Hospital scheme aims to cut cancelled operations

Patients listed for inpatient surgery will be invited to a dedicated health screening clinic

A new initiative launched at a Shropshire hospital aims to reduce cancellations and improve recovery times.

Created by the pre-operative assessment team at the The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, it aims to identify and address health risks as early as possible.

Patients listed for inpatient surgery will be invited to a dedicated health screening clinic.

"By identifying health risks early and supporting patients to optimise their health before surgery, we can reduce the risk of last-minute cancellations and help patients recover more quickly and safely after their procedures," said Lisa Davies-Jones, the assessment unit manager.

"This is about delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients – taking a proactive approach to their care and ensuring they're in the best shape for surgery."

The process begins when patients listed for surgery complete a digital health screening.

Staff then carry out relevant tests - including blood iron levels, pulse and an MRSA screening. Some also have further tests like ECGs or diabetes screenings.

After this, a support pathway is determined, which can include things like advice on quitting smoking or mental wellbeing, which improve outcomes after surgery.

The hospital said that previously, patients would have a full pre-operative assessment only to be told to make lifestyle changes, which resulted in delays or cancellations.

"By introducing health screening earlier, the trust is able to intervene sooner and put patients on the right optimisation pathway, meaning fewer repeat appointments and fewer disrupted theatre schedules," it said.