About your appointment

The pre-op assessment unit is open:

Mon-Thurs 8.30am-5pm

Fri from 8.30am - 4pm. 

You will be sent a letter with details of your appointment day, time and place.

Important

Please bring an up-to-date list of your medications to the appointment. 

Try to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to allow for your observations to be taken. Please allow 60 – 90 minutes for your appointment.

Note that if you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment your slot may be rearranged for another time.

If you do not attend this appointment without contacting us your surgery may be cancelled.

Please see the below video to find out what to expect at your forthcoming appointment.

 

What to expect

Below is a checklist of what to expect at your appointment:

  • When you arrive, check in at reception. Please have available details of your next of kin, GP and medication.

  • Your observations will be completed. We will record your blood pressure and pulse and check your height and weight to calculate your body mass index (BMI).
  • A nurse will complete a health questionnaire with you and identify any further investigations needed.
  • You will be asked about your plans for transport and about who will look after you after the operation.
  • Blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing of your heart may be required. These will be completed on the unit wherever possible.
  • We may take swabs for MRSA.
  • You may need to see an anaesthetist. If there is space this will be completed on the same day, or you may be asked to return at a later date for this.
  • We will establish when you are 'fit to proceed' so that you can be put forward for your surgery.

The best thing you can do before your operation is to take a daily walk to increase your fitness.

 

Anaesthetist appointments

An anaesthetist is a doctor who puts you to sleep or numbs part of your body before an operation. Their role within the pre-operative assessment department is to work closely with the pre-operative assessment practitioners and surgeons in order to ensure the safety of patients. If you have a complex medical history you may be required to see an anaesthestist.

If you receive two letters it means you have an appointment with a nurse and also with an anaesthetist. You need to attend both appointments.