Pre-Assessment

What is Pre-Operative Assessment?

Before your operation we need to make sure that you are fit and healthy for an anaesthetic. 

Our aims in the Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic

• To assess how fit you are for surgery and anaesthetic
• To ensure that you will be in the best health prior to the operation.
• To help reduce your worries and concerns
• To provide information about your admission to hospital, your length of stay and your discharge date

You may be feeling anxious about being in hospital but keeping you safe and well is a priority for the staff looking after you. There are also some simple things you can do to help keep yourself safe during your hospital stay, such as asking for help when needed, protecting yourself from slips and falls and helping to prevent blood clots. Find out more about staying safe in hospital on our Patient Safety page.

What you can expect at your pre-assessment appointment

The Pre-operative assessment nurse will carry out a number of simple investigations which will include;

• Discussing your general health and recording your medical/ surgical history
• Taking your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels, measuring your height and weight and working out your BMI (Body Mass Index) 

Further investigations may also be carried out, including;

• Urine Testing
• MRSA Screening
• Pregnancy Test
• Blood Test
• X-Rays
• ECG (Electrocardiography- a tracing of the activity of your heart)

The nurse will ask questions about your lifestyle (e.g. whether you smoke, drink or become breathless on exertion). They will also ask you questions about yourself and your general health and talk to you about any arrangements you may need to make for when you get home after your operation. You will be informed of your expected discharge date to allow you to make arrangements for when you leave the hospital.

Any appropriate information leaflets available will also be given to you at this stage. (If clinically necessary the pre-operative nurse may refer you to an anaesthetist for further investigation).

Interpreting and signing

As part of our commitment to ensure equal access for all patients, we can provide a qualified interpreter in many languages. Please ask the pre-operative nurses to arrange for a registered sign language/lip speaking or interpreter to communicate on your behalf.                                                                                                                            

Contact us on: 01983 822099 ext. 2210.

Our opening hours are 8am – 6pm daily Monday to Friday.