Thursday 18 September saw Somerset’s first Peri-Operative Outreach Clinic, evolving from the peri-operative work at Somerset FT (SFT), and held in collaboration with South Somerset West (SSW) Primary Care Network (PCN), at Martock Surgery. This is part of work being done across the county to support the NHS 10 Year Plan.
The Peri-Operative Outreach Clinic (POC) has been designed for patients awaiting major surgery. The service aims to support patients so they’re in the best health possible ahead of their operation, to prevent last minute cancellations and to improve patient outcomes post surgery.
Patients attended a group presentation detailing the benefits of peri-operative care, followed by an individual assessment with a peri-assessment nurse (medical history), HCA (investigations), and a care coordinator (social prescribing support / personalised care conversation).
Patients spent on average two hours in the clinic, with ECG’s reviewed on the day and blood results being reviewed as soon as they are available and if necessary, patients will be contacted regarding any areas of optimisation identified.
Once they have attended the clinic, patients will enter a three-month surveillance programme to ensure they remain supported, medically optimised, and prepared for surgery, reducing the risk of delays or cancellations.
It’s a real example of partnership working for the benefit of patients at a location convenient to them, proving real improvements in patient experience and outcomes
