Pre-operative assessment
Information about Pre-operative assessment
What is Pre Operative Assessment?
All patients admitted for elective surgery undergo some form of preparation prior to admission.
Local Anaesthetic
Patients who are expecting to have procedures under Local Anaesthetic need only have swabs from the nose and groin in order to check their MRSA status (Multi resistant Staphlococcus Aureus). Where possible this will be completed in the pre-operative kiosk in the outpatient department at the time of consultation, but patients may be asked to attend the pre-operative assessment department.
General Anaesthetic
Patients having a General Anaesthetic will require a more detailed health check prior to admission. An appointment will be made by the pre-operative assessment receptionist in the Outpatient department.
It is important that this appointment be soon after the Outpatient visit so that medical health can be checked, observations and investigations concluded to enable the patient to be placed on the operating list most appropriate to the needs of the individual.
Sites for Appointments
Appointments are available at St Albans City Hospital and Watford General Hospital.
If an appointment is required at a different site to that of the outpatient visit, then at least 24 hours must elapse between the two appointments to allow for the notes to arrive in the POA department.
Who's who in Pre-Operative Assessment?
Manager
Sister Isabel Hlomani manages the Pre-operative Assessment clinics across the three hospital sites.
Sisters and HCAs
The Sisters and Health care assistants within Pre-operative Assessment work across the hospital sites.
Pharmacists
St Albans City Hospital and Watford General Hospital have pharmacists working in the Pre-operative assessment clinics.
The pharmacists see those patients due for inpatient admission and provide advice on current prescribed as well as over the counter medication.
The pharmacists advise patients on stopping certain medication prior to admission for surgery.
Consultant Anaesthetists
Consultant Anaesthetists are allocated to each clinic, attending for at least one session per week, and provide advice for patients with complex needs.
Contact
St. Albans (POA) clinic
Level 1, Moynihan Wing
St. Albans City Hospital
AL3 5PN
Tel: 01727 897140
Hemel Hempstead (POA) Kiosk
Verulam Wing Outpatients, Level 2
Hemel Hempstead Hospital
Hillfield Road
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 4AD
Tel: 01442 287071
Watford (POA) clinic
Shrodells Unit
Watford General Hospital
Vicarage Road
Watford
WD18 0HB
Tel: 01923 436018
