Norwich Hand Unit
Who we are
The Norwich Hand Unit provides assessment and day case surgery for the hand and wrist under regional or local anaesthetic. The unit is based in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and is accessed from the East Atrium, level 2.
We are a multidisciplinary team of nurses, hand therapists, anaesthetists, plastic and orthopaedic surgeons and admin staff.
The training opportunities available in the unit allow us to have a Training Interface Group hand fellow, who complete their specialist hand surgery training in the department, as well as other surgical trainees.
The unit provides a clinic for review of urgent problems via a referral from GP, A&E or walk-in-centre and a post operative review clinic, as well as planned and emergency operations.
Norwich Hand Unit Patient Information Leaflet
Meet the team
APU coordinators:
Tom Barber
Dudley Williamson
Anaesthetists:
Ben Cracknell
Khalid Hansan
Nick Saunders
Thammaiah Sreelakshi
Surgeons:
Guido Kohler
Before surgery – Acute Hand Clinic
If you are referred to the Norwich Hand Unit with an urgent problem you will be given a date and time for an appointment by the referring doctor or nurse.
When you arrive at the hand unit you will book in at reception and then be called through to have your dressings removed, be reviewed by the surgical team and a plan made.
If you require surgery then often this will happen on the same day, however sometimes this is not possible and you may be asked to return another day.
As this is an urgent clinic timing is often a little fluid so the time you are asked to attend may not be the time you are seen, however most people are seen and have a plan before 10am.
Before surgery – planned surgery
If you are attending the Norwich Hand Unit for a planned procedure you will be seen by an admitting nurse as well as the surgeon and, if relevant, the anaesthetist. All procedures are done either under regional anaesthesia, also called a “block”, where you are awake but your arm is made numb with an injection at the top of the arm, or local anaesthesia where the injection is made around the surgical site.
Having a Local or Regional Anaesthetic
You can eat and drink as normal before surgery, and if possible attend wearing loose comfortable clothing. Please bring a list of your medication with you on the day and take all medication as normal unless advised otherwise. If you take any blood thinning medication or drugs which affect your immune system please make sure you inform your surgeon or the booking coordinator in advance.
The operating lists accommodate both planned and emergency surgery so the order of the list may change on the day. Please bring something to keep yourself occupied in case you need to wait.
After surgery
Once your procedure is finished you will be welcomed into the discharge lounge and offered a drink. The nurse will go through the postoperative instructions and any follow-up that might be needed. After this you can then go home – please make appropriate arrangements for this as you will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
On the discharge letter there will be advice on what to do and who to contact should you experience any problems afterwards. Please take simple pain relief regularly after the surgery, if stronger pain relief is required an appropriate supply will be given to you on the day. For more detailed information please refer to the links provided for each type of condition. Please be aware that any specific instructions given to you by the team on the day should be prioritised over any general information given in the leaflets.
Hand disorders:
Terminal finger joint arthritis
Hand injuries:
Thumb extensor tendon (EPL) rupture
Frequently asked questions
I have an emergency hand problem – what do I do?
Please attend your local GP, A&E or walk-in-centre as appropriate
I have had surgery and need advice urgently – how do I get in touch?
Phone the on call team on the phone number printed on the discharge letter
I am on the waiting list – who do I contact with a question?
Please phone the waiting list co-ordinator on 01603 289382
I have a non-emergency hand problem – how do I get a referral to the Norwich Hand Unit?
Make an appointment to see your GP who will refer you to one of our surgeons if appropriate
I have had surgery and need advice, but it’s not an emergency – who do I contact?
Please call switchboard and ask for the secretary for your named consultant during working hours
Where is the hand unit located?
The entrance is on level 2 in the East Atrium
How much time will I need off work following my surgery?
Amount of time required off work varies significantly depending on procedure and the type of work you do. The surgeon will give you a better estimate on the day – please ask for a sick note if you need one. Here is a rough guide for some of our common procedures:
- Carpal or cubital tunnel release: 1-2 weeks
- Removal of a mass: 1-2 weeks
- Dupuytren’s fasciectomy: 4-6 weeks
- Trapeziectomy: 6-12 weeks
- Hand fracture: 4-6 weeks
- Flexor tendon repair: 6-12 weeks