Information for Patients
Department of Clinical Neurosciences
50 Little France Crescent
Edinburgh BioQuarter
Edinburgh
EH16 4TJ
This leaflet tells you what will happen when you come for your visit to the clinic before a planned operation in the department.
What do I need to do before my pre-admission clinic (PAC) appointment?
If you are taking any anticoagulants (blood thinners) or non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications please phone: 0131 312 1706 as soon as possible before your Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC) visit. Please Leave a Message and someone will return your call. Please bring any medications you are taking, in the original packaging. Please also bring a urine sample from the morning of your PAC appointment.
Why do I need to attend the pre-admission clinic (PAC)?
Coming to this clinic is important before your stay in hospital because:
- You will meet the Pre-admission Nurse and talk to them about coming into Hospital
- It means we can check that you are fit for an operation.
- It means we can check that your records are up-to-date.
If your condition has changed recently please tell the Pre-Admission nurse at the clinic.
How long will the appointment last for?
Usually this visit takes about four hours. If you have brought a relative or friend with you, they may wish to come back later. Sometimes the doctor may request tests that need to be arranged at short notice. This may mean your visit will be slightly longer than four hours.
If you are Diabetic please bring a snack with you.
Which staff will I see at the PAC?
During your clinic visit you will meet with some, or all, of the following members of the team:
Nursing Staff – the pre-admission nursing team. They will do the following:
- Complete a nursing assessment and update your records
- Do blood tests and an EGG (heart tracing) if needed
- Arrange any other investigations or assessments, if needed
- Answer any questions you may have about your hospital admission.
Junior Medical staff+ Advanced Clinical Nurse Practitioner. They will go through your medical history, do a physical examination and will prescribe your medicines during your hospital stay
Anaesthetist – this is the doctor who gives you your anaesthetic during your operation if you have had any problems with an anaesthetic in the past, you must tell someone at the pre-admission clinic. You will be given a booklet about your anaesthetic.
Physiotherapist – If you are having back surgery you will be given a physiotherapy booklet and a copy of the exercise programme to start before your operation. If you are having back surgery please view the Post operative video on line at www.msn-neuro.scot.nhs.uk
Neurosurgical consultant – You may have the chance to discuss your surgery with the consultant and sign a consent form. This would be the best opportunity to ask any questions that you may have. It is also a good time to ask about issues such as returning to work, driving, golf, etc. If you do not see the consultant at the PAC, you will see them on the day of surgery.
Students – This is a teaching hospital students may be on placement in the department as part of their training. If you do not want them to be there while you are being examined, please let staff know.
What are the main tests carried out at PAC?
Blood samples – samples are taken before your surgery
Urinalysis – the sample of urine you have been asked to bring with you will be checked for any sign of infection or diabetes
Baseline Observations – your temperature, pulse and blood pressure will be checked to make sure they are normal
Electrocardiograph (ECG) – this is a painless test, which measures the electrical activity of the heart
Other tests – a member of staff will give you details about other tests the surgical team may need before you come into hospital.
What happens on the day of surgery? (DOSA)
The date and time of your admission will usually be confirmed at your pre-admission appointment.
For patients admitted on the Day of Surgery (DOSA) please go to DCN Theatre Reception on the 1st floor.
Keeping your appointment
If you cannot keep your appointment, or have been given one that is unsuitable, please call the waiting list office on 0131 312 0644 or 0131 312 0647. Your call will give someone else the chance to be seen and will help us keep waiting times to a minimum.
Patient Transport
Patient Transport will only be made available for patients whose medical condition means they cannot travel in any other way. To Book Patient transport the Patient must call 0300 1231236
(calls charged at local rate) up to 28 days in advance to book, making sure you have your CHI number available (find this on your appointment letter). Hard of hearing or speech impaired? Use text relay: 18001-0300 123 1236* (calls charged at local rate). To cancel patient transport please telephone 0800 389 1333 (Freephone 24 hr answer service).
Public transport and travel information
Bus details available from: Lothian Buses on 0131 555 6363 www.lothianbuses.co.uk
Traveline Scotland on 08712002233 or www.travelinescotland.com
Train details available from: National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484 950 or www.nationalrail.co.uk
Parking
Parking spaces are very limited and it would be better to use public transport to get to your pre-admission appointment or get someone to drop you off and pick you up afterwards.
Thank you for attending our pre-admission clinic. We are always trying to improve our service, so please let us know your comments or suggestions on the clinic and this information leaflet.
