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Inpatient Surgery
See also: Frequently Asked Questions for Day-Case Surgery
What if I can not attend my pre-assessment appointment?
If you have received the date and time in the post and wish to cancel in advance, there is a telephone number and details on your appointment letter. There is also an email address should you wish to use this facility. Email the co-ordinator: PreAssessmentAppointments@smnhst.nhs.uk.
If you find you are unable to attend on the day of your appointment or are running late, then you can contact the unit on telephone number 01793 646010. An answer machine is available out of working hours and at weekends.
Can I bring children to the Cherwell Unit?
Children are permitted within the Cherwell Unit, however there are no facilities within the Unit to keep them entertained. Please be mindful of how long your appointment time is scheduled for as they may become bored.
How do I find the Cherwell Unit?
The Cherwell Unit is located within the Brunel Treatment Centre on the Ground Floor. There should be a map attached to your hospital appointment details. Shortly there will be a bridge joining the main Great Western Hospital building to the Treatment Centre. Cherwell Unit directions leaflet (PDF)
Is a parking permit Provided?
Parking Permits are not issued unless you are asked to stay within the clinic longer than your intended appointment time. The time you are expected to stay within the Cherwell Unit can be found on your appointment letter.
I have been to the education class before, do I need to attend again?
It depends often on what type of surgery you have had previously and the type of surgery you are having now.
I have already had an operation before, why must I come to pre assessment?
Each type of surgery requires different pre-operative tests. Some of these tests need to be carried out within a certain time before your surgery. Your general health may also have changed since your last assessment or operation.
What patient facilities are available at the Cherwell Unit?
There is a waiting area with a television for public use within the Unit. Pre-operative education leaflets and information regarding surgery is available for you to look at. There are toilet facilities in the Unit and at the entrance to the Brunel Treatment Centre.
In the Brunel Treatment Centre Reception there is a ‘Starbucks’ Café, and a variety of vending machines.
What will I need to bring to my pre-assessment appointment?
Please bring your completed questionnaire that accompanied your appointment and any medications that you are currently taking, both prescription and any over the counter remedies. You may wish to bring a book or magazine for whilst you are waiting.
Do I need to bring my medication?
Yes please. This allows the nurse to document accurately what medication you are currently prescribed or taking.
Why do I have to have tests?
You will require specific tests related to the specific type of surgery that you will be having. These may include blood tests, urine tests, ECG, nasal swabs and, possibly, x-rays. Some of these tests will determine whether you are fit to have your surgery.
Will I need an X-ray?
If you are waiting to have an orthopaedic operation you may be required to have an x-ray. This will depend on when your last x-ray was or if anything has changed significantly in your condition since the last x-ray.
Will I need to complete any forms when I arrive at pre-assessment?
This depends on what surgery you are having. You may be required to complete additional forms or assessment forms related to your surgery. The receptionist or nurse will provide you with the forms, clipboard and pen and any necessary assistance.
What is the consent form for, do I receive a copy?
All patients need to complete a consent form with the doctor before their operation. Consent may be taken at your Pre-assessment appointment in Cherwell Unit or you may be asked to return to the Unit for a consent only clinic. Alternatively you may complete the consent with the doctor on the day of your operation; this will depend on which surgeon is performing your operation and which speciality you are under. The consent form is duplicated and you will keep the 2nd copy (pink) for yourself.
What is the NJR (National Joint Registry)?
The NJR is designed to record details of all Hip and Knee operations performed in England and Wales. The data collected via the NJR may be used for medical research whilst also providing information in monitoring the performance of joint implants and providing a mechanism of helping individual patients who have received an implant should an urgent clinical review be required.
All personal information is confidential and you can withdraw your consent at any time.
If you are having a Hip or Knee replacement you will be given a consent form at your Pre - assessment clinic appointment requesting that you either consent or do not consent to having your details recorded within the NJR.
Who will I see at pre-assessment?
Who you see will depend on what operation you are having. You will see a registered nurse and a care assistant. If you are having an orthopaedic operation you may need to see the consultant to complete the consent for the surgery. The Occupational Therapist may speak to you regarding your furniture at home depending on the type of orthopaedic surgery you are having.
Will I see a doctor at pre-assessment?
