YOUR CARE
Pre-Assessment Clinic
Coming into hospital can be an unsettling experience. You have to adapt to new routines and surroundings. We realise a stay in hospital may create problems for you, your family or carer.
Therefore, in attending our Pre-Assessment Clinic, we not only assess that you are fit for the operation, but it also enables us to give you a clear understanding of your hospital stay, the operation itself and any family support or discharge plans that may need to be prepared.
The clinic is led by a registered nurse and other members of the multi-disciplinary team, for example a physiotherapist and other specialities if required. There is also access to the Finance Department if required.
Benefits of attending
- A clear understanding of what your operation entails and the family support you will require.
- Assess’ your fitness for surgery.
- Initiate discharge support if appropriate.
- Informative, easy to read advice sheets.
- Avoids unnecessary stress, gives you “Peace of Mind”.
- Family members are encouraged to be present and involved in care.
- Later admission time prior to surgery.
What happens at Pre-Assessment?
You will be seen in the clinic approximately two weeks prior to your admission.
Usually you will be required to stay approximately 1 hour.
In this time you will have all the appropriate pre-operative tests and investigations required as specified by your Consultant Surgeon and Consultant Anaesthetist.
These may include a blood test, ECG (tracing of your heart rate and rhythm) and appropriate x-rays.
The nurse will assess your medical status and if necessary liaise with your Consultant. She will discuss care throughout your stay and give advice for discharge home.
If appropriate, the physiotherapist will also visit you.
