Leaflet Details
| Title | About Conscious Sedation |
| Department | ENT / Maxillofacial |
| Author(s) | ENT / Maxillofacial Team |
| Review Date | March 2025 |
| Next Review | March 2027 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF and A4 Handout PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
Introduction
Intravenous sedation involves the injection of a sedative drug into the blood system. It provides a very strong sense of relaxation and drowsiness. It is NOT a general anaesthetic.
Sedation is NOT suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
On the day of treatment
- Do take your routine medications at the usual time
- Do NOT drink alcohol
- Do wear loose comfortable clothing, preferably short sleeved tops and sensible shoes with no heels or flip flops
- Remove any nail polish on fingernails
Sedation will NOT be given if you arrive without a responsible adult escort.
Make arrangements for small children to be cared for. Your escort should not be looking after anyone but you.
Escorts are not normally allowed in the surgery but MUST remain in the waiting room for the duration of your treatment.
You should travel home with your escort by car or taxi, NOT by public transport or walking.
Your escort MUST remain with you for 24 hours
During the 24 hour after your sedation
You must NOT
- Be responsible for small children or dependent adults
- Drive
- Operate machinery (even household electricals)
- Drink alcohol or smoke
- Sign important business or legal documents
Any Queries?
Telephone:
- 01932 72 2028 (St Peter’s)
- 01784 88 4009 (Ashford)
After 5pm or at weekends, phone the main switchboard at St Peter’s (01932 87 2000) and ask for the Oral and Maxillo-facial doctor on call.
Cancellations by the hospital ‘day before’ your appointment date
If we are aware that there is a problem regarding your admission the ‘day before’ you are due to come in, we will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible so that the least amount of inconvenience is caused to you.
The cause of the cancellation could be one of many reasons such as:
- Clinically urgent case takes priority
- Sudden unexpected Consultant absence
- Other possibilities which will be explained to you
Cancellations by the hospital ‘on the day’ of your surgery
There are occasions where the decision to cancel will be made ‘on the day’ of your admission.
The reason for the cancellation will be fully explained to you at that time
Examples include:
- Capacity pressures caused by unusual volumes of admissions via the emergency department
- Over run of theatre time
- Other possibilities which will be explained to you
If your admission is cancelled ‘on the day’ you will be contacted by The Booking Office to arrange a new date for admission. This date will usually be within 28 days. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact:
The Booking Office, Maxillofacial / ENT Team on 01784 884740, 01784 884742, 01784 884745 or 01784 884652.
Cancellations by the patient before or on day of admissions
If you cancel your admission date, either prior to the date of surgery or are unwell ‘on the day’ The Booking Office will either suspend you from the waiting list until you are fit for surgery or agree another date with you as soon as possible.
NB: If you are aware that you are unable to make an appointment date to come in for treatment you should ensure you contact the bookings office as soon as possible so that we can agree another suitable date for you and ensure we allocate this slot to another patient who is able / prepared to come in.
