Hypothermia: prevention and management in adults having surgery

After your operation

Your temperature should be measured and recorded when you arrive in the recovery room after your operation, and then every 15 minutes until it is at least 36°C. If your temperature is below 36°C, you should be kept warm with a special warming blanket. Transfer back to the ward should not be arranged until your temperature is at least 36°C.

Back on the ward, staff should measure and record your temperature when you arrive, and then every 4 hours. You should be given enough bedclothes so that you are comfortably warm.

If staff find that your temperature has dropped below 36°C on the ward, you should be kept warm using a special warming blanket. Your temperature should be measured and recorded at least every 30 minutes until you are comfortably warm.