Pre-operative assessment
Welcome
Our goal is to ensure that you are as fit as possible for surgery before being admitted onto the ward on your operation day. We also want to give you information about coming into hospital and allow you time to ask any questions you have about your operation.
Our location is at B21.
Phone: 01535 292319
You should allow up to two hours for your visit, although the time you will spend with us will depend on your medical history and how many tests are needed.
When you arrive, please report to the reception desk, where a member of staff will check your personal details.
You will be given a health questionnaire – if you are unsure of anything, please leave it blank, as the nurse will go through it with you.
More information about the pre-operative assessment
You will then have your blood pressure, pulse, height and weight checked, and you may have an ECG (electro-cardiograph) which takes a trace of your heart. A swab of your nostrils may be required depending on the type of surgery you are having.
The nurse will assess you by going through the questionnaire with you and asking further questions. This assessment also includes checking your medication and advising you about any tablets you need to stop before your operation.
Please make sure that you bring an up to date prescription or your medications with you. If you are taking any medications to thin your blood, please contact the department when you receive your appointment.
The assessment helps us to understand your health situation and decide if further tests are needed to make sure you are fit for your surgery. You will also be given some information leaflets – please make sure you read them carefully when you get home.
If you need blood tests we can usually do them at the clinic, but we may need to send you to another department in the hospital to have certain tests, such as x-rays.
If you have any questions or problems relating to your operation, please do not hesitate to contact us we are here to help you.
FAQs
What do I do if I can’t come to my appointment?
Please telephone the department as soon as possible – we will make you a new appointment. This is important as you may not be able to have your operation without preoperative assessment.
What if I am running late on my appointment day?
Again let us know as soon as you can – you may still be able to attend on that day depending how full the clinics are and when your operation date is. If not, we will arrange a new appointment for you
I am fit and well, I don’t take any tablets, why do I need to come to pre-op assessment?
We may need to do certain tests for all patients having planned surgery depending on age, weight, and the type of the operation. We can only do these if you come to you appointment. The nurses in pre-operative assessment also provide lots of information about your operation and the best way to prepare for this. Following the advice you are given at pre-operative assessment can lead to a much safer and more pleasant stay in hospital.
What if I need transport to get to my appointment?
Airedale Hospital can only provide transport for medical reasons. You will need to make your own arrangements to attend your appointment.
Where should I park if I am driving to my appointment?
Park in the outpatients car park (P1) – turn right at the top of the drive and take the first right, or follow the road to the bottom of the hill for disabled spaces. Enter the hospital through the outpatients entrance and one of our volunteer guides will be able to direct you to the pre-operative assessment unit. If you require one, wheelchairs are available to borrow.
Coming in for surgery and want to know more about your patient journey?
If you’re coming in for surgery and want to know more about what to expect during your patient journey you can visit our special site here to find out more.
It has information on your experience with us including before your appointment, your arrival, on the ward, anaesthesia, surgery and recovery.
There are videos from our team and patient stories to help you understand your care.
There is also a video on how we support people with disabilities.
