Fit 4 Surgery

Information for patients

Fit 4 Surgery is a prehabilitation service for patients due to have major surgery at Cambridge University Hospital. Since the pandemic this group session has moved to an online format. It’s held weekly, on a Tuesday, and is delivered by our team of consultant anaesthetists, senior physiotherapists and pre-assessment clinical nurse specialists.

Fit 4 Surgery is currently available to all specialties – please ask your surgeon or specialist nurse for more information and to find out if you are eligible to attend.

CUH Fit 4 Surgery Introduction

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MecKrS_g6KA&ab_channel=CUHNHS

Introduction: Video transcript

00:00:07:00 - 00:00:09:00

Hello and welcome to Fit4Surgery.

00:00:09:00 - 00:00:10:10

Fit4Surgery is a group

00:00:10:10 - 00:00:13:18

information session for patients who are coming in for an operation.

00:00:14:08 - 00:00:17:13

These sessions are run by an anaesthetist, specialist nurse

00:00:17:13 - 00:00:21:05

and physiotherapist, all with an interest in getting you fitter for your operation.

00:00:22:05 - 00:00:24:23

At these sessions, we'll talk about your anaesthetic,

00:00:25:06 - 00:00:28:07

what to expect during your hospital stay, we'll talk about

00:00:28:07 - 00:00:31:19

post-operative pain relief and also the recovery period in hospital.

00:00:32:06 - 00:00:35:27

We will also discuss positive lifestyle adjustments you can make for surgery,

00:00:36:03 - 00:00:39:16

such as alcohol reduction, healthy eating and stopping smoking.

00:00:40:02 - 00:00:42:15

You'll be given a device called an incentive spirometer,

00:00:42:15 - 00:00:44:28

and one of our physiotherapists will teach you how to use it.

00:00:45:11 - 00:00:48:19

You can use this at home before your operation and also on the ward

00:00:48:19 - 00:00:52:06

after the operation to reduce your chance of developing a chest infection.

00:00:52:20 - 00:00:55:11

During the break, refreshments be provided and there’ll

00:00:55:11 - 00:00:58:08

the opportunity to look at posters written by your surgical teams.

00:00:58:17 - 00:01:02:07

There will also be information about how to access community services in your area.

00:01:02:17 - 00:01:05:09

These are designed to help improve your fitness before surgery.

00:01:05:20 - 00:01:07:29

Many of these services are also free.

00:01:07:29 - 00:01:11:11

The Fit4Surgery team will be available to answer any concerns or queries

00:01:11:11 - 00:01:13:08

you may have this time as well.

00:01:13:08 - 00:01:18:02

We look forward to welcoming you one of our sessions very soon.

Please be aware this footage was filmed pre-covid. There are some significant changes which have been implemented due to the pandemic including the use of face coverings, social distancing and visiting restrictions.

CUH Fit 4 Surgery Patient Journey

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-l3umecZLg&ab_channel=CUHNHS

Patient journey: Video transcript

00:00:00:18 - 00:00:05:04

Welcome to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

00:00:05:16 - 00:00:09:16

This short video will show you what to expect on the day of your admission.

00:00:10:11 - 00:00:14:23

On the day before your surgery, you need to make sure that you are fully prepared.

00:00:15:17 - 00:00:18:11

First of all, it is important to double check

00:00:18:11 - 00:00:21:06

what time you have been advised to arrive at the hospital.

00:00:21:17 - 00:00:24:06

This can be found in your admission information.

00:00:24:24 - 00:00:27:09

Take care following any fasting instructions

00:00:27:09 - 00:00:30:06

given to you during your pre-assessment appointment.

00:00:31:10 - 00:00:35:13

When packing your bag, we suggest that you only bring what is necessary,

00:00:35:19 - 00:00:39:21

leaving all valuables at home to avoid them getting lost or misplaced.

00:00:40:14 - 00:00:44:02

Don't forget to pack all of your regular medication too.

00:00:44:19 - 00:00:47:05

Try not to leave too much to prepare on the night

00:00:47:05 - 00:00:50:16

before your surgery as you may already be feeling anxious.

00:00:51:03 - 00:00:54:09

It may be better to use this time to focus on your own

00:00:54:09 - 00:00:57:09

wellbeing with everything prepared.

00:00:57:15 - 00:01:02:01

Remember to have a good nutritious meal before your fasting period starts.

00:01:03:13 - 00:01:04:13

On the morning of your

00:01:04:13 - 00:01:08:07

surgery, have a shower or bath and thoroughly brush your teeth.

00:01:08:20 - 00:01:12:03

You should also continue with your recommended fasting regime

00:01:13:17 - 00:01:15:05

unless told otherwise.

00:01:15:05 - 00:01:19:12

When you arrive at Addenbrooke's, you'll need to check in at the day surgery unit.

00:01:20:12 - 00:01:22:23

You can bring a friend or family member with you.

