Pre-Operative Assessment Unit

The pre-operative assessment unit is situated at the back of the hospital which is clearly sign posted from the main entrance.  It is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the main entrance but if you require assistance or a wheelchair please ask at the hospital main reception.

The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that you are medically fit for surgery.  It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions you may have or discuss any concerns.

You will be seen by an experienced pre op assessment nurse, who will ask you a range of questions about your medical history.  You will be asked to bring with you a list of your current medication.  It maybe necessary to carry out some routine tests and investigation at this appointment, such as an ECG (heart tracing), blood tests, MRSA screens and blood pressure checks.  You will also be asked about your social support on discharge.  We will also carry out health promotion, such as advice on weight management, stop smoking and cutting down on alcohol.

If it is found that you need any further investigations or monitoring prior to your operation, your pre op assessment nurse will liaise with the consultant anaesthetists who may wish to assess you themselves.

Your pre op assessment is valid for 12 weeks therefore you should receive confirmation of your date for surgery within 12 weeks this appointment.  

Contact information

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to call the pre op assessment team on direct line number 01432 364159 or the anaesthetic department on direct line number 01432 364080.

Links to useful information

At The County Hospital we follow the recommendation from The Royal College of Anaesthetists. With this website link you will be able to source information in simple leaflet format regarding a number of topics regarding anaesthesia and pain relief strategies. These include:

• Anaesthesia explained
• You and your anaesthetic
• Your child’s general anaesthetic
• Headache after epidural or spinal anaesthetic
• Your spinal anaesthetic
• Anaesthetic choices for hip or knee replacement
• Epidural for pain relief after surgery
• Your child’s general anaesthetic for dental treatment
• Your tonsillectomy as day surgery
• Local anaesthetic for aortic surgery