Before your operation

Pre-assessment Clinic

You will be involved in planning your care and recovery from the time that we see you in the pre-assessment clinic. This is an opportunity for you to tell us about your individual needs and circumstances. It is advisable to bring along a relative or close friend to this appointment, or someone who can also be involved and support you with planning your care and recovery.

If you feel worried or concerned about managing at home after your operation, it is important that you tell us as early as possible. You should also let us know if any of your circumstances at home change whilst you are in hospital.

We have a team of healthcare professionals who can help organise any relevant support you might need. These include physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

At the pre-assessment clinic, you will be asked about your general health, previous operations/illnesses, allergies and any medications that you take. You may have an ECG (heart tracing) and/or chest x-ray as well as some blood tests. If necessary you may also see a doctor and/or anaesthetist.

You will be screened for MRSA to find out whether you have any of the bacteria on your skin. If your screening results come back as positive we will arrange for you to have treatment before your admission. You will be given a separate leaflet to read which will explain this in detail.

We will give you information about how to prepare yourself for your surgery, including:

• information on medication before your operation
• when to stop eating
• high energy carbohydrate drinks
• what to do on the day of your admission