"Pre-operative Assessment"

I had difficulty finding Car Park H as suggested in the letter inviting me for a pre-operative assessment. Ended up parking a long way away from the NTC and walking a fair distance on a gammy knee. Some signage would have helped. Greeted in Main Entrance to the Hospital by a friendly volunteer who directed me to the NTC, some 400m away in the next Building.

Arrived 25 minutes early for my appointment. Reception logged me into the computer and asked me to wait in Area 1. I sat down and took out my mobile expecting a bit of a wait. No sooner had I opened my phone I was called to be weighed and Height checked. I was then directed to Area 3 for the next step.

I barely had time to sit down when the Consultant, Mr Howard, called me into his room.

We had a great chat and everything was thoroughly explained and my questions answered. Following an examination of my bad knee we agreed a mutually convenient date for my operation and I left.

Outside the room I was met by Jeanette who led me into the adjoining room. There my medical  history was taken and bloods taken. An ECG followed and again we had a detailed chat about my operation and the procedures involved.

I was in and out in 75 minutes - pretty efficient.