Pre-operative Assessment Unit (PAU)

This is a pre-operative assessment (pre-assessment) unit for:

• Planned orthopaedic
• General surgery
• Urology
• Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
• Day surgery
• Gynaecology

Our aim is to check that you are fit enough to undergo surgery and, if necessary, a general anaesthetic.

We might need to refer you for further clinical investigation before your procedure.

Location

Great Western Hospital - fourth floor (please see Floor plan).

What to expect

The pre-assessment process: Orthopaedics, General Surgery and Gynaecology

Depending upon the priority of your case, you will be invited to pre-assessment approximately 12 weeks after your GP has referred you to the hospital.

You will have a consultation with a nurse.

After this, you may need to undergo various tests carried out by a nursing auxiliary.

Depending on the type of clinic you are attending, you may then see your consultant.

An Occupational Therapist may speak to you regarding your furniture at home if you are having orthopaedic surgery.

Joint replacement surgery education

If you are having joint replacement surgery such as replacement knees or hips, you will also be invited to an education class in our Education Room.

The class starts at 12 noon and lasts for an hour.

The purpose of the class is to ensure that you have all the information you need prior to surgery. We are happy for your relatives to join you as it will give you both the opportunity to ask questions.

General anaesthetic

During your assessment, your nurse may wish to refer you to an anaesthetist for an opinion about whether you are suitable for a general anaesthetic.

If this is the case, every effort will be made to arrange an appointment for you on the same day as your assessment.

Following an anaesthetic assessment, it may be necessary for you to have further tests before surgery.

These will be arranged by the Nursing staff at the Unit.

The pre-assessment process: Day Surgery

Following your outpatient appointment, you may be asked to attend the Day Surgery Unit with your booking card.

When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a health screening questionnaire, which enables a nurse to carry out an assessment and to decide what tests, if any, you need before surgery.

If you need any tests, these will be carried out while you are at the Unit, by a nursing auxiliary.

If we have not seen you following your outpatient appointment, we will contact you either via phone or letter to arrange a pre-assessment appointment prior to your procedure.

Opening times

Contact

Email: gwh.pre-opnurse@nhs.net

Reception

Tel: 01793 646010

Results

Tel: 01793 646015

Pre-assessment appointment bookings

General Surgery

Tel: 01793 646170

Orthopaedics

Tel: 01793 604879, 01793 604896 or 01793 604679

In writing

Pre-operative Assessment Unit
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB