Pre-op Team - 01270 612448
The Pre-operative Assessment Clinic, also known as POAC, is a nurse-led clinic that specialises in preparing patients for their planned surgery. A pre-operative assessment is performed on all patients who are going to have a planned operation or a surgical procedure performed under a general anaesthetic.
The type of the pre-assessment clinic appointment depends on the nature of the planned operation and whether you have underlying medical problems that may influence your preparation for and recovery from surgery.
Appointments range from a face-to-face appointment with either a specialised Pre-operative Assessment Sister or a Consultant Anaesthetist to a telephone assessment.
During your visit and appointment you may have some or all of the following investigations:
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A detailed nursing assessment
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An examination
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An ECG (tracing of the heart)
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Blood tests
Occasionally additional tests are required dependant on your health, the team will discuss these with you.
What to Bring:
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All your medications
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Past Medical history
The nurse will advise you about taking medications on the day of your operation and will inform you of any that may need to be stopped for a period of time before your surgery
Additional Resources
Smoking
Smoking prior to surgery delays wound healing and increases your risk of developing chest complications during and after surgery, not to mention increasing your risk of long term chest problems. Prior to hospital admission we advise that your stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and for at least 6 weeks after but ultimately completely. If you require assistance with stopping smoking prior to surgery please speak with your colorectal nurse specialist who can sign post your for appropriate help.
As a patient a MId Cheshire Hospital you can access there local stop smoking support via your Colorectal CNS. See further information by visiting there page.
CURE Project (Smoking Support) (mcht.nhs.uk)
Further support
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Cheshire East residents can access support for tobacco addiction by calling 0808 1643 202 or visiting www.oneyoucheshireeast.org
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Cheshire West residents can access Cheshire Change Hub’s quit smoking service by calling 0300 777 0033 or visiting www.cheshirechangehub.org. Once you have been referred, your smoking cessation practitioner will be able to discuss the best way to stop smoking and will guide you through the range of options that can help you to quit for good
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The NHS' quit smoking page has a range of information and resources to help you quit. Visit www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking
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The NHS Smoke Free App is also available to help you quit smoking and start breathing easier. The app allows you to track progress, see how much you’re saving, and get daily support. Search for ‘NHS Smoke Free’ on your app store to download
Alcohol
Patients who drink more than the recommended allowance are more at risk of infection. Alcohol suppresses the immune system.
Alcohol intake should also be reduced prior to admission and for around 6-8 weeks after. If your intake is excessive please inform the colorectal nurse specialist or visit your GP.
Further support
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Iron is one of the minerals in the human body. If you do not have enough iron, your body cannot make hemoglobin, and you may develop aneamia. One way of treating anemia is with intravenous iron, which is delivered into the vein through a needle to increase the levels of iron and hemoglobin in the body. This is to optimise you prior to surgery.
Out patient are invited by appointment (if required) to have an intravenous infusion prior to there surgery at our planned investigations unit.
PIU - 01270 612433
