"Pre Assessment visit"

Had received Pre-Assessment telephone on the Friday but was asked to attend for further tests on Sunday prior to future surgery on the Wednesday. Directions were not clear for patients where to go from Outpatient security, was a Sunday but no staff around to ask.

Was directed initially by security guard the general direction. Two further patients after me also found noone was there I noted and I asked if they needed help. Eventually a staff member came out of an office and I asked them.

Eventually was called in by Health Care Assistant who carried out ecg, bloods, height & weight etc but informed me she would not be able to help with any medical enquiries. I had only been booked in with HCA so I asked to speak to a Nurse as was informed to bring my medications and Echo report from my Cardiologist in Leicester which I had obtained with great difficulty. I  was also informed I needed to have an updated one prior to my surgery originally planned for December 20/20 x

I eventually saw a Nurse who I gave my report to as she had my notes? so they didnt get lost and was puzzled I was not seeing a Nurse. I was informed I had my assessment last Friday. As further questions arose and so my report didnt go missing I felt  if I hadnt asked for a Nurse these queries may not have been answered.

I was however pleased I saw the Nurse as she allayed some of my concerns re: disussion of an ITU bed which was discussed by Anaethestist & Pre-Assessment Sister previous which  may be needed due to my high risk criteria. I had to ask twice to get it confirmed I would be able to speak to the Consultant & Anaesthetist on the day. I am aware things are difficult with Covid restrictions but the patient care could have been more seamless than it was which it may be useful to look into to provide safe patient care.