At the clinic, you may meet members of the team looking after you including the surgeon, the pre-operative assessment nurse, anaesthetist and junior doctor.
The pre-operative assessment nurse will arrange all relevant tests and co-ordinate your appointments. You may have several tests and investigations at the clinic or scheduled for another date.
Tests may include:
- Medical history
- Blood pressure, Pulse & Oxygen levels
- Blood tests
- Height & weight
- Urine test
- Consent for your operation
- ECG (tracing of your heart) if necessary
- Chest X-ray if necessary
- You will also be measured for stockings to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot
- Further tests may include a heart scan or lung function test.
Preparing for surgery
If your surgeon has recommended that you need an operation, you will be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment clinic before the date of your surgery.
This appointment can take up to 3 hours. This is to make sure you are well enough and fully prepared for your surgery and that you are prepared for going home from the hospital (discharge) and ongoing recovery.
Please bring any medication that you are taking (or a copy of a recent prescription).