Pre-op Assessment Clinic Nurse UHL

The Pre-Assessment Nurse is responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centred pre-operative assessment to ensure patients are safely prepared and optimised for surgery. The role involves clinical assessment, patient education, coordination of care, and effective communication with the multidisciplinary team to support safe surgical pathways and positive patient outcomes.

Main Responsibilities

Undertake comprehensive pre-operative nursing assessments to evaluate patients fitness for surgery, working independently or under supervision where appropriate. Identify actual or potential risks and ensure timely referrals to appropriate healthcare professionals (e.g. anaesthetists, consultants, pharmacists, or specialist teams) for further assessment, investigation, or treatment to optimise patients prior to their procedure. Ensure patients are fully informed about their planned procedure, including preparation, admission process, post-operative care, and discharge expectations. Provide clear, accurate information and respond to patient queries and concerns, escalating complex issues to senior staff or relevant professionals when required. Recognise and proactively address potential discharge barriers at the pre-assessment stage, acting to facilitate safe, timely, and effective discharge following surgery. Accurately complete and maintain all patient documentation in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards, and data protection and confidentiality requirements. Utilise electronic patient record systems and other IT platforms effectively to document care, track patient pathways, and support service delivery. Report incidents, risks, or near misses promptly in line with Trust policy, including escalation to the departmental manager and completion of the electronic incident reporting. Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and members of the multidisciplinary team, demonstrating excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to liaise confidently at all levels, both face-to-face and via telephone. Contribute to maintaining a safe, efficient, and patient-focused pre-assessment service, supporting service improvement and adherence to clinical and operational standards.