Preoperative Assessment

Understanding what to expect and having all procedures explained, can help a great deal to facilitate your recovery. 

Preoperative Consultation

Normally you will have been investigated by a cardiologist for your heart condition and referred for a surgical opinion. You will need to have a full consultation with your surgeon to ensure that heart surgery is in your best interest and that you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Mr Malcolm Dalrymple-Hay has clinics in Exeter and Plymouth. 
Mr Clinton Lloyd has clinics in Truro and Plymouth 

Either surgeon would be happy to discuss your individual surgical needs and talk through the operation and post operative recovery. An explanation of the common surgical procedures can be seen on this website.

Once accepted for surgery,  we will offer you a date for you to be admitted for surgery and a date for preoperative assessment in Plymouth, Truro or Exeter depending on your location. 

Preoperative Clinic

Sam Melhuish and James Munday are part of the Surgical Nurse Practitioner (SCP)  team for Mr Dalrymple-Hay and Mr Clinton Lloyd respectively. They will arrange for them or part of their team to pre-assess you prior to your admission for surgery to ensure that you are ready for surgery


At the pre-assessment clinic, details of your procedure are checked and all relevant investigations checked. You will probably already have had a number of investigations by your cardiologists but some of the investigations that we may need to check are:


  • A coronary angiogram
  • An echocardiogram (ultrasound of your heart)
  • A Chest X-Ray
  • An ECG - Electrocardiogram
  • A CT Scan of your chest (in certain circumstances)
  • Carotid Ultrasound (scan of your neck vessels)
  • Lung Function tests
  • Recent Dental check up
  • Blood Tests
  • MRSA/MSSA Swabs


All of the relevant investigations will be checked by the SCP to ensure that you are ready for surgery. You will have the opportunity to ask any further questions that you may have not asked at your initial consultation. You will also be able to ask about accomodation for relatives and obtain any useful telephone numbers for you and your family