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FAQ's - Pre-assessment
- What is 'pre-assessment'?
- When will I get an appointment?
- What if I need to change the appointment?
- What if I need an interpreter or signer?
- Can I bring a relative or friend with me?
- How long with the appointment take?
- I'm not sure if I want to have the operation. Whom can I talk to?
- What if I can't have my operation as a daycase? Will I have to wait even longer for my operation?
- Where can I get further information about my daycase procedure?
What is 'pre-assessment'?
Prior to your procedure, if you are having a general anaesthetic (when you are asleep), you will be given a pre-operative assessment appointment. This appointment involves:
- taking a medical history
- height/weight and blood pressure measurements
- blood tests and a heart trace recording (ECG), if required.
Following this appointment, a mutually convenient date will be arranged for your operation.
When will I get an appointment?
You may be asked to attend the Day Unit for your pre-assessment, immediately after your outpatient clinic appointment. Otherwise, you will be sent an appointment letter asking to attend for pre-assessment.
What if I need to change the appointment?
Please notify the hospital staff as soon as possible, so that you do not delay your procedure unduly. Remember to advise the staff about any special arrangements which are required eg interpreter, hospital transport etc.
Prompt cancellation of appointments enables these to be offered to other patients. Your consideration will be appreciated.
If your appointment is not convenient for:
a. Pre-assessment
Please telephone the Pre-assessment Nurse to re-arrange the appointment.
b. Operation date
Please telephone the telephone number on your admission letter
or
Telephone the Day Unit staff, who will advise you further.
What if I need an interpreter or signer?
If you require the services of an interpreter or 'signer', please notify the Day Unit staff, at least two weeks prior to your appointment. Interpreting & Signing Services
Can I bring a relative or friend with me?
If you would like a friend or relative to accompany you to the pre-assessment appointment, please check with the Day Unit staff. Whilst every effort is made to meet your request, sometimes space is limited, so it is not always possible to permit it.
How long with the appointment take?
The pre-assessment appointment with the nurse normally takes 30-45 minutes for the health interview and measurements. Extra time should be allowed for blood and any other tests, which may be required.
When will I get a date for my operation/procedure?
Your operation date will generally be agreed with you, at your pre-assessment appointment. If you do not require pre-assessment, you will be sent a letter advising you of your operation date.
I'm not sure if I want to have the operation. Whom can
I talk to?
If you have any questions about your operation or aftercare, you can:
- discuss these with the Pre-assessment nurse at, or after your appointment
- telephone the consultant's secretary.
- discuss these with your G.P.
If it has been some time since you saw your consultant, or you think that your surgery may no longer be necessary, you can telephone your consultant's secretary, who may suggest that you be given an outpatient clinic appointment, so that you can discuss your concerns with the consultant, or a member of his team.
What if I can't have my operation as a daycase? Will I have to wait even longer for my operation?
If it is not possible for you to have your procedure as a daycase, your details will be passed to the manager of the in-patient waiting list. The time you have already waited will be taken into consideration, so that the delay you experience is kept to a minimum.
Where can I get further information about my daycase
procedure?
Your consultant will have discussed the options for your treatment. However, if you require further details about your procedure and aftercare, you can download the following information leaflets:
- Information about your operation
- Information for my carer
- Information about the Day Unit
- Consent form
- Anaesthetics
- Interpreter & 'signing' services
- Complaints procedure