Pre-operative assessment

If you require surgery, you may be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment to ensure your fitness for the anaesthetic.

What to expect

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 1-2 hours.

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