The role of Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic is to assess you prior to your anaesthetic.
Prior to your surgery, we need to make sure that you are as fit and healthy as possible for your anaesthetic. This reduces the chance of your surgery being delayed or cancelled on the day.
You will be seen by a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or an Anaesthetic Doctor.
You will not be seen by your surgeon at this visit.
Your surgical team will refer you.
You will either get a text a couple of days before, a letter in the post or a telephone call.
Bring a list of your medications with you.
Have a list of any specialists you attend, their names, where you saw them and when you are due to see them again.
You do not need to fast for this appointment.
A pre-assessment CNS or an Anaesthetic Doctor will perform your pre anaesthetic assessment.
This will involve taking a full medical, surgical and social history.
We will record routine observations, which can include:
You may require other tests such as:
All assessments are different and the length of time may vary, but you can expect your appointment to last between 1 and 3 hours.
Following your assessment, you will be given written fasting and medication instructions.
Sometimes during your assessment, a problem may be detected, for example, uncontrolled high blood pressure. You may require some further investigations or referral to another specialist, for example, cardiology.
Your surgery date may not be confirmed until all investigations are complete.
Some patients are required to return to the clinic for a follow up appointment
If you are unable to attend, please contact the clinic to reschedule, as your appointment may be offered to another patient.
The Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic is located in the Day Surgery Centre, main hospital, first floor. Follow the directions for Route 5 or ask for directions at the main reception desk.