Preparing for Your Stay at The Rivers Hospital

If you're due to have surgery at The Rivers Hospital in Sawbridgeworth, knowing what to expect on arrival can make the day feel far less daunting. Here's a practical guide to help you prepare.

Getting to the Hospital

The Rivers Hospital is located on High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, just off the M11, making it easily accessible from London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. Free car parking, including disabled parking bays, is available close to the hospital, so there's no need to worry about parking costs or availability on the day.

If you're arriving by train, Sawbridgeworth and Harlow Mill stations are both roughly a five-minute taxi ride from the hospital, which is worth knowing if a family member is dropping you off rather than staying for the day.

What to Bring

Pack loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to put on after surgery, supportive slippers or shoes, and any regular medication in its original packaging. It's also worth bringing personal toiletries, glasses or hearing aids if you use them, and a phone charger, since your stay may extend to an overnight admission depending on your procedure.

Leave valuables and large amounts of cash at home where possible — hospital rooms are secure, but it's generally sensible to keep what you bring to a minimum.

Your Room and Facilities

All patient rooms at The Rivers Hospital are en-suite, with individual televisions provided free of charge. An on-site pharmacy operates from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 1.30pm on Saturdays, and take-home medication is arranged individually before you're discharged.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are generally between 9am and 9pm, with access outside these hours available via intercom at the main entrance if needed. It's worth checking with the ward directly if you have specific requirements, particularly around the day of surgery itself.

On the Day of Admission

You'll be greeted by the ward team, who will confirm your details and go through final checks before surgery, including the site marking discussed during your preoperative assessment. Try to arrive at the time you've been given, even if your actual surgery time may shift slightly depending on the theatre list.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the hospital or its grounds. If you smoke, this is worth planning for, and — as covered elsewhere — stopping well before surgery is one of the most effective things you can do to support healing.

Questions Before You Arrive

If you have any specific concerns about your stay — mobility needs, dietary requirements, or anything else — the practice team is happy to talk these through with you in advance, so there are no surprises on the day itself.