UNFITNESS FOR ANAESTHESIA AND CANCELLATION OF PROCEDURES

1. The policy of the Department is that no patient will have his or her operation cancelled unless the surgeon has been consulted and the problem discussed.

2. If the patient's pre-operative workup has involved a medical team, consultation with the relevant physician may also be indicated.

3. When a patient's operation has had to be cancelled or postponed for anaesthetic reasons, an entry will be made in the continuation notes. This entry should contain :-

* Whether the operation has been cancelled or postponed.

* If the latter, what delay is advised and the manner in which the patient's condition needs to be improved before fitness is sufficient.

* In either case, the reasons for the decision made.

4. Where a patient has been referred to a preoperative assessment clinic, that visit should be arranged, where possible, far enough in advance of the date of surgery to allow any investigations, treatment alterations or consultation to occur without risk of postponing the surgery.