• Reference Number: HEY1031/2024
• Departments: Preoperative Assessment
• Last Updated: 1 January 2024

In an attempt to reduce the number of cancelled operations the Trust has each year, we would ask you to read the following advice.

Performing an operation is very expensive in both cost and resources.  To enable surgery to be performed the following is essential: a Surgeon, an Anaesthetist, qualified Nurses, Operating Departmental Practitioners (ODPs) and multiple support staff, as well as specialist equipment.  In this Trust alone, the loss of theatre time leading a loss of millions of pounds per year (over £270,000 per month).  It is therefore important to ensure all theatre time is fully utilised.  You can help with us reduce this wastage in the following ways:

Surgery no longer required or not advisable due to ill health

In the time between the decision made that you require surgery and your operation date, you may find that your original issue has resolved to the point where surgery is no longer required.

If you present on the day of surgery with any signs or symptoms of illness your surgery will always be cancelled as it is unsafe to give anyone an anaesthetic whilst unwell.  This includes common issues such as coughs, colds, urine infections, temperatures.

Should you have any doubt that this is the case please contact the pre-assessment department at the earliest opportunity so that this can be discussed with your surgeon.  This gives us the opportunity to avoid wasted theatre time and provide another patient with their surgery.

Attending unwell

Should you have any doubt that this is the case please contact us at the early as possible. This gives us the opportunity to avoid wasted theatre time and provide another patient with their surgery.

If you change your mind

In the time between the decision made that you require surgery and your operation date, you may find that even if your original issue is still present, you have decided that you do not wish to proceed with your surgery (or would like further discussion regarding this).  Should this be the case please contact us at the earliest opportunity to discuss with your Surgeon.  This gives us the opportunity to avoid a wasted theatre slot and provide another patient with their surgery.

Information

Please give the pre-assessment nurse as much information as you can about any past medical history. This will help us to determine which tests and investigations we may need to perform prior to surgery. Without this information the anaesthetist may not be happy to proceed with an anaesthetic.