The new service will help to ensure any tests or investigations needed as part of the child’s care can be completed ahead of the procedure, while also giving opportunity for the patient and their families to ask any questions.
A pre-operative assessment service is already in place for adults in Lincolnshire, but this will be the first time a dedicated service has been available for those up to the age of 16. Clinics are now running at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, and Lincoln County Hospital.
Lauren Patel, Deputy Sister within the Paediatric Pre-Operative Assessment Service at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This new service mirrors that which is already available to adults being cared for in our hospitals, and will help us to improve the experiences of our young patients and their families.
“By ensuring these important checks can be done in advance, we are improving patient safety and reducing the risk of procedures being cancelled on the day. Late cancellations not only impact the person due to have a procedure but also means we may not be able to offer the space to someone else. We want to make sure everyone is as prepared as they can be.”
The nurse-led Paediatric Pre-Operative Assessment Service will support children waiting for a planned surgical procedure across all specialties in Lincolnshire’s hospitals.
Lauren added: “We want to make sure everyone is fully informed about their care and has the chance to ask about anything else they would like to know. Coming into hospital for a planned procedure can feel daunting, but we’re here to support our patients to prepare, no matter how big or small their question may be.”
Once children are placed on a surgical waiting list, they will be offered a screening appointment with the Paediatric Pre-Operative Assessment Team, which includes a health questionnaire to help determine whether any tests or investigations will be required.
A further appointment with the team, either face-to-face or over the telephone, will be offered based on the outcome of the health questionnaire.
Children attending for more complex cases may also be required to attend an additional anaesthetic assessment.