Oral and Maxillofacial

Our maxillofacial surgeon Mr Jerry Farrier treats many diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and Maxillofacial (jaws and face) region. Mr Farrier also operates at Tetbury Hospital, if you require an operation and it can be performed without an overnight stay you will most likely be able to have your surgery here. Mr Ganeshwaran Sittampalam also delivers maxillofacial clinics at Tetbury on behalf of The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, but he does not operate here, should you require a procedure you will need to travel to Swindon.

Oral and Maxillofacial appointments

You are likely to have been referred by your GP or Dentist. You will be offered an appointment within two weeks of the referral being received. At your appointment you will be seen by the Consultant who will take a detailed history of your condition, so please bring any medication you are currently taking, or devises you are currently wearing. If you require an interpreter please inform us prior to your appointment.

Preparing for your appointment

Please remember to bring any current medication you are taking, hearing aids etc. to your appointment. Please also remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring: •Your full address and telephone number(s) •Your appointment letter •Your GP’s name and address •Money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card (We do not have a pharmacy on site) •A list of questions you may want to ask your consultant

Cancelling or rearranging your appointment

If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment please let us know as soon as possible. You can speak to us by calling 01666 501778 between 9.30 am and 1pm Monday to Friday, outside of these hours a voice message can be left and we will get back to you, alternatively you may email the Tetbury Booking Office We do not manage the booking process for Mr Sittampalam's clinic, if you need to make changes to these appointments please refer to the telephone number on your appointment letter, this LINK to their website may also be helpful.

If you need an operation at Tetbury

Your consultant should have talked to you about the alternatives to surgery and why they believe this is the best option for you.

Your operation date

You will be placed on the waiting list. The Day surgery Unit Coordinator will contact you once all your investigations have been collated and a provisional date has been arranged. There should be at least a week's notice prior to admission. If there is a date or period of time that is inconvenient for you, please let us know.

What to do if your symptoms change

If your condition worsens, please see your GP or dial 111.

Pre-admission clinic

There are two types of pre-admission clinics. These are called first stage and second stage. These clinics aim to prepare you for your operation - both emotionally and physically. A first stage pre-operative assessment routinely happens on the day of your outpatient appointment, if you require a second stage pre-operative assessment an separate appointment will be made prior to your operation. All patients have a first stage pre-operative assessment, you will be given a questionnaire to complete and you may have some swabs taken. Some patients require a second stage pre-operative assessment, during this appointment you will meet members of the Day Surgery Team and have some important tests. Members of the team will also talk to you about things to plan beforehand, such as how much time off work you will need, your recovery and how to get home after your surgery.

Your surgery

We will explain to you what will happen during your operation and recovery. The surgeon will also talk through the possible complications with you again. It is important you understand the treatment you are agreeing to, so please ask questions if you are unsure.