Where do I need to go for my pre-operative assessment and on the day of surgery?
Please visit the 'getting here' section of our website, where you will find information including addresses, clinics/wards, maps and contact numbers for all of our hospital sites.
Why do I need to fill out a health questionnaire?
When your name has been added to the inpatient surgical waiting list we will send you a digital notification, either by text message or email, where we will ask you to complete an online health questionnaire. This is to help us find out more about you and your health so that we can think about what help you might need to get ready for your operation, without delays relating to poor health, and potentially speed up your recovery after the operation.
The form is sent to you digitally by text or email every three months to ensure this information is up to date.
What if I can't complete the health questionnaire?
If you are unable to complete the questionnaire a member of staff will contact you to go through the form over the telephone. This will not impact your care.
What will you do with the information on my form?
A pre-operative nurse will review the content of your health questionnaire. If required they will be in touch with you to arrange investigations in advance of your surgery. In some cases you may need to see a consultant anaesthetist in advance of your surgery. It’s very important that the information you provide on the form is as accurate as possible.
Why do I have to attend Solihull Hospital when my surgery is at Good Hope Hospital?
The pre-operative assessment service is only available at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Solihull Hospital. Your surgery will take place at the hospital where your speciality surgeon works.
I have been sent two appointments, is this a mistake?
If you have two appointment times, one is for the nurse and the other is for the anaesthetist. Both appointments will take place in the same department. Please arrive on time for the first appointment.
Can you tell me when the date of my surgery is?
The booking team make all appointments for pre-operative assessment and they will contact you with the date, time and location of your surgery.
If you have a query about your appointment or you want to make changes please contact the booking team or the surgeons secretary.
Will I be admitted the day before my surgery or on the day of my surgery?
The majority of surgery takes place on the day of admission.
On the rare occasions you may need to be admitted the day before surgery, the booking team will inform you of this.
Do I need to bring my medication in with me?
Yes. Please bring them in their original boxes or your blister pack
This includes inhalers and any injections, eye drops or creams that you are prescribed
Please remember to follow your instructions given at your pre-operative appointment regarding what medication to stop.
Will I be first on the list?
We do not know the order of the surgical list at your pre-operative assessment. This is usually decided the day before the surgery by the surgeon and anaesthetist. The order of the lists depends on the nature of surgery, your current health, and allergies amongst other things.
How long will I stay in hospital for?
This depends on the surgery you are having, your current health and the way you feel post-operatively.
We will endeavour to discharge you from hospital at the earliest possible time however you will not be discharged if you are unwell, require further tests or the surgeon does not think you are well enough.
What are the chances of my surgery being cancelled on the day of surgery?
Unfortunately there is always a risk of cancellation depending on multiple factors.
We will of course do everything that we can to prevent this from happening.
I can’t make the pre-operative assessment/surgery date, who can I inform?
The booking teams and/or secretaries make all appointments for pre-operative assessment and surgery.
If you wish to cancel an investigation appointment arranged by the pre-operative assessment nurse please call the pre-operative assessment department.
It is important that you let someone know if you can’t attend any of your pre-operative assessment appointments, investigations or surgery as we may be able to ask someone else to take the appointment.
I have a question regarding my surgery, can I speak to my nurse?
You might find it useful to write down any questions in advance of attending your pre-operative assessment clinic to remind you to ask them when you see the nurse.
If you do not know what surgery you are having or if you lack understanding of your surgery please contact your surgeon, and or their secretary directly.
I have forgotten to tell the nurse about medication I take. What should I do?
Please call the department where you had your pre-operative assessment.
A nurse or clinic co-ordinator, will take the call and pass a message on to the nurse who you saw/spoke to in clinic.
The nurse will call you back if you need to stop taking medication before surgery.
I was expecting a call but have not received it. What should I do?
If you have waited more than 20 minutes please call the pre-operative assessment clinic you were expecting a call from.
Can I drive myself home after surgery?
No. Some anaesthetics can make you feel drowsy therefore you will not be safe to drive for at least 24hrs.
Following some surgeries it is unsafe to drive for a longer period post operatively, your surgeon will advise you of this.
Please see the link below for DVLA guidelines on driving after surgery.
Please see the link below to the Royal College of Anaesthetic frequently asked questions, which gives advice regarding driving.
I have a holiday booked, when can I fly after my surgery?
This will depend on the surgery that you have, and the question should be asked when you see the surgeon.
You are at greater risk of a DVT/PE (blood clot to leg/lungs) following surgery, and the risk og this will increase when you fly.
For further guidance, please see the link below.
Further information
Centre for Perioperative Care patient page:
Fitter Better Sooner toolkit:
Shared Decision making in anaesthetic high risk clinics:
National organisation patient information leaflets:
Last reviewed: 17 June 2024
