Birch Unit Discharge following Perkustay/Pleurex Drain

Birch Unit Discharge following Perkustay/Pleurex Drain

Recovering from a local anaesthetic

Your local anaesthetic will wear off shortly following your procedure.  Please ensure you take pain killers regularly if required.  We advise that you:

• Keep taking painkillers regularly if required
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, are best taken with food.  If you experience stomach irritation from these medications stop taking them straight away and contact your GP.
• Drink water to keep hydrated and to help avoid constipation caused by certain painkillers
• Follow wound care instructions given by discharging nurse

Medication

Please continue your regular medication unless advised not to by your nurse or doctor.  You will be discharged from hospital with any required medication. Paracetamol and ibuprofen will not be prescribed as you are expected to have a supply at home.

You will need to obtain repeat prescriptions from your GP surgery should you require them.  It is important to take medication regularly as directed to keep your pain controlled.

Last medication

Below is a list of some medication you have had during your admission. Please continue any regular medications we have prescribed unless told otherwise. The ‘next dose’ column shows you when you can take your next dose.

Medication	Last dose	Next dose

Perkustay/pleurex drain site care

• Your perkustay/pleurex drain does/does not have sutures
• You must not change your dressing, district nurses will be booked to come to you to drain fluid and change dressings. Please discuss bathing options with your district nurse.
• You will be discharged from the Birch unit with 2 drain bags/bottles and a completed referral form for the district nurses.

Mobility

It is advised for you to mobilise as much as you are able.

You will be informed of any restrictions or instructions regarding your mobility prior to discharge.

Follow up appointment

An appointment will be sent to you in the post when you need to have your drain changed.  In some circumstances these appointments will be made over the phone due to short notice.

Symptoms which may cause concern

• Bleeding from drain site
• Swelling or discolouration of the skin
• Swelling in any limbs, especially if it is hot to touch
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in passing urine

If you experience any of the above symptoms, which aren’t explained by your procedure, please call 111 or attend your nearest accident and emergency.

You can also contact Birch Unit on 01527 51270 between 07.00 and 20.00

Mon-Fri

Please contact Birch unit if you have not had contact from the district nurses 72 hours after discharge

If you require speciality advice, or need advice at night, you can also contact

• District nurses
• Interventional radiology nurses in Worcester on 01905 763333

    Ext. 39353

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience

We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:

Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:

The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.  

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