Opening times
The ward is open between 7:15am and 8pm.
Find us
Cherry Tree Day Case Unit is on the first floor.
Address: Cherry Tree Day Case Unit, First floor, Harefield Hospital, UB9 6JH
For information about how to get here, including public transport and parking information, visit our Harefield Hospital directions page.
About Cherry Tree Day Case Unit
There are 16 day-case beds on Cherry Tree Day Case Unit.
The team on the unit cares for patients who have procedures or treatments where the recovery time needed is generally short, meaning that they can go home later the same day.
We care for patients having procedures related to:
- cardiology
- cardiac surgery
- respiratory medicine
- thoracic surgery
- heart and lung transplantation
We always try to separate male and female patients to either side of the unit. In some situations, this may not be possible. If this is the case, we will make every effort to ensure your privacy and dignity is protected at all times.
Before coming to the day case unit
Please have a shower or bath before you come into hospital. Depending on your procedure, we may also ask you to have a shower when you arrive at the unit.
Please bring with you to hospital:
- a dressing gown
- a pair of slippers that have a good grip and provide support to the foot
- all the medication you are currently taking.
You are not allowed to drive for a period of time after your procedure, so please arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide patients with transport home unless this has already been arranged with the transport desk. Read more about non-emergency hospital transport for patients.
Your procedure
We try to complete day case procedures as early as possible, but sometimes we may need to carry out your procedure later in the day.
This may happen if other patients need emergency treatment. We apologise in advance if your procedure is affected in this way.
Eating and drinking
A member of staff will let you know if you can eat or drink before your procedure.
We serve hot drinks at various times during the day. We will also provide you with a snack box that may include a sandwich, fruit, yoghurt, crisps or cake. You can select items from the menu when you arrive at the unit.
After your procedure
After your procedure, you will need to rest on the unit for a period of time. Sometimes we may also ask you to walk around the ward area for a while so we can continue to observe your recovery.
A doctor will usually see you later in the day to check on your recovery and review your medication. If any changes are needed, we will get the new prescription from the hospital pharmacy. However, if the pharmacy is closed we will let you know where you can get your medication.
Going home
Before you leave the unit, we will give you information about your aftercare and any follow-up appointments you may need. We will also advise you of any change to your medication. It is important that you see the nurse before leaving to make sure you have all the information you need.
Read more about leaving hospital.
Relatives and friends
A relative or close friend can come to the day case unit with you. He or she can wait with you while you recover from your procedure or treatment. Hot or cold meals and drinks are available on site from the League of Friends pavilion or the Hungry Hare restaurant.
Admission to hospital
The day case unit closes at 8pm. If you need to stay in hospital longer so we can continue to monitor your recovery, we will transfer you to one of our inpatient wards.
Contact us
Phone: +44 (0)1895 823 737
Matron
Mandy Brown
Martha's Rule - call if concerned
You know yourself or your loved one better than anyone. If you’re worried about a health condition getting worse, talk to us. We have introduced Martha’s Rule to help spot any unexpected signs and give you the right to request a rapid review if you’re worried that your or your loved one’s condition is getting worse.