Prior to Anaesthetic room

Initial contact...

• • Ensure relevant patient notes are correct *
• • Retrieve preoperative checklist
• • Introduce yourself to the patient and/or carer
• • Inform the patient of the checking procedure
• • Reassure the patient - as appropriate

Patient identification...

• • Verify patient identity against wristband and notes
• • Verify patient date of birth against wristband and notes
• • Validate wristband Hospital and NHS numbers against notes
• • Validate above details against patient labels

Surgical checks...

• • Confirm with patient the correct procedure name and side of body
• • Ensure preoperative marking form is correct
• • Confirm that patient's signature on Consent form is valid
• • Confirm with patient that the fasting protocol has been followed
• • Verify with patient and notes for Allergies, Metalwork, Prosthetics, Pacemaker
• • Ensure jewellery has been removed or properly taped
• • Verify status of teeth/dentures
• • Verify status of contact lenses
• • Confirm limitations of patient mobility (head, spine)
• • Check status of existing dressings, drains, catheter, drip
• • Bring any irregularities to the attention of the relevant senior person

* Patient notes...

• • Preoperative check list
• • Consent form
• • Medical notes
• • Site marking form
• • Addressograph labels
• • Yellow anaesthetic sheet
• • Inpatient prescription chart
• • Fluid chart
• • Blood results
• • ECG charts
• • Ward care plan
• • Theatre care pathway - day or major case

In the Anaesthetic room...

• • Check surgical site marking matches patient notes and theatre list
• • Attach monitoring
• • Make the patient comfortable
• • Secure glasses/contact lenses and dentures in labelled containers