Pre-operative assessment service (adult)

About our service

Our Pre-Operative Assessment Team helps adults and young people aged 16 and over prepare safely for planned surgery.

We review your health, medical history and medicines to identify any tests, advice or support you may need before your operation. Your assessment may involve an online questionnaire, a telephone appointment or a hospital visit, depending on your needs.

Pre-operative assessment may take place before you have an operation date. It helps us prepare your care but does not mean your operation is booked or will happen soon.

How your assessment will take place

We are gradually introducing MyPreOp+, an online health questionnaire, across our surgical services.

Our digital and existing assessment services will run alongside each other during this change. Some patients will receive a text inviting them to complete MyPreOp+. Others will be contacted to arrange an assessment through our existing service.

Your hospital team will explain what you need to do. Please follow the instructions you receive and attend any appointments already arranged unless we tell you otherwise.

If you receive a MyPreOp+ Questionnaire

Follow the link in your text message and complete the questionnaire as soon as you can.

You will be asked about your health, previous operations, medicines and allergies.  Please allow around 30–60 minutes, depending on your medical history to complete the questionnaire.

Please note: You can save your progress and return later.

Make sure that you have your details of your medical history and medicines, including doses, to hand. You may be able to find some of this information in the NHS App. When you have completed answering the questions, submit your questionnaire so our nursing team can review them.

If you need help

If you cannot complete an online questionnaire or need additional help, we can help you over the telephone or arrange another suitable assessment.

A trusted relative, friend or carer can help you complete MyPreOp. Please contact us, if you need an interpreter, information in another format, or adjustments to help you access the service.

What happens after your assessment

Our nursing team will review your information and decide what you need before surgery.

Some patients need no further assessment. Others may need:

• tests, such as blood tests or a heart tracing (ECG);
• a telephone or face-to-face appointment;
• a review by an anaesthetist;
• treatment or support to improve their health before surgery.

Please note that we will contact you if you need further tests, appointments or advice. Your operation date will be confirmed separately.

Preparing for surgery

While you are waiting for surgery, keep as active as your health allows, eat a balanced diet and follow advice about managing any existing health conditions.

Keep an up-to-date list of your medicines and continue taking them unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.

Important: Tell the Pre-Operative Assessment Team if your health or medicines change, or you are admitted to hospital.

Before your operation, you will receive specific instructions about medicines, eating and drinking, and coming into hospital.

Patient Videos

You can watch our patient safety briefing video for advice about keeping safe during your hospital stay.

Frequently asked questions

Why am I being assessed before I have an operation date?

Starting early gives us time to arrange any tests, advice or treatment you may need. This can help reduce avoidable delays nearer to your operation.

Completing your assessment does not move you ahead of other patients on the waiting list or confirm an operation date.

Why have some patients received an online questionnaire and others have not?

We are introducing MyPreOp gradually across our surgical services. During this time, patients may be assessed in different ways. Everyone will continue to receive an assessment appropriate to their needs.

If you were told to expect a questionnaire and it has not arrived, please contact us.

Will I still need to come to hospital if I complete MyPreOp?

You may still need tests or an appointment. Our nursing team will review your answers and decide what is appropriate for you.

Keep any existing appointments unless we tell you otherwise.

What if I cannot complete the questionnaire or the link does not work?

Contact the Pre-Operative Assessment Team. We can help you access the questionnaire or arrange support to complete your assessment another way.

Do I need to call after submitting my questionnaire?

You do not need to contact us to confirm that you have submitted the questionnaire. We will contact you if anything further is needed.

Please contact us if you need to correct an answer or tell us about a change in your health.

Why have I been asked to check my answers again?

If you are waiting for a longer time, we may ask you to confirm whether your health has changed and whether you still wish to have surgery. Please follow the instructions to check and update your information.

Can I reply to a MyPreOp text message?

No. Replies are not received by the team. Please telephone us if you need help or want to tell us something.

Who should I contact about my operation date?

Contact your surgical booking team using the details on your hospital correspondence.

If you need to change a pre-operative assessment appointment, use the contact number on your appointment letter.

Patient information leaflets

Our patient leaflets provide more information about preparing for surgery, anaesthesia and recovery. The team will tell you which leaflets are relevant to your care.

Elective surgery diabetes booklet (866kB pdf)

PiL You and Your Anaesthetic (254kB pdf)

PiL – Having an Operation (217kB pdf)

Pil – VTE for Patients Undergoing Surgery (182kB pdf)