The Pre-operative Assessment Clinic, also known as POAC, is a nurse-led clinic that specialises in preparing patients for their planned surgery. A pre-operative assessment is performed on all patients who are going to have a planned operation or a surgical procedure performed under a general anaesthetic.

The type of the pre-assessment clinic appointment depends on the nature of the planned operation and whether you have underlying medical problems that may influence your preparation for and recovery from surgery.

Appointments range from a face-to-face appointment with either a specialised Pre-operative Assessment Sister or a Consultant Anaesthetist to a telephone assessment.

Age range

16+ years. 

Referral Route

Referrals to this service are via a surgeon only. There is no self referral.

Conditions

Information on most medical conditions can be found at www.nhs.uk.

Additional Resources