Before surgery · Planning
Getting Home Safely After Surgery
It's one of the most overlooked parts of day surgery — and a common reason operations get cancelled on the morning. If you're having anesthetic or sedation, you'll need someone to take you home and stay with you. Here's how to plan it.
The short answer
Why you can't get yourself home
Anesthetic and sedative drugs don't switch off the moment you wake up. For the rest of the day they quietly slow your reactions, judgement, balance and memory — even when you feel completely normal. That's why, for roughly 24 hours, you must not:
- Drive or ride a bike (you're impaired, and usually not insured).
- Operate machinery or do anything safety-critical.
- Sign legal documents or make important decisions.
- Travel home or be at home alone.
The two people you need to line up
- A ride. Someone to collect you by car or accompanied taxi — not you driving, and not public transport on your own.
- An escort and overnight helper. A responsible adult to take you into your home and stay with you for about 24 hours, in case you feel sick, dizzy, or have an issue with pain or your wound.
For many day cases the same person does both. Confirm exactly what your hospital requires — some procedures or sedation levels have stricter rules than others.
Set yourself up before you go in
- Agree the pick-up plan and a backup person in case the first falls through.
- Stock easy food and drinks, and keep painkillers, water and a phone within reach at home.
- Make a bed or sofa space ready so you can rest as soon as you're back.
Living alone? Tell them early — not on the day
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I just drive myself home after day surgery?
Anesthetic and sedation drugs stay in your system for hours, slowing your reactions, judgement and coordination even when you feel fine. Driving, operating machinery, or signing legal documents is unsafe — and usually not insured — for about 24 hours afterward.
Can I take a taxi or bus home alone instead?
For most day surgery, no. Hospitals require a responsible adult to escort you home, not just a taxi driver — you may feel faint, sick or drowsy on the way, and need someone to look after you. Travelling alone is a common reason a procedure is cancelled.
Do I really need someone to stay overnight?
Usually yes — a responsible adult should stay with you for about 24 hours after a general anesthetic or sedation, in case you feel unwell, become dizzy, or have a problem with pain, bleeding or your wound. Ask your team what's required for your specific procedure.
What if I live alone and have no one to help?
Tell your team well before the day — don't leave it to the morning. They may arrange a longer stay, a different anesthetic, or support so your surgery can still go ahead safely. There are usually options, but they need notice to set them up.