00:01:23:08 - 00:01:26:05

Don't forget to give their details to the reception desk

00:01:26:10 - 00:01:29:03

as this enables the team to be able to notify them

00:01:29:07 - 00:01:33:18

as to where they can find you after your operation.

00:01:34:02 - 00:01:36:21

After you are checked in, you'll be seen by several

00:01:36:21 - 00:01:39:15

professionals who will complete your pre-op checks.

00:01:40:08 - 00:01:42:24

You will see a nurse, they will initially check

00:01:42:24 - 00:01:48:09

that your personal details are all correct before issuing you with an ID wristband.

00:01:48:21 - 00:01:52:21

If you have any allergies, they will also give you a red wristband.

00:01:53:03 - 00:01:55:17

Final health checks will also be carried out,

00:01:56:13 - 00:01:59:16

you will see your surgeon or senior member of their team.

00:02:00:05 - 00:02:03:17

They will go through their surgery plan and discuss your consent form,

00:02:03:22 - 00:02:06:23

ensuring that any questions you may have are answered.

00:02:07:16 - 00:02:12:09

They may also mark the area of the operation with a felt tip pen.

00:02:12:22 - 00:02:15:11

You will see your anaesthetist who will discuss

00:02:15:11 - 00:02:19:06

your medical history and any medication you're currently taking.

00:02:20:16 - 00:02:21:21

With all of your admission

00:02:21:21 - 00:02:24:07

checks completed, you are ready for theatre.

00:02:25:15 - 00:02:28:24

A nurse will tell you when it is time to change into your theatre gown,

00:02:29:04 - 00:02:31:21

compression stockings and non-slip socks.

00:02:35:02 - 00:02:36:06

Compression stockings

00:02:36:06 - 00:02:39:18

will help to reduce the chance of blood clots occurring in your legs.

00:02:41:07 - 00:02:43:11

For your safety, A member of staff

00:02:43:11 - 00:02:46:17

will transfer you to theatre.

00:02:46:23 - 00:02:48:09

Your theatre nurse will carry out

00:02:48:09 - 00:02:50:22

final identification and safety checks.

00:02:51:17 - 00:02:54:12

The anaesthetist will insert a cannula into your hand

00:02:54:12 - 00:02:57:02

or forum to administer your anaesthetic.

00:02:57:17 - 00:03:02:04

Once this is fully taken effect, you will then be taken into the operating theatre

00:03:02:04 - 00:03:05:13

where your surgery will begin.

00:03:08:14 - 00:03:09:18

After surgery,

00:03:09:18 - 00:03:13:23

you may have an oxygen mask and various monitoring equipment attached to you.

00:03:14:14 - 00:03:18:16

Whilst this may appear to be alarming, don't worry, it's completely normal.

00:03:19:09 - 00:03:23:07

It is also common after surgery for patients with medical problems

00:03:23:12 - 00:03:27:09

to be cared for in the high dependency unit or intensive care unit.

00:03:28:01 - 00:03:31:20

If this applies to you, then you will be informed by your anaesthetist.

00:03:33:07 - 00:03:35:01

You will stay in the recovery area

00:03:35:01 - 00:03:38:21

until you are ready to be moved to a ward.

00:03:39:22 - 00:03:42:18

If at any point you're in pain or feel nauseous,

00:03:42:21 - 00:03:45:12

please let someone know.

00:03:48:16 - 00:03:50:23

When you are ready to leave the recovery area.,

00:03:51:04 - 00:03:55:14

you'll be collected by a nurse and transferred to your allocated ward.

00:03:56:07 - 00:03:59:04

Your loved ones will have been informed they can visit you here.

00:04:00:09 - 00:04:03:23

We hope this video has helped you to plan your admission to hospital.

00:04:04:23 - 00:04:09:18

We wish you all the best with your upcoming surgery.

Useful resources

Preparing physically for surgery

Although our trust is based in Cambridge we see many patients from our neighbouring counties. In order to find services to help prepare you for surgery locally, we have complied a list of available resources across the east of England - Here you will find further support available in the location you live.

Strength For Life was founded in 2018 with one simple goal in mind, to improve public health through the use of evidence based strength training. This link (opens in a new tab) has examples of exercises which may help you prepare for surgery.

Cambridge and Peterborough – Waiting Well Service

The Waiting Well service (opens in a new tab) is here to provide you with relevant information, opportunities, and access to a broad range of services in your local area that will optimise the time you are waiting for your treatment. Whilst not all of the information on this website will be relevant to you, there are many sections that will be applicable and helpful!

Some people are waiting longer than we’d like, and while we are prioritising those with the most urgent clinical need and working as safely and quickly as possible to see and treat as many patients as we can, we understand that waiting can be a very challenging time.

Our aim is to make good use of the time you are waiting, to ensure you attend your next appointment in the best possible physical and mental health.

Psychological well-being

Waiting for treatment can be extremely challenging psychologically and we all need support at times. If you or a family member needs psychological wellbeing support, patients can self-refer to the Psychological Wellbeing Service run by CPFT (opens in a new tab);