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156 Standalone Chapters 2020 | NMH Annual Rep t T he Pre-Assessment Clinic was established during the year to streamline the assessment of all gynaecology surgical patients on an outpatient basis. The clinic is Nurse-led with support from an Anaesthetic Consultant, an assigned Obstetric Senior House Officer and an Anaesthetic Registrar. The objective is to enhance the clinical care of patients by conducting timely assessments, identifying health issues and arranging prompt treatment. This leads to a reduction of cancellations and a reduced bed occupancy prior to surgery. The arrival of COVID-19 to Ireland accelerated the clinic rollout. Each patient now requires a swab for COVID-19 within 48 - 72 hours of their surgery. Timing of appointments are facilitated by administrative staff and the clinic opened with the following aims: • To swab the patient for COVID-19 • To facilitate discussion about the surgical procedure and gain consent • To improve patient education • To improve safety and reduce risk by allaying any concerns Pre-Assessment Clinic General checks of blood pressure, temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation and respirations are performed. Height and weight are recorded giving a BMI score. Blood tests are taken as necessary and an ECG tracing of the heart is performed if indicated. COVID-19 swabs and other screening swabs are taken as necessary. Over 450 women have been seen for full surgical workup since June 2020 and those for elective caesarean section receive their COVID-19 swab 48 hours prior to surgery also. The table below gives the monthly activity of the clinic since its establishment in June. In October, a dedicated Clinical Nurse Manager and administrative support were appointed which has proved a very successful addition to the service. The Pre-Assessment Clinic has improved the efficiency of the Theatre and has reduced the number of patients who fail to attend for surgery or need their procedure cancelled due to lack of assessment. Work is also continuing to support a virtual assessment of patients who undergo small procedures who do not need general anaesthetic. The clinic is provided on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday each week. Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Pre-op assessment 64 59 66 77 78 83 31 COVID-19 swab (C-Section) 86 117 95 94 103 88 94 Total 150 176 161 171 181 171 125 Samantha Sweeney, Health Care Assistant.