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 are:
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To assess how fit you are for surgery and anaesthetic
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To ensure that you will be in the best health prior to the operation
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To help reduce your worries and concerns
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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 and so, keeping you safe and well is a priority for our 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-operative assessment appointment
A pre-operative assessment nurse will carry out a number of simple investigations which will include:
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Discussing your general health and recording your medical / surgical history
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Taking your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels, measuring your height and weight, and working out your Body Mass Index (BMI).
Further investigations may also be carried out, including;
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Urine testing
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MRSA screening
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Pregnancy test
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Blood test
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X-rays
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Electrocardiography (ECG ), a tracing of the activity of your heart.
The nurse will ask questions about your lifestyle, e.g. whether you smoke, how much you drink, or if you become breathless on exertion. They will also ask other general questions about you and your general health.
The team will 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, and if clinically necessary, the pre-operative assessment 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 a pre-operative assessment nurse to arrange for a registered sign language / lip speaking or interpreter to communicate on your behalf.
