Who is the service for?
The pre-operative assessment is performed on all patients who are going to have an operation or a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic (G.A.).
Your pre-operative assessment happens after you and your surgeon have decided that a surgical procedure is necessary.
What do we do?
We are a nurse-led clinic where we determine if you are physically fit enough to have surgery.
The aims of the service are to:
- Assess you to ensure that you are as fit as possible for surgery and anaesthetic.
- Help reduce your worries and concerns.
- Provide verbal and written information about your admission to hospital, your surgical procedure, length of stay and discharge.
A Qualified Nurse will undertake the majority of your assessment, asking you questions about your general health and your lifestyle (e.g. whether your smoke or drink).
How long will it take?
You should allow at least 2 hours for your entire Pre-Operative Assessment appointment.
Your assessment with the nurse will normally last approximately 30-60 minutes.
If you have a complex medical condition that is unstable or you have a medical history that is complex you may be referred to an Anaesthetist who may want to see you prior to your surgical procedure in a separate clinic appointment.
When is the service available?
Pre-operative Assessment Clinics are generally open from 8:00 to 17:00 (Monday – Friday). However there are plans to extend opening times and locations so that patients have more access to clinics.
Where are the services provided and how do I contact us?
North Manchester General Hospital (Out Patient Department ‘E’) – 0161 720 2824
What do I need to bring with me?
- Your appointment letter
- A list of current medication that you take, including their strength and how often you take them – your GP prescription should show this information clearly
- Any samples that have been requested
- A list of any relevant medical conditions or surgical procedures you have / have had
- Questions you may have for the nurse
- Change for car parking charges
- If you have a medical alert card or medical implant e.g. pacemaker, it is important to bring these details with you to show the nurse.
What do I do if I need an interpreter?
Please note that friends and relatives are not permitted to interpret for you during your assessment. Therefore if your English is limited or if you need the services of a sign-language interpreter please contact Pre-operative Assessment Clinic as soon as possible so that an interpreter can be arranged.
Changing or cancelling your appointment in advance
If you’re unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can rebook your appointment and give your original appointment to someone else.
- by calling the number on your letter
- by calling our dedicated appointment centre on 0161 778 2233
How to change or cancel your appointment
This appointment is important preparation for your surgery. You must come to this appointment or let us know if you need to cancel or change it.
At your appointment
Your blood pressure, height and weight will be checked some of which may be undertaken by our Health Care Support Workers. You will also have other additional tests carried out as appropriate for example,
- Swabs for MRSA (methecillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) a type of bacteria that can cause infections. Any infection must be treated before you can have surgery
- Blood tests
- Urine test (to test for infections, which must be treated before you can have surgery)
- A physical examination, so you may need to partially undress and lie down on the examination couch. This examination will be performed by the nurse, who will listen to your heart and lungs
- ECG (a tracing of the activity of your heart)
- Pregnancy test
- Lung function test
- Chest X-ray
After your appointment
- If we find that you have problems that we were not aware of, such as high blood pressure, anaemia or diabetes, you may need additional treatment.
- If further tests are needed, the pre-assessment nurse will refer you to the relevant hospital department or your GP.
- If everything is ok our nurses will determine the best route for you to come into hospital,
Key staff for your information
Patsy Ketley, Pre-operative Assessment Services Manager
Elizabeth Barrow, Pre-operative Assessment Clinical Team Manager – North Manchester General Hospital