Whether you see a doctor or not will depend on what operation you are having. You may see the consultant at this appointment or at a separate consent clinic or you may not need to see a doctor. You may be asked to stay or return to see an anaesthetist depending on your medical history and the nursing assessment.
How long does pre-assessment take?
If you are having an orthopaedic operation Pre Assessment may take 4 to 6 hours. If you are having a general surgical operation your appointment will take about 2 hours.
I have had pre-assessment, when will I be having my operation?
You may already have a date for your surgery when you attend pre assessment or you will be given one by the bookings team once you are deemed fit for surgery and an appropriate theatre slot is allocated to you. This will often occur within 6 weeks of the Pre-Assessment appointment.
What if I cannot have my operation within 6 weeks of pre-assessment?
If you are having an orthopaedic operation you will need to return for repeat MRSA swabs as the results are only valid for 6 weeks. If there are periods when you are unable to attend for surgery please either let the nurse or the bookings team know.
Who do I tell if I don’t want surgery anymore?
You would need to tell either the bookings team or you could let your consultant’s secretary know.
What happens if I have high blood pressure?
It is not unusual for your blood pressure to be raised when you attend the clinic. We will test it twice if it is raised and if it remains raised we will ask you to attend your GP surgery for a recheck prior to your surgery. We will want your blood pressure to be suitably controlled prior to an anaesthetic.
What if my tests taken come back abnormal?
We will get them reviewed by an anaesthetist or nurse; if any further tests or investigations are needed we will contact you to let you know.
Will I have to return to the Cherwell unit for anything?
You may need to return for further tests, swabs or investigations or to see the doctor for consent or the anaesthetist for an assessment.
Why do I need to see an anaesthetist?
The pre assessment nurse may decide that you need to see an anaesthetist for assessment. This will be a decision based on the type of surgery you are having and your medical history.
What is CPET? How long does this take?
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is a test carried out in the Cherwell Unit. It involves cycling on a static exercise bike whilst your heart and lungs are monitored. The test usually takes about 1 hour. CPET Information (PDF file).
Will I need to see a specialist nurse?
Depending upon the type of surgery you are having you may need to see a specialist nurse. Where possible this will be arranged for you whilst you are at the pre assessment clinic.
I’ve heard about bone donation. What is this?
If you are having a Total Hip Replacement you may be able to donate the head of the femur (leg bone) removed during the operation. This can be used to help other patients who require hip surgery. You will be assessed and if you are deemed suitable you will be asked if you would like to donate your bone. Bone donor information (PDF file).
What medications should I stop pre operatively?
You will be advised which medications you need to stop when you attend your appointment by your pre assessment nurse. They will give you this advice in writing to take home with you.
What is the TAL (Theatre Admissions Lounge) and where is it?
If you are having an orthopaedic operation you will be admitted to TAL on the first floor in the main hospital within the theatre department. You will go from this lounge to the theatre and then to the ward following the operation.
Is Aldbourne Ward ‘bug free’?
Aldbourne ward is an MRSA protected ward. If you are going to Aldbourne ward you will be screened for MRSA at your pre assessment appointment and again before you leave the ward following your surgery. MRSA information (PDF file)
What is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)?
MRSA is a ‘bug’ that is resistant to many antibiotics. Some people are carriers of MRSA and it doesn’t always affect them. If you are coming to hospital for an operation you may be tested for MRSA and if found to be positive you may need to be treated prior to your surgery.
Will I need to wear a pair of ‘those stockings’ while I’m in hospital?
This will depend on the type of surgery you are having. Your pre-assessment nurse will be able to advise whether you will need to wear compression stockings or not. The stockings will be provided on admission if you need to wear them.
I need transport to come into hospital, who will organise this for me?
If you are eligible for hospital transport the bookings officer will be able to organise this for you. The number can be found on your pre-assessment invitation.
What are the visiting hours of the wards?
Each ward has its own policy regarding visiting times. Please ask the ward staff for their visiting hours or see Wards information.
Who should I contact if I have feedback regarding my experience?
We are always open to any feedback, positive or negative and would welcome your views on how to improve our service. You can contact either the Senior Sister, Nikola Robison, or the PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) office.
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