Brief Overview
The Hickstead Unit assesses patients who are requiring surgery to ensure their fitness for the Anaesthetic.
The services is run from the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath
Contact details
Hickstead Unit
Preoperative Assessment
Princess Royal Hospital
Haywards Heath
Sussex
RH16 4EX
Telephone: 01444 441881 ext 5963
Clinic times / opening hours
8.00am - 4.30pm
Sub departments
Information for patients
If you have been told by a surgeon that you require surgery, your name will be placed on the waiting list. In order to ensure that the surgery and the anaesthetic can proceed safely you will be invited to attend for a preoperative assessment.
You will be seen by a nurse who will assess your fitness for anaesthetic by asking you some medical questions. The nurse will also take a brief social history so she can make sure you are supported after your surgery. Occasionally you will be seen by a Doctor as well.
You will need to bring with you all the medicines that you are taking. We will also require a specimen of urine to test (this specimen can be given at the time of your assessment). You may be asked to have a blood test, ECG, or X-ray depending on what procedure you are having. We also screen all patients for MRSA by taking two swabs – this will be fully explained at the time of your assessment.
The nurse will talk to you about the surgery you are having. She will also explain what you can expect on the day of your operation and give you information about what to do when you are at home recovering.
This assessment can take 1-2hours.
www.daysurgery.net
www.pre-op.org
