Accountability and Timing

Clinic Roles

The Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic (POAC) is a nurse-led service with support from anaesthesiologists. The nurse therefore plays a key role in the pre-operative assessment of the patient.

It is the responsibility of the nursing staff in the clinic to know what is outlined in this guide and be familiar with specific guidance and protocols that apply.

A lead anaesthesiologist should be a key point of contact for nursing staff working in the POAC. This doctor should be immediately available to provide support to, and work in collaboration with, the nursing staff in the clinic.

Timing of assessments

Patients should be assessed at least 7 days prior to their elective procedures. In the case of surgery that is for urgent indications this will not always be achievable.

An assessment at the POAC will remain valid for a period of six months, as long as there has been no material change in the medical status or management of the patient in that period.