This guide explains what to do before your appointment. It covers the information we need from you, what to pack and how to plan for afterwards. Choose the age group that applies to see the right guidance for you.
If anything is unclear, our team is a phone call or message away, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.
After you book, we'll email you everything you need to do. Getting it done before the day keeps your appointment calm and unhurried.
Information we need from you
Documents to read
The doctor reviews this before the appointment. Clear, complete answers help us to plan your care.
Tell us about past operations, ongoing conditions and any family history of bleeding or clotting problems.
List every medicine the patient currently takes, including aspirin, ibuprofen and warfarin. Never stop a prescribed medication unless a doctor advises it.
Let us know about any allergy or past reaction to medicines, anaesthetics, plasters, latex or skin glue.
If anything changes before the appointment, such as a new illness or medicine, call us before travelling.
Choose an age group to see the guidance that applies.
Keep to your baby's usual feeding routine on the day.
If his plan is different, for example if he needs a general anaesthetic, we'll send specific fasting instructions. Always follow those.
Children and teens can usually eat and drink as normal.
If your son's plan is different, for example if he needs a general anaesthetic, we'll send specific fasting instructions. Always follow those.
Eat a normal breakfast or lunch and drink water before you arrive.
If your plan is different, for example if you need a general anaesthetic, we'll send specific fasting instructions. Always follow those.
A short, practical list for the day. Comfort comes first.
For newborns, infants and children, we ask for consent from everyone with parental responsibility. Both parents should usually attend, and each needs to bring photo ID. For teenagers, a parent or guardian attends and gives consent, and your doctor also talks with your son directly. We only go ahead when he understands the procedure and agrees.
As an adult, you give your own consent after a discussion with your doctor, who will explain the procedure, the recovery and what to expect. Please bring photo ID and arrange for someone to take you home afterwards. If you would like a partner, family member or friend to be with you, let our team know when you book.
Your appointment lasts 45 minutes to an hour, so you'll have plenty of time to feed your son and ask us any questions.
01
A calm, private space to feed, change and settle your baby.
02
Your doctor examines your baby, explains each step and confirms consent.
03
Numbing cream, local anaesthetic and a soothing sugar solution keep him comfortable.
04
Hold and feed him straight away. We go through aftercare and you go home the same day.
Children and teens often feel calmer if they know what to expect. Explain the visit to your son beforehand in simple, honest language.
01
A private room to settle in, chat with your son and ask questions.
02
Your doctor gently examines him, explains each step and speaks directly to teens.
03
Local anaesthetic and distraction keep him comfortable. You can stay close by.
04
A short rest and a snack. We go through aftercare and you go home the same day.
Your appointment is private and unhurried. You'll have time to ask your doctor questions and talk through the procedure and recovery before going ahead.
01
A discreet welcome and a private room.
02
Your doctor reviews your health, explains what will happen and confirms your consent. Ask anything you like before you go ahead.
03
You stay awake under local anaesthetic and can listen to music if it helps.
04
Rest for a short while, go through aftercare, then go home with your companion.
Travel home by car or taxi rather than public transport. We recommend that adults do not drive themselves home. Arrange for another adult to be around for the first day or two. If you've had the procedure, it gives you time to rest. If you're caring for your child, it means you can focus on him, especially if you have other children.
Plan a couple of quiet days at home before anything else goes back in the diary. Most adults with desk jobs return within 1 to 2 days, and most teenagers are back at school within a few days. Your doctor will confirm when sport and swimming are sensible. Our team is happy to talk it through.
Go through the preparation guide, consent form and aftercare guide.
Add medical history, current medicines and any allergies.
Follow the eating and drinking advice for your age group.
Plan who gives consent, and bring photo ID.
Comfortable clothing and the essentials from our list.
Arrange travel home and support for the first days.
We'd always rather hear from you sooner than later. Call us on 0333 444 1450, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Complete it as soon as the pack arrives by email, ideally a few days before your appointment. It covers medical history, current medicines and allergies, so your doctor has time to review everything beforehand. Answering clearly and completely helps us plan your care, and it keeps the day itself calm and unhurried for you and your family.
Yes, in most cases. For babies, keep to your usual feeding routine and offer a feed shortly beforehand, as it can help him settle. Children and teens can usually eat and drink as normal, and a drink and snack for afterwards helps. If your plan is different, for example a general anaesthetic, we will send specific fasting instructions.
Yes. Eat a normal breakfast or lunch and drink water before you arrive, because an empty stomach can leave you feeling faint. Keep well hydrated and avoid alcohol for 2 days before and after. If your plan is different, for example a general anaesthetic, we will send specific fasting instructions, and you should always follow those.
No, not unless your doctor tells you to. List every medicine you currently take on the form, including aspirin, ibuprofen and warfarin. Your doctor reviews the list before the day and will advise you if anything needs to change. Never stop a prescribed medicine by yourself, and call us if you are unsure about anything.
For newborns, infants and children, we ask for consent from everyone with parental responsibility, and both parents should usually attend. For teenagers, a parent or guardian attends and gives consent, and your doctor also talks with your son directly. Adults give their own consent after a full discussion with their doctor about the procedure and recovery.
Bring photo ID. For a baby, child or teen, each parent attending needs their own photo ID, and newborns also need their red book. Adults should bring photo ID and their booking confirmation, either printed or saved on their phone. If you are unsure which applies to you, call our team and we will talk it through.
Choose loose, comfortable clothing. Babies need a front-opening babygrow or vest, nappies one size up, wipes, enough food and a spare outfit. Children may want a favourite toy, book or tablet with headphones. Adults should wear snug, supportive briefs rather than boxers, and can bring headphones for music or a podcast.
For newborns and infants, allow 45 minutes to an hour, so there is time to feed, settle and ask anything first. The visit is private and unhurried. Your doctor examines your baby, explains each step and confirms consent before going ahead. Our team will confirm timings for children, teens and adults when you book your appointment.
We recommend that adults do not drive themselves home, especially if they tend to feel faint or light-headed. Arrange for someone to take you instead, and travel home by car or taxi rather than public transport. It also helps to have another adult around for the first day or two, so you can rest properly.
If there is a temperature, cold, rash or any infection in the days before, call us on 0333 444 1450. We may move the appointment until the patient is well. To cancel or rearrange for any other reason, email care@gentleprocedures.co.uk as early as possible so we can find you a new time that suits.
