This room is called waiting room, one step closer to the surgery. This is where you and your birth partner will wait for your theatre surgery. Hopefully the wait wont be long. If emergencies do happen don't worry the theatre member will keep you updated if the surgery is delayed. 

The birth partner will need to change into theatre scrubs attached above in the image if they are accompanying you to theatre alongside with the theatre hat and a face mask.  This will be available in the room. There shall also be a locker to place your personal belongings or you can keep it in a neat pile. 

There may be 2 or more people in the waiting room as per the Obstetric theatres in the Department both Elective and Emergency. 

Things to be aware of:

Birth partner may be left in the room in case of Emergency. (Gives the theatre staff time to concentrate on the patient and the baby in the first instance)

Once the anaesthetist is happy with the patient's condition then a member of the team will escort the birth partner to the theatre. 

Usually the patient will undergo the surgery awake by having spinal anaesthetic or epidural top-up  and the birth partner can be present. But, Sometime the Surgeon and Anaesthetist may decide that the patient needs to be converted to a General Anaesthetic in an event of emergency situation, this is for the safety of both the patient and the baby. The birth partner will be asked to leave and wait at the waiting area in this situation. I understand that this can be very stressful and scary for the birth partner but the care will be in responsibility of the theatre team so they will give their full attention to the patient and the baby.

Why do I need to wear compression stockings:

These stockings are recommended during and after surgery and they are encouraged to wear usually as much as possible (day and night) until you are able to move around well. 

This stockings helps to stop the blood clots developing in the leg, which is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during and after surgery. 

Can I take pictures in theatre?

If you and your partner are planning to take photos of your newborn, the drape will be lowered for you too watch the birth of your baby and so you are welcome to take pictures as a group. Please mind within theatre avoid taking pictures or video of staffs without their consent due to the policy in the department which varies in different hospitals.