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Date issued: April 2023

Review date: April 2025

Ref: D-118/O/SS/OrthoPreopAssess v4

PDF: Orthopaedic pre assessment clinic final April 2023 v4.pdf [pdf] 125KB

What is pre-operative assessment and why do I need to attend?

Pre-operative assessment is an important part of your hospital admission.

• It gives us a chance to assess your general health prior to surgery.

• It gives you information about your operation.

• It gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have.

• It gives us the chance to begin to plan your discharge home after the operation.

How long will it take?

Assessment normally takes around 1 hour although you should be prepared to be at the hospital for up to 2 hours so that all the relevant tests can be carried out.

What will happen to me?

Please book in at the self-check in or report to the reception desk so we know you have arrived for your appointment.

You will be seen by the clinic nurse who is a senior member of the nursing staff and has been specially trained to assess you.

Tests will be carried out to assess your general health. These will include checking your blood pressure, pulse and taking your weight. Blood tests, and/or an ECG (tracing of your heart) may also be undertaken, and you may be required to provide a urine sample whilst in the department. The nurse will go through the medical questionnaire with you and clarify any points raised.

The nurse will also carry out a nursing assessment. This includes checking your personal details e.g., name, address, next of kin. You will be asked questions about how you are managing at home with such things as washing and dressing and domestic chores and about your home environment, whether you live in a house or bungalow and whether or not you live alone.

All this information helps us begin to plan the necessary arrangements after you leave hospital.

You will be given information about:

• What to expect when you come into hospital

• How long you can expect to be in for

• Details of the operation itself

• What to expect after the operation

• Some of the risks involved

An anaesthetic appointment may be required at a later date.

What will I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring all the medications you are taking including inhalers and creams. Please make sure they are in the original containers.

You are very welcome to bring a relative or friend with you if you require assistance.

Additional information

Car parking can sometimes be a problem as car parks can become very busy. Please make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find a parking space before your appointment. You will need change for the car park.

The clinic is situated in the Orthopaedic & Rheumatology Outpatient Department based in Car Park F (disabled parking area). There is a separate external entrance to this department away from the main entrance of the hospital.

The nearest car parks are Car Park F and the Multi-Story Car Park.