The pre-optimisation clinic is the work of nurses Gill Fewster and Kim Snoep who won the Patient Priority award at the SDHB innovation challenge in 2017.
Their aim is to help patients “get fit for surgery” and they have funding for a 12 month pilot study.
Their first patient was Thomas Heeney who was very enthusiastic about the clinic and an exercise plan he came away with.
“It has given me something to focus on and do while waiting for surgery,” he said.
Gill and Kim compare undergoing major surgery to running a marathon – something you don’t do without training and planning.
“We aim to see colorectal patients four or five weeks pre-surgery at weekly clinics to assess, plan and prepare the patient and whānau for surgery. This includes nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and most importantly providing education and support.
“We see this as great opportunity to prove this concept is valuable and does benefit patients undergoing colorectal surgery in the Southern district.”
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Commissioner Update - June 2018
