Anaesthetists Handbook - MEDICAL EDUCATION at University ...

Preoperative assessment and investigationsPreoperative assessment andinvestigations[Appraised by Dr John La Rosa, January 2010]The Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Centre (PAAC) has beenestablished as part of the Surgical Patients’ Pathway Program(SPPP). The PAAC is there to assess fitness for anaesthesia. It is notthere to assess or action any other aspects of preoperativeassessment.Appropriate tests – ECG, chest X-ray, and blood tests etc. – areordered as appropriate when they attend. Anaesthetists are availablefor:• Final decision-making.• Providing anaesthetic information.• Advice on patient optimisation, further tests and referral to otherspecialists.Eventually, all elective patients will be assessed in this way. PAACcurrently covers orthopaedic surgery, general surgery, urology, daysurgery and neurosurgery. Check the notes for pre-screening forms.The lead consultant anaesthetist is Dr John La Rosa. The PAAC is inthe main outpatients department on the ground floor – clinic 4.Operational policyThe operational policy was written by Dr Glynn Evans (clinicaldirector) and Dr John La Rosa, with Mr Paul Steel (outpatientservices manager) in January 2007. Relevant sections arereproduced below revised for practice changes in 2008.Anaesthetists Handbook January 2010 163