Pre - operative assessment service

The East Cheshire NHS Trust is committed to making sure that you receive the highest quality care during your stay in hospital and as part of that commitment the pre-operative assessment service was set up in 1998 to help us assess the health and fitness of our patients before they were admitted into hospital for an operation. Our service has continued to keep patients at the centre of any developments and supports the national guidance that relates to pre-operative assessment.

What happens at a pre-operative assessment?

We will ask you some questions about your general health and take notes about any conditions you may have or are being treated for by your general practitioner. We will also assess whether any of those conditions may affect your recovery after the anaesthetic or the surgery. We may need to take samples of blood for testing and we may also need to perform a heart trace, called an ECG, and listen to your heart and lung sounds. Sometimes we may need to ask for special tests which will mean that you would need a different appointment within another area of the hospital. We will also give you some information about your surgery and anaesthetic and give you the chance to ask questions about what to expect in hospital and on your return home

When will I have my pre-operative assessment?

As soon as you have agreed to have your operation at Macclesfield District General Hospital you will be able to arrange your appointment to see us, either in person or over the telephone. We try to make sure that the date and time of your appointment fits in with your plans but on some occasions we may only be able to give a limited choice if your surgery date has already been agreed. We will always try to see you as close to the time you have agreed to your surgery and not near the time of your admission to Hospital incase we need to request special tests.

Who will carry out the assessment?

A specially trained nurse will carry out the whole assessment.

How long does the assessment take?

A full assessment can take up to an hour.

Does everyone need an assessment?

Every patient who is having an operation under a general anaesthetic requires an assessment but some patients need a longer appointment time than others because of the different tests that may have to be carried out.

Would I be able to have my assessment straight after seeing my consultant?

If you are seen at Macclesfield District General Hospital you will be asked to attend the pre-operative assessment suite to make your pre-operative assessment appointment in person. We will ask you to complete a health questionnaire. If you are fit and well and do not take any tablets prescribed by your doctor we may be able to see you straight away and complete your assessment details.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

A copy of your prescription if you have one, contact details for your next of kin or other person you would like us to contact in an emergency and any other additional information you have to help us with your assessment, for example; a list of anything you may be allergic to.

Is there anything else that happens during an assessment that I should know about?

Yes. All patients who are having an operation in a theatre have an Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) screen carried out. This involves taking a swab from inside the nostrils. If the results are positive we will write to you and tell you. If you are positive you will need to have a special treatment before coming into hospital. The pre-operative assessment nurses will arrange for you to come back to see them and they will give you the treatment pack and tell you how to use it.

Can I cancel my appointment if I change my mind?

You can cancel your appointment at any time if you decide not to have your surgery.

Can I alter my appointment?

You are able to change the date and time of your appointment on two occasions, any further cancellations may mean that we cannot offer you a further appointment.

What happens if I don’t turn up for my appointment?

If you do not attend and do not contact us we will not be able to offer you a further appointment and your surgery may be cancelled.

Will I get my date for surgery at the pre-operative assessment appointment?

No, this will be arranged by your consultant. You may have been given a provisional date at your outpatient appointment but sometimes this may be changed.

How will I definitely know I am coming into hospital for my surgery?

You will receive a letter from your consultants secretary with all the details about your admission to hospital.
 
Please take the time to read the whole letter once you recieve it as it will contain all the information you will need to prepare for that day.

Where is the pre-operative assessment suite?

The pre-operative assessment suite can be found within Macclesfield District General Hospital, on the top corridor and opposite wards 1 and 2. We are open from 7.30am in the morning until 7.15pm in the evening on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Fridays we are open from 7.30am in the morning until 5.30pm on a Friday afternoon.
 
Please note there is limited space within the suite’s waiting area and relatives may be asked to return at the end of the assessment in order to give priority seating to our patients. We have an answer phone system which is in use during busy times and if you need to contact us would ask that you leave us a contact name and number so that we are able to return your call.

More information

The pre-operative suite: 01625 661088