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Pre-op & Surgery Pre-assessment - Select...

Contact Information

Main Reception: 0161 419 5684

Preoperative Assessment Manager: 0161 419 4235

Monday - Friday 07.30am - 5.30pm

About Our Service

Welcome to pre-operative assessment service. We work with all the different surgical specialities to ensure that all patients having planned surgery are assessed, so that we can plan for their individual needs and are fully informed about their forthcoming surgery.


Before having any surgical procedure at Stepping Hill Hospital you must first undergo a pre-operative assessment. This assessment usually consists of various tests, for example: blood tests, heart tracing (ECG), blood pressure check, urine sample and measurement of height and weight. The team will also ask you a series of questions to find out more about you, and your general health.

Our highly and specially trained nurses use this information to assess whether you are fit for surgery and to make plans for any special arrangements that may need to be made to prepare you for admission to hospital.

If you are not fit for surgery at this time, we will arrange for you to receive the necessary tests or treatment to improve your health wherever possible.

Our Expertise

Our nursing team undergo intensive training to enable them to independently assess patients’ fitness for surgery. They have regular training from consultant anaesthetists – and other specialist doctors and are constantly expanding their skills.

This means that our patients can be assured of a high quality of service from a skilled and knowledgeable nursing team, and that you can be confident that we are doing everything possible to ensure you have a smooth and safe surgical experience.

How to Use the Service

Just by following eight simple steps, you can help keep yourself safe during your stay in hospital. By watching the following short Patient Safety Briefing  video, this will help to make your stay with us safe.  

If your consultant thinks you need surgery, you will usually come to us directly from your outpatients’ appointment. We are based in Magnolia Suite which is on the ground floor of the main hospital building.

We can usually see you straight away for your preoperative assessment but if for any reason we cannot, or if you would prefer to come back another day, we will make an appointment that suits you. 

Before your visit

Remember to always bring your tablets or a copy of your prescription when you come to hospital.

During your visit

Your preoperative assessment can last anything from ten minutes to an hour, depending on the type of surgery you are having and your general health. We will usually get all of your tests done in one visit but occasionally we may need you to come back for more advanced tests (such as heart scans), or to see a consultant anaesthetist, if you have a lot of health problems.

After your visit

We will send all of your information to the waiting list team, who will then start to plan your surgery date for you. We will give you contact details so that you can get in touch if you have any questions or if you need to let us know about any changes in your health.

See our surgical and ward areas

You can explore a selection of our surgical services by viewing our virtual tours.

© Stockport NHS Foundation Trust 2024. Stepping Hill Hospital, Poplar Grove, Stockport, SK2 7JE. 0161 483 1010