The Pre-Admission Unit (PAU) is the first step in your surgery journey. Here, we assess your general health and find out more about you before you are admitted to hospital.
On this page
Services we provide
Pre-assessment helps us make sure:
- Your anaesthetic and operation can take place safely and on time
- Any potential risks are explained to you
- We reduce the chance of problems during or after surgery
- Your stay in hospital is as short and comfortable as possible
You will get a letter with your appointment date, and an automated reminder phone call. The appointment usually lasts between 2 and 4 hours.
If you cannot attend, have an infection, or no longer need your procedure, please call the PAU on 01284 712810 as soon as possible.
Contact the team
Pre-operative assessment team office: 01284 712810
Email: Pre-Admission.Unit@wsh.nhs.uk
If you are on a waiting list for surgery and have any questions or concerns, you can contact the teams directly. The numbers below will put you in touch with the right department.
Colorectal: 01284 713138
Ear, nose and throat (ENT): 01284 712912
General surgery: 01284 712793
Gynaecology: 01284 712793
Plastic and vascular surgery: 01284 713283
Trauma and orthopaedics: 01294 713276
Urology: 01284 712980
Where to find us
The unit is located on the ground floor of the West Suffolk Hospital, close to the chapel and next to the Pain Clinic.
What to expect
What is pre-operative screening?
You will be asked to complete a health screening questionnaire, or a member of our team may call you to go through some health questions (please note the call may come from a withheld number).
We might also need recent readings of your blood pressure, height and weight. You can usually get these checked at your GP surgery, local pharmacy, or gym.
A pre-operative assessment nurse will screen your health records and review your completed health questionnaire. If any significant health issues are highlighted, we may liaise with you, a consultant anaesthetist or your GP, prior to your pre-operative assessment.
What is a pre-operative assessment?
A pre-operative assessment takes place in a clinic before your operation to ensure you are fully prepared for your hospital admission.
What to bring with you
- A list of your current medication or their packaging
- Urine sample (if requested) in the container provided
- A completed occupational therapy questionnaire (green), if you are having a hip, knee or ankle replacement or an ankle fusion
- Reading glasses, if normally used
- A book or something to read or do whilst you wait
- Drinks and snacks, especially if you have diabetes.
What happens at the pre-operative assessment appointment?
Your general health and fitness level for anaesthesia and surgery will be assessed. We will:
- Check your height, weight and calculate your body mass index
- Carry out relevant investigations, for example a blood test
- Ask various health and social questions
- Provide you with pre-admission advice and information
- Give you time to discuss any concerns or worries you have.
What can you do in preparation for your operation?
If you are currently undergoing treatment for a long-standing condition e.g. blood pressure or diabetes, these will need to be well controlled prior to your surgery. (Blood pressure below 180/110 and Hba1c less than 8.5% or 69 mmols/mol). This is something your GP may be able to assist with.
We strongly advise you to stop smoking and avoid consuming alcohol for at least two days before your operation.
No anaesthetic or operation is without its risks. It is important that your health is at its optimum level prior to your operation.