"Pre-operative assessment"

About: Woodend Hospital / Pre-operative Assessment Clinic

(as the patient),

My assessment was in two parts: first, various measurements were taken, and second two nurses whet through a detailed questionnaire and some explanation of what lay ahead.  I thought the two nurses in the second part exuded confidence and competence and had excellent communication and patient handling skills.

In terms of what could go better in my view it's the NHS process and mindset:

1.   I wish the NHS could be more joined up.  It seems everyone has their own little bit to deal with and are not aware of other relevant information, eg the letter I had received detailing what I should do on admission day.  So they told me to check in at the hospital at 7 am whereas the admission letter said 12 noon, and when I told them that they said oh fine, go at 12 then.

2.   I wish the NHS would stick with what is relevant to the operation and not to take advantage of the opportunity to push their services and advice on unrelated matters.  I find the emphasis on reducing alcohol consumption particularly irritating.  20 units a week was fine until recently, and in my view the NHS loses credibility when it changes its mind.  Even a doctor once told me that today's gospel is tomorrow's heresy.

3.   There is nothing more ageing than being treated as old and although I'm only 65 I  find I'm treated as old, eg to assess exercise I was asked whether I can climb stairs.  In fact I do regular 20 mile hikes through the Cairngorms.

4.   The focus always seems to be on looking for problems, and consultations tend to be quite downbeat.  I believe there are three things vital for good health, as well as good genes: a positive attitude, being happy/content, and strong family and social relationships.  None of these were mentioned.

5.   It seems to be assumed that I've learned nothing from previous advice on diet and exercise as I was encouraged to register for an advice clinic on better eating and more activity even though I said I eat eight items of fruit and veg a day..

6.  When the first nurse told me to get on her scales I said I weigh myself every morning and my weight that morning was 85.8kg. They insisted I get on the scales so they could see it for themselves.  I felt insulted that she didn't believe my figure.  She could see from looking at me that it looked right, and note her file accordingly...   

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Responses

Response from Eleanor Gray, Senior Charge Nurse, Discharge Lounge, NHS Grampian 5 years ago
Eleanor Gray
Senior Charge Nurse, Discharge Lounge,
NHS Grampian
Submitted on 05/02/2019 at 16:19
Published on Care Opinion at 19:28


picture of Eleanor Gray


Dear Banchorian,

Thank you for taking the time to not only give us feedback but perhaps some food for thought. I appreciate your positive comments regarding the nurses who carried out your pre-operative assessment but I'm sorry to hear you found certain parts of the assessment insulting, this is never our intention. We, as nurses, are following guidelines and all patients are asked the same questions in relation to fitness/lifestyle regardless of age. I will certainly share your comments with my team and reiterate the importance of treating each patient on a case by case basis, considering the patient in front of you, rather than sticking rigidly to the guidelines. The leaflets we hand out must be relevant to the individual patient and I will emphasise this to my team in order to improve patient experience for the future. I would like however, to take this opportunity to wish you well with your upcoming surgery and hope your experience is a more positive one.


SCN Eleanor Gray

Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic.

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Banchorian (the patient)

Thank you Eleanor. I'm happy with your response which is measured and reasonable. As you note, my issues are not with the staff, who are working diligently in difficult circumstances, but the guidelines do need attention and nurses should be allowed much more discretion in applying them.

I went to ARI again yesterday and it was not a good experience. I've submitted the details as a new story.

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