Before your operation
You will need to fast (not eat or drink) for six hours before surgery. We will set up a fluid drip to keep you hydrated during this time.
After your operation
After your operation, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored by specialist nurses. If you are feeling sick we can give you drugs to help. We can also give you painkillers if required.
When you have recovered from your anaesthetic, we will move you back to the ward.
After the operation you should feel more comfortable. We will review your pain and give you painkillers regularly but if you are in pain please tell the nursing staff on the ward.
Eat
- Eating well gives you energy and helps you recover quicker
- Try to eat something at every meal
- Try milky drinks, creamy soups and puddings to boost your intake
- Try snacks between your meals
Drink
- Staying hydrated helps you to stay well
- Have a drink whenever one is offered
- Water, milky drinks, tea and coffee are all available on the ward
- Aim for at least six to eight cups a day, unless you have been advised otherwise
Dress
- Getting dressed into your own clothes helps to make you feel more like yourself
- Ask your visitors to bring in your day clothes and footwear
- Get dressed or ask the nurses to help you into your own clothes
Move
- Moving around helps you feel more confident, makes you feel better and helps to build your appetite
- Work with us when we come to get you moving
- Walk with family and friends, ask us for help and use walking aids if needed
Family, friends and carers, we need you
Eat
Bring in snacks that your relative or friend enjoys eating and encourage them to eat something when you visit. Please check with nursing staff what would be suitable.
Drink
Prompt your relative or friend to have a sip of a drink when you are with them. Check with nursing staff what drinks are suitable.
Dress
Bring in regular day clothes and footwear, and any walking aids used at home if needed.
Move
Ask the nurses if your relative or friend can go for a walk. Walk with them around the bay and corridor.
Mobilising
The aim of your operation is to allow you to get up and put weight on your hip straight away, usually the day after your surgery.
You may have some pain and discomfort to start with, and may feel weaker than usual. This is perfectly normal and should improve as you continue to recover. Pain relief will also make getting up and moving around easier.
Getting back on your feet again, regularly moving in bed and pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions will also help you avoid developing pressure sores while you’re less mobile than usual.
Benefits of getting out of bed include:
- helping to prevent chest infections
- better positioning for eating, and reducing the risk of aspiration (accidentally inhaling food)
- reducing risk of pressure sores
- helping to increase muscle power
- reducing the risk of blood clots
- improving digestion
- possibly increasing appetite
Nutrition
Food and drink are key to recovering from a hip fracture. You will be encouraged to eat and drink to build up your strength.
Catheter
During your recovery, you may have a catheter tube inserted to drain your bladder. This will be removed as soon as possible. In some cases you may be discharged from the hospital with a catheter. This can then be removed at an outpatient clinic.
Last reviewed: 02 March 2023