What happens at the Pre-Assessment Clinic (PAC)?
At the PAC, one of our nurses will go over the pre-operative assessment with you. This will involve questions about your general health, any medical conditions that you have, your current medications and any past experiences with anaesthetic that you may have had. It may also involve examining your chest and heart to make sure you are in good health.
Depending on the planned operation and your general health, you may need additional tests such as blood tests or a tracing of your heart (an ECG). The nurses will guide you through this during your appointment and are happy to answer any questions you have.
Occasionally, we may arrange for you to have further tests or to be seen by one of the anaesthetists. This may be on the day of your appointment or we may ask you to come back at a later date to allow us to get all your results.
It is important to be in as good shape as possible before your operation. This will help to reduce the risk of complications. If you think your health has changed, please let the PAC nurses know or visit your GP.
The PAC nurses will also give you some information on what to expect when you come to hospital for your operation and what the anaesthetic may involve. You will have the opportunity to ask us questions.
What about my usual medications?
If you normally take medicines for other conditions, please let the PAC nurses know. They will give you instructions on what to do with them before your operation. It is very important that you follow these instructions to avoid complications or even cancellation of your operation.
Please tell the nurses if you take any drugs that are not prescribed or bought over the counter or any alternative/homeopathic remedies. These are important to know as some may interact with your anaesthetic drugs and need to be stopped before your operation.
