Pre-Operative Assessment

Pre-operative Assessment (POA) is a check to make sure that you are fully prepared for your hospital admission, treatment and discharge home again. The aim is to ensure you are fit and well prior to your operation.

A specialist nurse will collect information from you regarding your medical history, functional capacity, current medication and allergies and also appropriate social circumstances relevant to your admission and discharge from hospital.

Physiological measurements are taken (Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, Body Mass Index (BMI)) and then appropriate investigations are organised according to national and local guidelines for each patient as an individual. This will include blood tests, ECG (which records the electrical activity of your heart) and MRSA screening. These tests are performed at the clinic.

More specialised investigations may be needed and will be carried out in other departments.

If patients are not fit at this time they may be required to have further assessments from the anaesthetist, or maybe referred back to their GP to stabilse systemic illnesses or diseases.

 

Our Pre-assessement (POA) team consists of specialist clinical nurses, health care assistants, administrative support staff and consultants in anaesthesia with an interest in Pre-operative assessment.

 

Pre-Operative Assessment Clinical Lead - Dr Mehnaz Khan

Pre-Operative Assessment Lead Nurse - Ms Geraldine Cook

Service Manager - Mr Graham Booth

Dr Mehnaz Khan

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring any medication you are currently taking, or a current prescription. Bring your glasses and any hearing aids you normally wear. You can bring a friend or relative to escort you if you wish.

 

 

The appointment will take approximately 1 hour.

It may take longer in some special circumstances Most patients are seen in POA immediately after their appointment with their surgeon (the same day).