Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) has launched a new paediatric anaesthesia pre-assessment service, enhancing safety and support for children undergoing elective procedures at East Surrey Hospital.
The new service, led by the SASH Children's Day Procedure Unit, was developed in response to updated national Best Practice Guidance from the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (APAGBI), which recognises the distinct emotional, physical and medical needs of children and highlights the importance of tailored assessments ahead of elective treatment.
The new service is the cumulation of months of hard work which started last September with a simple spreadsheet evolving into a fully embedded patient pathway, supported by Trust digital systems and dedicated nurse and consultant-led clinics.
The service initially supported ENT patients and has since expanded to cover dental and ophthalmology.
Children and families receive personalised telephone or face-to-face assessments ahead of elective treatment and are offered the opportunity to take part in pre-operative tours, which help reduce anxiety and improve understanding. For children with complex needs, the service provides a chance to talk through anaesthetic plans and offer reassurance before the day of surgery.
In several cases, the team’s early assessments have identified patient issues that may have led to on the day cancellations or unnecessary risk.
Ed Cetti, Chief Medical Officer said "This is an excellent example of our commitment to compassionate, patient-centred care, and is an important step forward in how we support children and young people coming in for surgery. It shows real focus on safety, thorough preparation, and personalised support for families, which all helps us to deliver safe, quality care to more of our young patients.”