Pre-Assessment Nurse

Role overview

The Pre-Assessment Team at Heatherwood Hospital is looking for a proactive and committed nurse to join its established pre-operative assessment service. The post focuses on helping patients get ready for elective surgery by confirming they are clinically suitable and well prepared for their procedures.

The position includes both in-person and telephone assessments for people waiting for surgery. You will work within a nurse-led model and liaise closely with anaesthetic staff, following both local practice and national guidance for pre-operative preparation across day-case and inpatient surgery.

What the role involves

Based in the pre-operative assessment clinic at Heatherwood Hospital, you will assess patients from a range of surgical specialties. The aim of the service is to optimise patients before surgery, support safe theatre pathways, and reduce avoidable cancellations. This includes taking a thorough health history, evaluating fitness for anaesthesia and surgery, and arranging or reviewing relevant investigations and testing.

All patients having a general anaesthetic require a nurse-led pre-assessment, so the trust is seeking a skilled and adaptable nurse who can strengthen the clinical team.

Working with Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is an inclusive, disability-confident employer and has received Gold recognition under the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. The trust offers strong learning and development opportunities, including professional, managerial, leadership, and clinical training.

The organisation places real value on work-life balance and actively welcomes applicants who need flexible working arrangements. Different working patterns and hours may be considered where possible to meet both staff needs and service requirements.

Person specification

• You need at least 2 years of post-qualification nursing experience.
• Active NMC registration in Adult Nursing is required.
• You should be able to demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience or understanding of GIRFT principles is desirable.
• Previous pre-operative assessment experience would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with Epic or a similar clinical system, along with other trust IT systems, is desirable.
• You must be able to manage your own time effectively and handle an individual caseload.

Additional information

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust serves more than 900,000 people across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and South Buckinghamshire. The trust is working towards its FHFT 2030 strategy, with the aim of becoming the best place to receive care and the best place to work in the NHS.

The organisation is guided by four values: committing to excellence, working together, facing the future, and operating as a modern, compassionate healthcare organisation. It is also investing in major service and estate improvements, including the development of a new hospital at Frimley Park, expanded diagnostics and inpatient capacity, a new £100m Heatherwood Hospital, a £49m Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park, and a £10m maternity services upgrade.

Sustainability is a key priority, with new estates designed to support the NHS Net Zero ambition through energy-efficient and environmentally responsible systems. The trust’s green plan promotes sustainable working across care delivery and operations to reduce environmental impact and support population health.

Digital innovation also forms an important part of the trust’s future direction. The Epic electronic patient record, launched in 2024, supports safer, more connected and more effective care while helping staff work more efficiently and reducing time and carbon use.

All work within the organisation is expected to reflect its values and contribute to better patient care, colleague support, and a sustainable future for healthcare.