence suggests drinking 250mls of water will help prevent symptoms of dehydration, for example, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth and low blood pressure.