Pre-operative Assessment

What is pre-operative assessment and why do I have to have it? 

Pre-operative assessment is an outpatient clinic you will be asked to attend prior to your surgery. Assessing you before your operation allows us to: 

• determine your fitness for the forthcoming anaesthetic
• give you information about your operation and answer any questions you may have
• prepare you for your operation and plan your discharge

You will be seen one to two weeks before your operation 

 

How long will it take? 

Assessment itself usually takes about 45 minutes, but you will need to allow time for any tests to be carried out. Please allow two hours in total. 

 

How will I be assessed? 

Pre-assessment is a very individual process where a specially trained nurse will assess you. It may also be necessary for you to see 

• A consultant or doctor 
• An anaesthetist 

 

What does the assessment involve? 

The assessment will involve checking: 

• any previous medical / surgical history 
• whether you have any current medical problems 
• any medications you take 
• how you will manage at home with personal hygiene and domestic chores 
• what help and support you have, e.g. with cooking, shopping, care of young children

 

We will give you information about: 

• the operation itself 
• how long you can expect to be in hospital 
• what to expect after the operation and your discharge from hospital
• some of the risks involved 
• we will want to weigh you, record your blood pressure and pulse

We may also want to carry out other investigations, including: 

• blood tests 
• ECG (tracing of heart activity) 
• MRSA screening 

 

What do I need to bring? 

You need to bring any medication you are taking

 

What happens if you feel unwell or we find something wrong? 

Simple problems can often be treated by your GP before you are due to come into hospital, this will allow the operation to go ahead as planned. However, complicated problems are sometimes more difficult to solve; your consultant or anaesthetist may postpone your operation temporarily to allow time for further tests or treatment. This is to ensure you are as fit as possible for your operation. If this happens you will be given a new admission date as soon as possible. 

If you have any problems/queries please do not hesitate to contact Erme Ward on 01752 439067.