Aim of this guideline

A hospital should offer pre-operative assessment and preparation for adult patients requiring regional or general anaesthesia for elective surgical procedures. In The Beacon, this is provided through the the Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic (POAC).

The purpose of the service is to prepare patients for their planned procedure in a timely and efficient manner that utilises available resources appropriately. This document outlines the recommended process beginning with the decision to operate, through POAC outcome, until the patient presents to the operating theatre for surgery.