About pre-operative assessment 

Pre-operative assessment (sometimes called 'pre-assessment') is when we check that you are well enough for surgery and an anaesthetic.

When to attend the clinic

You may be sent an appointment for pre-operative assessment before you have been given a date for your surgery. This is because the assessment may determine what type of anaesthetic you need, and therefore when your operation will be.

Your procedure may be delayed if your pre-assessment is not completed in time. So, it is important that you attend as soon as possible. 

Your pre-assessment is valid for 3 months.

What to bring

When you come to the clinic, bring these with you.

  • Reading glasses if you need them, as we will give you some forms to fill in.
  • A list of any questions or concerns.
  • A list of your current medicines, including their strength and how often you take them.
  • Any letters you have received from other hospitals involved in your current care.
  • Something to read and a drink in case you need to wait.

What happens at the clinic

The pre-assessment clinic is run by nurses.

  • We will ask you to complete a questionnaire about your general health, fitness, previous operations and illnesses, and medication history.
  • We will measure your weight, height, blood pressure and heart rate.
  • You may also need blood tests and an ECG (a recording of your heart rhythm).
  • We may need to take swabs from your groin and mouth.
  • Patients with lung disease may also have a lung function test.

Sometimes we will give you an appointment to return at a later date. This may be to ensure your pre-assessment is nearer your surgery date or with the right clinician.

If further specialist tests or investigations are needed, we will refer you to the relevant hospital department or arrange these via your GP.

Special requirements

Contact us before:

  • if you have mobility problems or other issues that mean you need our help at the clinic
  • if you need support from a carer or someone that is your advocate  
  • if you need us to do anything else to enable you to access the pre-assessment clinic.

Tell us when you arrive:

  • if you need information or communication in a format that you find easy to use and understand - such as large print or easy read leaflets.

More information

We recommend you look at the following websites to prepare for your operation.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists has created several leaflets that can give you extra information about anaesthetics,